Who would ever guess that the beloved legend of Santa Claus involves a seldom-told tale of faith and friendship between two men -- one white and one black? Long ago, Santa Claus had an African partner named Pete and together they brought the spirit of Christmas to America's first settlers. These two forever changed the way families celebrate the holiday. But through the years, Pete's contribution was forgotten.
Now Santa & Pete restores the legacy in delightful style and delivers an inspiring message of hope and harmony among people. The story starts with a bus driver who takes his grandson along on Saturdays as he travels a historical route in New York City. What unfolds is a series of wonderful adventures that culminate on Christmas Eve, when the bus gets stuck in a snowstorm. That's when the grandfather's running genealogy lesson, based on author Christopher Moore's own family history, arrives at its final destination: the story of Santa and Pete.
A truly magical tale, Santa & Pete will take you and your family back to the heart of Christmas.
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"Absolutely loved this book. I originally thought this was written by the Christopher Moore who wrote The Stupidest Angel but I only had to read the cover to realize this was a very sweet Christmas story about the origin of St. Nicholas. Highly recommend."
— Diane (5 out of 5 stars)
“Santa & Pete is a magical novel of Christmas, of family, and of harmony among all. Christopher Moore and Pamela Johnson have gifted us with the opportunity to create a whole new Christmas tradition while holding tight to the spirit of the holiday season.”
— Richard Paul Evans, New York Times bestselling author“Destined to become a Yuletide classic, Santa & Pete celebrates goodwill and family while restoring the true meaning of the Christmas holiday as a time to celebrate the best qualities in all of us.”
— Essence“Grounded in history and decorated with the whimsy of imagination and magic.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“This heartwarming holiday story is a welcome addition to the small roster of tales that relate an ethnically based story for a general readership…Inspirational in the best sense, grounded in truths of human nature and ethical conduct. In a genre where a blatant tug on the heartstrings often takes the place of substance, this affecting and illuminating story is a standout.”
— Publishers Weekly“In this biracial Christmas novel, Commissioner of New York City Landmarks Moore and Johnson, a senior editor at Essence magazine, tell the story of Pete, the long-forgotten African partner of St. Nicholas.”
— Library Journal" An enjoyable story that I would likely have appreciated more if I lived in New York as it draws a great deal from that city's history and landmarks to tell its tale. The book provides an interesting way to teach about early American history in the context of a Christmas story. "
— Christopher, 1/3/2014" I learned that the author is a different Christopher Moore. "
— Tina, 12/17/2013" I admit I checked this out due to thinking the author was a different Christopher Moore but I still enjoyed it. "
— Michelle, 12/12/2013" Cute concept but inexpertly rendered. "
— Angie, 12/3/2013" One of the better Christmas fiction I have read. "
— Jennifer, 11/16/2013" Was a alright read. "
— Alicia, 5/16/2013" Touching little book, with an excellent and oh so truthful point. Loved it. "
— Cathie, 4/13/2013" Wasn't the same Christoper Moore I was expecting but I enjoyed it. "
— Raina, 4/3/2013" What a great Christmas story to include in your Christmas readings. The narrator has a very soft and lulling voice...I just wanted to curl up and sleep. But the story was captivating and one to be read again and again. "
— Stephanie, 9/18/2012" I will be the first to admit that I really don't like feel-good Christmas stories. And even though this story has its holes, I did enjoy reading it. I enjoyed the emphasis on family and heritage. "
— Jeanette, 9/14/2011" Well-written and heart warming. I loved this book! It's perfect to read in one afternoon on Christmas or Christmas Eve. "
— Erica, 1/18/2011" I will be the first to admit that I really don't like feel-good Christmas stories. And even though this story has its holes, I did enjoy reading it. I enjoyed the emphasis on family and heritage. "
— Jeanette, 12/1/2010" I admit I checked this out due to thinking the author was a different Christopher Moore but I still enjoyed it. "
— Michelle, 11/17/2010" Touching little book, with an excellent and oh so truthful point. Loved it. "
— Cathie, 1/17/2010" An enjoyable story that I would likely have appreciated more if I lived in New York as it draws a great deal from that city's history and landmarks to tell its tale. The book provides an interesting way to teach about early American history in the context of a Christmas story. "
— Christopher, 4/27/2009" One of the better Christmas fiction I have read. "
— Jennifer, 1/25/2009" I learned that the author is a different Christopher Moore. "
— Tina, 7/18/2008" Wasn't the same Christoper Moore I was expecting but I enjoyed it. "
— Raina, 8/15/2007Christopher Moore writes satirical fiction. Known for his colorful characters and imaginative story lines, he has gained a cult following for his books, many of which have become New York Times bestsellers.