Reviewed by Jeanne
Do you ever find yourself doubting that reindeer can fly? Maybe even there is a split second where you
question Santa’s very existence. Never fear, we have just the book to put
things all to rights—and to help you explain to that inquisitive six-year-old just
how it all works.
Robert Sullivan devoted considerable time and effort in
compiling this thorough investigation in which he reveals the history and the
science behind the legend. He interviews
scientists, Arctic explorer and environmentalist Will Steger, a veterinarian,
and historians to illuminate the truth.
Of course, some things are limited to speculation, such as the exact
site of Santa’s birth, though it was probably in south central Greenland
somewhere around two thousand years ago.
Flying reindeer, on the other hand, have a much longer
lineage, at least judging from the cave paintings. Santa’s deer are Peary caribou, who are the
best fliers. They are also very
long-lived: the current team has been around for a couple of thousand years,
except for Rudolph, who is a mere youngster at about 1500 years.
Of course, a lot of adjustments have had to be made,
especially in the last hundred years or so.
For one thing, airspace is a lot more crowded. This means that Santa has had to enlist a lot
of helpers, from meteorologist Al Roker to the President of the United States
in order to make his rounds.
This is all just the tip of the iceberg—or Santa’s sleigh if
you will, so you really should pick up this lovely oversized book to get all
the details. The Glenn Wolff
illustrations are charming, and there are some nice photographs as well.
I think of this book as sort of The Polar Express for a
more scientifically minded audience.
Though it pains me to admit any flaw, I do bemoan the lack of an index.
It’s just the librarian in me.
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