black santa claus

15 Kids' Books With A Black Santa Claus

The spirit of Christmas comes alive when a special visitor delivers presents to all the good little girls and boys. The legend of Santa is based on the life of Saint Nicholas, a monk who generously gave to those in need and followed the command to love your neighbor. Over hundreds of years, he has evolved into a jolly, old man who maintains very detailed Naughty and Nice lists. He rewards the well-behaved little ones with presents, and leaves coal behind for the little ones who could use a little self-improvement. Kids' books about a black Santa Claus capture the essence of this Christmastime figure who delivers magic all around the world.

The Real Santa

The Real Santa

Every child who lays down to sleep on Christmas Eve wonders about the special visitor who will be coming that night. This story is about a little boy who wonders if the real Santa looks like him. All of the figurines around his home are black, but he still wants proof that this magical man resembles him. His dreams come true when he manages to get a sneak peak of his face one magical evening. The next morning, the boy and his family join together for a joyous celebration. An overall heartwarming book about a black Santa Claus for families to add to their collection this Christmas.

Picture Books Featuring an African American Santa Claus

Santa Claus delivers magic to children all around the world on Christmas Eve. Flying high through the sky on a sleigh overflowing with presents, he somehow gets an impossible job done just in time for all the little kids who wake up bright and early. Reading children's books with an African American Santa Claus, along with Christmas stories featuring black families, is a special way  to get into the holiday spirit. Here is a collection of some of the best stories for kids of all ages to enjoy this season. Reading children books with diverse characters is important for families of all backgrounds during the holidays and all year long.

Santa in the City

Santa in the City

Children's books usually show Santa Claus sliding down a chimney with a sack of presents. But Deja is a little girl who lives in the city and her house doesn't have the typical accommodations Santa needs to make a delivery. In fact, he probably wouldn't even be able to find a parking space for his sleigh. The seeds of doubt are further planted by other kids who question his existence. Fortunately, her mother opens her eyes to the spirit of Christmas all around her. She reassures her that he can manage to deliver gifts in apartments without chimneys, too.



a piece of black cake
A Piece of Black Cake for Santa

It's a Caribbean Christmas celebration for children who join together in making last-minute preparations. They excitedly decorate for the holiday, prepare the traditional ham, and make all kinds of goodies, including the delicious Black Cake and Sorrel. The author includes an interesting glossary of terms all related to Caribbean Christmas customs.



snowflake kisses gingerbread smiles
Snowflake Kisses and Gingerbread Smiles

A festive, photographic book featuring African American children enjoying all kinds of Christmas festivities. This sturdy board book with a padded cover is just right for preschoolers and toddlers. Every page has a bouncy little rhyme and a pictures of Christmas objects, including reindeer, Christmas trees, and piles of presents.



twas the night before christmas an african american version
'Twas the Night Before Christmas: An African-American Version

A gorgeously illustrated version of the Clement C. Moore classic featuring a black Santa Claus as well as an African American family. The author includes a few creative but subtle changes throughout the poem in this culturally diverse rendition.



santa's kwanzaa
Santa's Kwanzaa

Two holidays are celebrated in a clever book about the importance of giving. A black Santa Claus returns to the North Pole after an exhausting night of delivering presents. Fortunately, he finds the energy to engage in a festive celebration of Kwanzaa with his wife and all the elves. Kwanzaa symbols and customs are introduced to young readers, along with illustrations and colors that are symbolic of this holiday. 



does santa look like me
Does Santa Look Like Me?

AJ is extremely excited for the upcoming Christmas holiday, but one particular thing is weighing on him. Everywhere he goes, he sees Santa Claus toys and decorations that look nothing like him. He is further distraught when he visits with a real live Santa, and again, he looks just like all the others. In a creative twist, Santa steps out of the picture and assures AJ that he does indeed look however you choose to see him. A sweet Santa book about diversity and inclusiveness that will help parents of young children who have the same concerns.



the day santa got sick
The Day Santa Got Sick

Christmas is fast approaching and Santa is feeling a bit under the weather. Delivering presents on Christmas Eve requires him to be in the best of health, so Mrs. Claus and a little elf jump into action. They put together a plan of action so that little girls and boys will receive their gifts in time for Christmas. This is a refreshingly inclusive book with a black Santa, Mrs. Claus and other characters. Perfect for all kids, and especially those who want to see a Santa who looks like them.



twas the night before christmas
'Twas the Night Before Christmas

For families looking for a classic Christmas book featuring a brown skinned characters, this edition of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas is a good choice. It's almost identical in verse to the original classic, with only a few modifications that will appeal to young readers. A charming and accessible read aloud for preschoolers and up.



that's my santa
That's My Santa

Santa Claus is overwhelmed with his workload one year, so he has to recruit help. When a little boy named Keenan is out and about with his mom one day, he comes across a Santa who doesn't look like all the others he has seen. This enlightening, inclusive book for children features a dark skinned Santa, as well as a fun cast of characters that defy the norm. Funny pictures and an important message for every kid who wonders about the appearance of the real Santa.



The Secret of Santa's Songbird: African American Cover Edition 

The Secret of Santa's Songbird

A poetic book about a songbird who has a very special gift to deliver on Christmas. He has a problem, though, because his feathers are not growing quickly enough to allow him to make the flight. A spiritual book for older children who can appreciate the deep meaning of this prose. The front and back are illustrated with a black Santa and angel. The inside pages do not contain illustrations, but provide room for children to draw their own visual interpretation of the message.



all aboard the christmas train

All Aboard! : The Christmas Train

An interactive book for toddlers with a black Santa Claus captures all excitement aboard a Christmas train. Little kids will love opening each door to reveal a busy holiday scene. They can practice counting all the fun objects on pages featuring penguins at play, elves making toys, and reindeer getting ready for their biggest day of the year.



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I Got the Christmas Spirit

A little girl gets into the Christmas spirit by visiting the holiday displays all around town with her mother. She is delighted by the displays in the store windows and the colorful lights everywhere. Together they enjoy the Christmas carolers singing beautiful holiday tunes and the delicious aroma of chestnuts roasting on the street corners. This uplifting story culminates in a visit with Santa Claus when she shares her secret wish- love and peace around the world.



little santa's workshop

Little Santa's Workshop

A cheerful, little board book for toddlers with a black Santa Claus getting reading for Christmas. The toy workshop is filled with lots of exciting gifts for all the good girls and boys! Kids will love exploring all the colorful pictures of reindeer licking candy canes, treats being preparing in the kitchen, and all kinds of special Christmas magic. A wonderful gift for baby's first Christmas.



Black Santa Coloring Book
Black Santa Coloring Book

Kids will have lots of fun coloring in the pages of this book. A black Santa Claus is on every page, sometimes with Mrs. Claus and surrounded by lots of excited children. A great stocking stuffer paired with a brand new box of crayons.



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Black Santa Claus Gifts

Collecting diverse children's books to read at Christmas is a special way for families to spend time together. To make this season even more magical, here are some wonderful gifts, toys, and decorations to share with your children.

 

black santa ornament 
Black Santa Claus Ornament

A Hallmark collector's ornament features a cool, roller-skating Santa rocking out to his favorite music. Almost four inches tall, this groovin' Santa is ready to deliver candy canes to everyone he skated past. A great stocking stuffer gift or pre-Christmas surprise to hang on the tree!



African American Santa Claus Mug 

African American Santa Claus Mug

Kids will love drinking hot cocoa out of this attractive mug. Made of ceramic, this solid mug will hold 16 oz of your child's favorite drink. For a fun gift idea, fill it with packets of novelty hot chocolate or Christmas-themed marshmallows.



Outdoor Inflatable Black Santa Claus

A fantastic, 6-foot tall Santa is ready to decorate your front yard this Christmas. He is inflatable, very durable, and has 2 LED lights that illuminate from within. The waterproof figure is built to withstand all kinds of weather. And after the holidays, Santa can be easily deflated and stored until the next year.

  

Diversity in Children's Books

Multicultural Toddler Stories 

Bible Books Featuring People of Color

Picture Books Embracing Natural Black Hair

  

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