"A good-hearted story about an enduring Christmas vision that never fails to fill the most jaded child with wonder."--Newsweek
"This charming fairy tale for children of all ages centers around an old man who thinks he is Santa Claus. It makes a lot more sense than most of us would like to admit."--Newsweek
"Reading the funny, touching fantasy may become a Yuletide habit like watching the movie."--Publishers Weekly
"A highly recommended family or classroom read-aloud, this should quickly claim, as the film has, its own well-deserved niche for many holiday celebrations ahead."--Booklist (boxed review)
"A splendid story."--The New York Times Book Review

A white-bearded gentleman who appears at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade fills in for an unfit Santa Claus-and is asked to become the store's resident Santa. This Kris Kringle believes he is Santa, as do children from all over the city, and reindeer at the zoo nearby. A few skeptical souls try to have him declared insane, but miraculously, the State of New York, with the help of the U.S. Postal Service, come to the gent's rescue by declaring that he is indeed Santa Claus.

Since its first publication in 1947, this tale has been treasured by generations of believers, making this Academy Award-winning story part of holiday traditions all across America. This facsimile edition faithfully re-creates the first hardcover publication, inviting new families or readers to celebrate both the story and the charm of the original design.

A brief historical note, new in this edition, details the simultaneous development of the book and film.