Published in 1902, The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus was written by L. Frank Baum, the author of the famous Wonderful Wizard of Oz book series. Telling the story of Santa's birth, childhood, adulthood and legacy, the novel has inspired animated films, graphic novels and television specials. The novel begins with Santa Claus being found as an infant in the middle of the Forest of Burzee by Ak, the "Master Woodsman of the World." He is then placed in the care of Shiegra, a lioness. After Necile, a Wood Nymph, takes Claus to raise him as her own son, Santa is educated by the immortals of the forest. After Claus reaches adulthood, Ak decides he must live among the mortals. Claus sees war, poverty and child abuse and is determined to help the mortal children of the world. He begins to invent toys and delivers them to children outside of the forest. After seeing his kindness and passion, Ak and Necile make Claus immortal, allowing Santa to deliver toys to children once a year until the end of time.
By L. Frank Baum