Customer Reviews
Teaching Diversity 
2005-12-09
I am a kindergarten teacher and I wish to respond to parents who fear this book because of the non-believing character. I use this book in my classroom not only for the international aspect, but also because it deals with people believing differently from eachother. Accepting and understanding the diversity among people is a difficult concept for early learners to understand. The 5-8 year old age group especially need to hear the message of tolerance, for they will be encountering a more diverse population as they enter into their elementary classrooms. When we read this story we have lots of discussions about how the holidays are celebrated throughout the world and in our own homes. We all have different traditions and beliefs, which is wonderful. It's important for children to understand that everyone does not have to agree. We can all respect eachothers differences while maintaining our own beliefs.
Nice but be ready 
2005-01-13
It might have helped if I had read the other reviews concerning "Santa" before ordering this. My 6 yr old can read so I couldn't edit it. Instead, I opted for explaining that some people don't believe and if you don't believe then Santa doesn't visit you. It worked for now. The story is nice and in fine Felix fashion contains lots of notes etc. We liked Felix Travels Around the World better.
Watch out if your reader still believes! 
2002-12-27
I have the original Felix book plus the one about time, and was eagerly anticipating reading Felix's Christmas Around the World to my four-year-old. However, I had to heavily edit the first half of the book. The main character talks at school about believing in Santa and is laughed at by all the other children. The book goes on for pages about her feeling terrible for believing in Santa. If I had read it verbatim I think I would have ruined Santa for my daughter. This plot point wasn't necessary in order to present the rest of the information in the book. Yes, the pictures are lovely, the real letters from Felix are a delight, and the facts about Christmas in other lands are fascinating. But you can get the same quality in other Felix books. If your child believes in Santa, avoid this book for now.
What a Book! 2000-11-22
I have never taken the time to write about a book before, but I couldn't resist sharing the pleasure I took in reading this book. This book would be a great book for any classroom at all elementary levels. I plan to use the book in my 2nd grade classroom during a unit on holidays around the world at Christmas time. I can't wait to share this book with my students and my co-workers. The format of this book is excellent and the letters that Felix writes to Sophie are a great asset to this book. The book touches on many countries and has a great display of the world that is shown during Santa's holiday journey.
Elementary school tbeachers should buy this! 2000-01-09
This book includes themes from Italy, Sweden, Holland, and Russia. Sophie's classmates are multicultural, as well. Felix leaves to find Santa and corresponds with Sophie on his journey. The 5 letters are spread throughout the story, and are actually in envelopes that your child opens. You will also find a recipie, a photo of Felix with a real reindeer, a floor plan of Santa's house, and a special Felix santa hat! Felix also promises to write you if you write him! I taught grade 2 and the children immensely enjoyed every moment of this book. It has great illustrations. Parents and teachers alike should buy this book, especially if you want to teach about Christmas around the World.
An exciting, educational book! 1999-12-08
Before Christmas, Felix secretly writes an urgent letter to Santa Claus. When Felix gets news from the North Pole he disappears that night. A letter from Felix soon arrives for Sophie. Where has Felix gone? Join Felix as he travels and experiences Christmas customs around the world!
This book is fantastic 1999-10-10
This book is fantastic. My daughter, who is 8 loves for me to read this book as well as all the other Felix books to her. Even though she can read herself, it is special for me to read them to her. She loves to open up the letters that Felix writes. She can't wait to see where he is at in his journeys. I wish there were more of these books to share with her.
