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Auntie Claus #1
Auntie Claus
SOFT COVER
Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
December 10, 2018
Confession; I got this book because it has Auntie in the title and I thought it would be fun to read an Auntie book to the children.
It's a cute book with colorful artwork. I enjoy the fashions depicted and the perspectives given. The story is about the Claus family who live in NYC in a nice building. The aunt is mysterious and she disappears from Halloween to Valentines day on 'Business'. Sophie decides to find out what is going on.
She find the aunt is the sister of Santa, so she helps out for the Christmas season - big surprise right. Anyway, Sophie learns lessons on the importance of giving. I think she's been inducted into the family business too.
We had fun with this and the niece enjoyed the fashions too. We discussed outfits we saw. She gave the story 4 stars. The kids did love that it was Auntie Claus and they said if it was me, there would be fairy wings on her. The nephew liked the elevator scene and the dogs carrying suitcases. He too gave it 4 stars. A great book for Aunts with their niblings (collective noun for nieces and nephews according to Google).
It's a cute book with colorful artwork. I enjoy the fashions depicted and the perspectives given. The story is about the Claus family who live in NYC in a nice building. The aunt is mysterious and she disappears from Halloween to Valentines day on 'Business'. Sophie decides to find out what is going on.
She find the aunt is the sister of Santa, so she helps out for the Christmas season - big surprise right. Anyway, Sophie learns lessons on the importance of giving. I think she's been inducted into the family business too.
We had fun with this and the niece enjoyed the fashions too. We discussed outfits we saw. She gave the story 4 stars. The kids did love that it was Auntie Claus and they said if it was me, there would be fairy wings on her. The nephew liked the elevator scene and the dogs carrying suitcases. He too gave it 4 stars. A great book for Aunts with their niblings (collective noun for nieces and nephews according to Google).
December 22, 2016
This was a very cute story that was very unexpected! I really enjoyed the read with my students :)
December 5, 2018
Sophie Claus finds her great aunt, Auntie Claus, supremely "mysterioso" in this entertaining holiday tale, setting out to discover her older relative's secrets. Why does Auntie Claus wear a diamond key on a chain around her neck? Where does she disappear to on her annual "business trip," which lasts from Halloween to Valentine's Day? Stowing away in Auntie Claus's luggage, Sophie finds herself transported to the North Pole, where she is pressed into service as an elf, working in the mail-room. But although she is surrounded by the magic of Christmas, Sophie can't seem to take in Auntie Claus's number one rule - that it is better to give than to receive - until she finds her younger brother's name on a list of bad children, and realizes that he will not get any gifts this year. Her response proves that she does indeed have the Christmas spirit...
Although long aware of Auntie Claus, as well as its two sequels, Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas and Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays , it was not until this year (2016), that I finally got around to reading it. I'm glad that I did, as the story is great Christmas fun, offering a magical holiday fantasy featuring the extended family of that legendary gift-giver, Santa Claus. I liked that Sophie's transformation only came after lots of hard work, and that it was the result of her affection for her brother. Elise Primavera's artwork, done in gouache and pastel, is colorful and bright, capturing Auntie Claus' elegant figure, and Sophie's many magical adventures perfectly. Recommended to anyone looking for entertaining Christmas tales featuring Santa Claus and his gift-making factory/facility at the North Pole.
Although long aware of Auntie Claus, as well as its two sequels, Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas and Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays , it was not until this year (2016), that I finally got around to reading it. I'm glad that I did, as the story is great Christmas fun, offering a magical holiday fantasy featuring the extended family of that legendary gift-giver, Santa Claus. I liked that Sophie's transformation only came after lots of hard work, and that it was the result of her affection for her brother. Elise Primavera's artwork, done in gouache and pastel, is colorful and bright, capturing Auntie Claus' elegant figure, and Sophie's many magical adventures perfectly. Recommended to anyone looking for entertaining Christmas tales featuring Santa Claus and his gift-making factory/facility at the North Pole.
December 27, 2021
This was a popular book at the school book fair and when our oldest asked me to read it to her and a few classmates during reading time in her Second grade class, I was more than delighted to. It was a bit of a disappointment for me, however.
The story seemed to be disjointed and too long and the message was all but lost. It just didn't flow well for me, although if I read it again, I would probably adopt a few different accents. The kids seemed to like it, but I just thought it was okay. The illustrations are great and the overall message that it is better to give than receive is a good one.
Dec 2011 update: Our girls read this to each other while I listened/dozed off. They wanted to read it again because our youngest had never heard it and they wanted to set the scene for the next two books: Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas and Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays.
The story seemed to be disjointed and too long and the message was all but lost. It just didn't flow well for me, although if I read it again, I would probably adopt a few different accents. The kids seemed to like it, but I just thought it was okay. The illustrations are great and the overall message that it is better to give than receive is a good one.
Dec 2011 update: Our girls read this to each other while I listened/dozed off. They wanted to read it again because our youngest had never heard it and they wanted to set the scene for the next two books: Auntie Claus and the Key to Christmas and Auntie Claus, Home for the Holidays.
May 12, 2017
Cute story about Auntie Claus, Santa's sister, and how she teaches a lesson to her little niece. Very colorful. Kids love it.
December 9, 2017
I consider myself a "professional aunt", doting on my 8 nieces and nephews over the years and now doting on their children. My ex-SIL pointed this book out to me which prompted me to give it as a gift this year. Of course, I had to read it before sending it off.
I loved this tale of the elegant, eccentric sister of Santa who goes on a "business trip" every year from Halloween to Valentine's Day. We can guess where she goes, but her niece Sophie is determined to find out by stowing away in Auntie's luggage one year. She has the experience of a lifetime at The North Pole and learns a wonderful lesson about giving and receiving.
Wowser colorful and vivid illustrations! I got the Deluxe edition issued in 2015 which includes a free download of Ellen Burstyn reading the story.
I loved this tale of the elegant, eccentric sister of Santa who goes on a "business trip" every year from Halloween to Valentine's Day. We can guess where she goes, but her niece Sophie is determined to find out by stowing away in Auntie's luggage one year. She has the experience of a lifetime at The North Pole and learns a wonderful lesson about giving and receiving.
Wowser colorful and vivid illustrations! I got the Deluxe edition issued in 2015 which includes a free download of Ellen Burstyn reading the story.
September 5, 2008
This was a fantastic gift for a New Yorker Auntie to give her godchild at Christmas.
Sophie has always been curious about her rather eccentric great-aunt who lives in New York, Auntie Claus. She always has the best tree, she serves Christmas cookies all year round, and she always seems to take a mysterious "business trip" around the holidays. This year, Sophie's determined to find out what's going on, so she stows away in Auntie Claus's luggage.
The illustrations are really beautiful and we had a delightful time with this one. An excellent Christmas story for an Auntie to share with a special child.
Sophie has always been curious about her rather eccentric great-aunt who lives in New York, Auntie Claus. She always has the best tree, she serves Christmas cookies all year round, and she always seems to take a mysterious "business trip" around the holidays. This year, Sophie's determined to find out what's going on, so she stows away in Auntie Claus's luggage.
The illustrations are really beautiful and we had a delightful time with this one. An excellent Christmas story for an Auntie to share with a special child.
November 9, 2017
No other Christmas book has captured the imagination of my daughters like this one. They wondered if they might be on the list for bad children and were intrigued by how Santa (apparently) gets things done. They were so fascinated by Auntie Claus that one of my daughters even asked Santa in her Christmas letter if his wife was called Auntie Claus! The illustrations are fantastic too. This book has remained a firm favourite over several years now.
December 7, 2017
Loved, loved, loved this book. This is going to become a staple in my Christmas collection.
Sophie's "never enough" attitude meets Auntie Claus's "Whether it's birthdays, Christmas or Halloween, it is far better to give than to receive" attitude in this tale where Sophie investigates where her Auntie Claus goes every Halloween through Valentine's Day and discovers that there is more to her great aunt that meets the eye.
Sophie's "never enough" attitude meets Auntie Claus's "Whether it's birthdays, Christmas or Halloween, it is far better to give than to receive" attitude in this tale where Sophie investigates where her Auntie Claus goes every Halloween through Valentine's Day and discovers that there is more to her great aunt that meets the eye.
June 8, 2012
A classic tale that teaches the path to happiness that invites us to live the true meaning of Christmas, love, throughout the year. Christmas is not about what you get or how many gifts you are given but it is about giving of yourself to others, "it is far better to give than to receive". Because "all the best things in life are invisible".
November 30, 2018
Christmas classic! I still remember my fourth grade teacher dressed up as Auntie Claus for Halloween one year (her costume was elaborate and spectacular!!). This book is definitely more for older kids--there is a lot of text in it for a picture book. But I love the story <3
November 21, 2022
A beautiful reminder that it is ALWAYS better to give than to receive.
I read this one aloud to my daughter Sophie and we both enjoyed it immensely. I would say the length of the story makes it more appropriate for school-age children.
I read this one aloud to my daughter Sophie and we both enjoyed it immensely. I would say the length of the story makes it more appropriate for school-age children.
December 17, 2016
3.5
I read that this was an excellent Christmas story for children.
I am always looking for great books to give as gifts. I like it, but don't love it. I'll keep looking.
I read that this was an excellent Christmas story for children.
I am always looking for great books to give as gifts. I like it, but don't love it. I'll keep looking.
November 25, 2025
I’m just an auntie reading to my niece 🥹 though I do think she’ll appreciate this when she’s a little bit older. Very colorful, cute and Christmasy!!
December 1, 2018
Very nice sentiment!
November 7, 2018
Darling little Christmas story.
March 8, 2018
Auntie Claus is a Christmas themed children's book about Santa Claus' sister written by Elise Primavera. It follows the story of a greedy and spoiled young girl named Sophie, who lives with her family in New York City. Sophie is curious about her great aunt, Auntie Claus and thinks that something is different about her; not only does she love Christmas more than anyone else, but she also often goes on mysterious business trips. Sophie decides to hide in her aunt's luggage and ends up in the North Pole, where she discovers that her aunt is the sister of Santa Claus himself. She goes on a wild adventure disguising herself as an elf, discovering her brother is on the naughty list (and trying to change that), and ends up on the stage at the North Pole with her Aunt and Santa Claus on Christmas Eve, right before he is about to deliver presents. She ends up safely at home on Christmas morning with her family after having discovered the meaning of Christmas, the once greedy and selfish Sophie discovers that it is "far better to give than to receive."
This book was my absolute favorite book growing up because I was obsessed with Christmas. It was a great experience to go back and read it again from the perspective of studying children's literature. I gave it 5 stars because I think that the storyline is interesting and keeps children of all ages hooked throughout the entire book. Moreover, the illustrations are exciting and the aspect of Santa within the story makes this a great book for Children to read around the holidays to get excited for Christmas. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children ages 6-9. I think this book is extraordinary because of the profound message at the end that it is better to give than to receive. I would definitely teach this book in my classroom if I teach students in that age group.
This book was my absolute favorite book growing up because I was obsessed with Christmas. It was a great experience to go back and read it again from the perspective of studying children's literature. I gave it 5 stars because I think that the storyline is interesting and keeps children of all ages hooked throughout the entire book. Moreover, the illustrations are exciting and the aspect of Santa within the story makes this a great book for Children to read around the holidays to get excited for Christmas. I would recommend this book to parents and teachers of children ages 6-9. I think this book is extraordinary because of the profound message at the end that it is better to give than to receive. I would definitely teach this book in my classroom if I teach students in that age group.
November 30, 2013
In the spirit of the holidays, I reread Auntie Claus for the first time in about ten years. My mom used to read this to her kindergarten class every year and I remember absolutely loving it, but I couldn't remember what exactly it was about. What a treat! This book is every bit as good as I remember. The illustrations are rich and full of holiday cheer. It's about a young girl (Sophie) who (along with her brother) is spoiled rotten by her wealthy parents. Her whole family (the Kringles) love Christmas, and their father is president of the Jingle Bell Company. Sophie gets the most wonderful gifts every year, and acts a little bratty come Christmastime. Her aunt who loves Christmas the very most, reminds her that "it is far better to give than it is to receive!" Sophie stows away on her aunt's annual "business trip" at Christmas, where she finds out that Auntie Claus has been traveling to the North Pole to work with Santa. She also finds out that her brother is on the naughty list this year, and can only get off if his name is replaced by someone else. Will Sophie understand the true meaning of Christmas before it's too late?(:
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September 14, 2018This is a fun story. The story is imaginatively told and illustrated. The elements of Auntie Claus' lessons are laid out subtly, but obvious in the end. It artfully weaves the spiritual essence of the holiday with its secular presentation.
The narrative is descriptive and wholly necessary, but wordier than what our preschooler is used to. When we read this in the afternoon, we had our preschooler's undivided attention. S/He didn't want to sit still for it at bedtime, though. Every time we read it, s/he wants to know more about Sophie and Auntie Claus.
To read more about this book, go to The Reading Tub®.
The narrative is descriptive and wholly necessary, but wordier than what our preschooler is used to. When we read this in the afternoon, we had our preschooler's undivided attention. S/He didn't want to sit still for it at bedtime, though. Every time we read it, s/he wants to know more about Sophie and Auntie Claus.
To read more about this book, go to The Reading Tub®.
February 9, 2017
I really liked this book. I thought it was very cute. Plus I love Christmas so you can't really go wrong. I thought the message of the book was very well delivered. I did think it felt a little bit long my little cousin lost interest pretty quick in, but I think as he gets older he will be more interested in it. I could see this being a favorite to read in the month of December. Thanks for spreading a little magic. May we all give more than we receive.
October 18, 2017
I really liked this book. I thought it was very cute. Plus I love Christmas so you can't really go wrong. I thought the message of the book was very well delivered. I did think it felt a little bit long my little cousin lost interest pretty quick in, but I think as he gets older he will be more interested in it. I could see this being a favorite to read in the month of December. May we all give more than we receive.
November 16, 2017
This is the story of Santa's sister and niece. Sophie follows her Auntie Claus to the North Pole to see what business she is in. Sophie learns that her Aunt is actually Santa's sister. She learns the lesson that it is better to give than to receive.
I would not say this is my favorite Christmas story. However, I do love Christmas, so I would have this book in my classroom. It also has a good message about learning to give rather than receive.
I would not say this is my favorite Christmas story. However, I do love Christmas, so I would have this book in my classroom. It also has a good message about learning to give rather than receive.
October 18, 2017
Auntie Claus is a fun Holiday book for children to see the mystery of Santa. The illustrations are colorful and fun. The story is a fun twist on the original tale of Santa Claus, this story has a little girls great aunt who goes on vacation around Christmas each year. The story didn't flow well to me and lost me so it may be confusing for children.
July 21, 2017
A fun Christmas story. Sophie has always wondered why her aunt is gone for several months at a time during the year, so this year she decides to sneak along and find out. What will she discover when she realizes where her aunt goes every year? What is the family secret?
December 16, 2017
It was okay. The "message" that 'it is far better to give than it is to receive' got a little lost, I think. Things didn't really flow or click for me.
Overall, fun story - maybe a little long, so be aware of attention spans; fun illustrations; sweet but glossed over message.
Overall, fun story - maybe a little long, so be aware of attention spans; fun illustrations; sweet but glossed over message.
December 9, 2017
This is a great holiday story about giving. It is nice because it is set in modern day, without Santa as the main character. It is about a spoiled little girl that learns about giving. It is ideal for elementary age students, although I enjoyed it myself at 20.
December 19, 2017
This is a charming take on the Claus Family story and the age old ‘giving is better than receiving’ lesson. It’s great but not my favourite - I feel this might be a bit long and could do with one more edit.
December 26, 2017
Magical, amusing and fun! Big, bold illustrations and a mysterious version of the Santa Claus family with a nice moral lesson for the kiddos. My four year old enjoyed this one and the sequel very much.
August 10, 2017
I love the artwork and the story...but the artwork is what compelled me to read it;)
December 3, 2017
As an aunty who loves Christmas, I had to read this. It was a cute story. Auntie Claus is so chic ;-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews