Cover of How Old Is Santa Claus? by Chanda A. Bell – a Christmas picture book for kids
Pirates, dragons…even dinosaurs! Could Santa be older than them all?

It’s the kind of question children love to ask, especially here in the UK, where the run-up to Christmas is filled with curiosity, excitement, and the occasional debate over mince pies at the dinner table.

In the enchanting new picture book How Old Is Santa Claus? by Chanda A. Bell, young readers follow one very determined Scout Elf on a magical mission to discover the answer. Bursting with humour, warmth, and Christmas sparkle, this festive storybook from The Lumistella Company is perfect for ages 3–8, and a brilliant addition to cosy December reading nights.


A Whimsical Christmas Story for Children Ages 3–8

Pippin Snowdae’s Christmas Eve Adventure

On Christmas Eve, the Scout Elves of the Kingdom of the One True North are busier than ever, sorting letters, preparing for Santa’s flight, and making sure every detail is ready before dawn. Deep inside the Mail Room Grotto, Pippin Snowdae is reading through last-minute letters from children all over the world when one arrives from Sofi, a curious six-year-old who asks:

“How old is Santa Claus?”

Pippin has answered this question before, usually with:
“Santa is timeless, ageless, and forever young at heart.”

But this year, Pippin feels different. He wants the truth, and he’s determined to find it.
This sends him racing across snowy valleys, icy caverns and North Pole wonders, eager to return an answer before Sofi wakes up on Christmas morning.

It’s an adventurous tale perfect for bedtime reading, especially on cold UK winter evenings, when little ones are tucked up with hot chocolate.

Two Scout Elves push a mail cart full of letters addressed to the North Pole


A stacked rock building with a wooden door sits serenely in a snowy landscape

Friends in the Kingdom of the One True North

As Pippin searches for clues, children meet a delightful cast of North Pole characters, including:

Scout Elf Pippin Snowdae is holding a piece of notebook paper which has been sent as a letter to the North Pole asking How Old is Santa Claus

Pippin Snowdae, a bright, determined Scout Elf whose curiosity sparks the whole adventure.

Scout Elf Hollie from the North Pole Mail Room holds an envelope sent by Sofi

Hollie, cheerful, efficient, and full of encouragement. Hollie is the first to urge Pippin to follow his question all the way to the truth.

A GIF that shows the arctic the arctic fox Noorah and the Saint Bernard Barry, two of Santa's oldest friends

Barry the Saint Bernard and Noorah the magical arctic fox, two loyal companions. Their wisdom points Pippin for help from Scout Elf Fisbee.

GIF of Little Grunt, alicorn, and the bogie Zaspar

Playful friends like Little Grunt the SnoBiggie yeti, a tiny alicorn, and the furry bogie Zaspar

Scout Elf Hollerdon, a brown-eyed elf with a goatee, wears a red hat and white trim and a purple robe

Hollerdon, an elder Scout Elf who roars with laughter when Pippin asks whether Santa is older than the dinosaurs.

Scout Elf Fisbee, wearing a medal in the shape of the Lumistella star, holds a large candy cane

Fisbee, The very first reporting Scout Elf, clever, witty, and full of stories. He points Pippin in the right direction.


The Magic of Asking Big Questions

Pippin’s journey teaches an important lesson: sometimes the mystery is just as magical as the answer.

Even though he never learns Santa’s exact age, Pippin discovers something wonderful. In his letter back to Sofi, he writes that Santa must be:

  • older than pirates
  • older than knights and dragons
  • but not quite as old as dinosaurs

It’s a playful, imaginative conclusion that leaves room for wonder, exactly what Christmas is all about.

Santa Claus dressed as a pirate and a miniature reindeer with an eye patch in a wooden boat


What Is Santaverse?

How Old Is Santa Claus? is part of the wider Santaverse, the interconnected world of stories created by The Lumistella Company.

The Santaverse is not one single place, but a magical network of characters, tales, and adventures centred around:

Scout Elf Pippin shreds through the snow on his elf board while holding a letter from Sofi

For UK families, it’s a window into a richly imagined world, perfect for children who are beginning to fall in love with stories, magic, and festive traditions.


A Christmas Book Designed for Young Readers

Why Picture Books Matter

Perfect for ages 3–8, How Old Is Santa Claus? supports early learning by:

  • strengthening literacy through read-aloud rhythm and expressive language
  • developing sequencing skills through Pippin’s journey
  • encouraging emotional intelligence by exploring curiosity, patience, and wonder
  • sparking creativity through bright illustrations and imaginative scenarios

Whether read at bedtime or during a school holiday afternoon, it’s the sort of book little ones ask for again and again.

A young girl with black curly hair sits on the floor reading How Old is Santa Claus by Chanda A. Bell to her younger brother

Supporting Literacy, Curiosity, and Emotional Growth

By weaving humor and mystery with heartfelt lessons, the book sparks curiosity and models how asking questions can be as magical as finding answers.


The Perfect Family Holiday Read-Aloud Tradition

Cozy Storytime Memories for Christmas Eve

There’s nothing like reading together when it’s cold outside, especially in the UK where December evenings turn dark early.

Sofi sleeps in a bed strung with Christmas lights and a letter beside her written from Scout Elf Pippin answering her question

With vivid illustrations and magical dialogue, this book is ideal for creating:

  • snuggly storytime before bed
  • Christmas Eve family traditions
  • festive quiet moments in classrooms or nurseries
  • cosy mornings during the school holidays

Shared reading builds memories that last far beyond childhood, and this story is a perfect addition to that tradition.


How Christmas Books Spark Imagination and Wonder

From Pirates to Dragons to Dinosaurs: Santa in Every Era

Pippin imagines Santa sailing the seas like a swashbuckling pirate, riding alongside brave knights and dragons, and even guiding a sleigh powered by dinosaurs. These whimsical moments open the door to limitless imagination, encouraging children to picture Father Christmas in every fantastical age.

Encouraging Social-Emotional Learning Through Stories

Stories like this gently help children develop patience when facing life’s little mysteries, confidence when asking their own big questions, and joy in the thrill of discovery. These skills support emotional growth and curiosity, qualities that sit at the heart of many cherished UK Christmas traditions.

Image of dragons pulling Santa's sleigh, named Thrasher, Crasher, Talon, Tailswing, Cinder, Whiskers, Twister, and Balwing
On Thrasher, on Crasher, on Talon and Tailwing…


A New Classic for the Holidays

Pippin sits at a desk writing a letter in the mail grotto beside a Christmas tree

Why Families Will Treasure How Old Is Santa Claus?

With its unforgettable characters, light-hearted humour, and the enchanting setting of the Kingdom of the One True North, this picture book feels instantly timeless. It captures the warmth, magic, and wonder that make Christmas such a special season for UK families.

A Christmas Gift That Lasts for Years

Perfect for classroom storytime, festive library corners, or cosy evenings by the fire, How Old Is Santa Claus? is the kind of book children will reach for year after year. It makes a thoughtful Christmas gift and a beautiful keepsake to enjoy throughout childhood.


How Old Is Santa Claus? is available online and wherever books are sold. Bring home this enchanting new story and step into Santaverse, the enchanted world of Santa Claus!

Cover of How Old Is Santa Claus? by Chanda A. Bell – a Christmas picture book for kids