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 a question that sparks wonder, curiosity, and giggles. Now, in the enchanting new picture book How Old Is Santa Claus? by Chanda A. Bell, young readers can follow one Scout Elf’s humorous quest to find the answer. Packed with laughter, adventure, and holiday sparkle, this Christmas picture book from The Lumistella Company and HarperCollins Children’s Books is perfect for children ages 3–8 and makes a delightful addition to family holiday traditions.


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 working harder than ever. In the Mail Room Grotto, Pippin Snowdae is reading through last-minute letters when one arrives from Sofi, a curious six-year-old: How old is Santa Claus?

Tired of giving the usual answer—“Santa is timeless, ageless, and eternally young at heart”—Pippin decides this time he’ll discover the truth. His determination sets him off on a magical adventure through snow-covered hills, grottoes, and mountains, racing to answer Sofi’s question before Christmas morning.

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

Along his journey, readers meet an unforgettable cast of characters:

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 determined Scout Elf, whose curiosity and playful spirit drive the adventure forward

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

Hollie, the cheerful Mail Sorter, who encourages Pippin to begin his search to discover Santa’s true age

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, Santa’s loyal companions, who suggest asking 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 chuckles as Pippin asks if Santa is older than 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, offers humor and points Pippin toward further answers


The Magic of Asking Big Questions

Though Pippin never learns Santa’s exact age, he discovers something more valuable: the joy of curiosity and imagination. In his letter back to Sofi, he concludes that Santa is older than pirates, knights, and dragons—but not quite as old as dinosaurs. The mystery itself is part of the wonder of Christmas.

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


What Is Santaverse?

The story of How Old Is Santa Claus? is part of the larger Santaverse, the interconnected universe of stories created by The Lumistella Company. Santaverse is not a location, but a collection of tales that expand the traditions families know and love through The Elf on the Shelf® and beyond.

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

At the heart of this book is the Kingdom of the One True North, the magical home where Scout Elves, reindeer, and wondrous creatures live and protect the Spirit of Christmas. For children, it’s a rare chance to see the North Pole as they’ve always dreamed it, filled with laughter, adventure, and timeless magic.


A Christmas Book Designed for Young Readers

Why Picture Books Matter

How Old Is Santa Claus? is written especially for children ages 3–8, making it an ideal early reader book or read-aloud.

Picture books like this:

  • Strengthen literacy skills through text paired with vivid illustrations.
  • Encourage cognitive growth with story sequencing and problem-solving.
  • Build emotional connections by addressing questions children themselves may have wondered.

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

Families can gather together, just as Pippin gathers answers, to share laughter and wonder. With lively dialogue and colorful illustrations, this holiday read-aloud book creates joyful family moments that turn into lasting traditions.

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

Why Reading Together Builds Bonds and Traditions

Shared stories foster closeness, encourage conversation, and build memories that children carry for a lifetime.


How Christmas Books Spark Imagination and Wonder

From Pirates to Dragons to Dinosaurs: Santa in Every Era

Pippin imagines Santa as a swashbuckler, a knight with dragons, and even a sleigh-driver pulled by dinosaurs. These playful daydreams invite children to stretch their own imaginations.

Encouraging Social-Emotional Learning Through Stories

Stories like this teach children patience with mystery, confidence in asking questions, and joy in discovery, which are all key parts of social-emotional growth.

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 memorable characters, playful storytelling, and the magical setting of the Kingdom of the One True North, this book is destined to become a holiday favorite.

A Christmas Gift That Lasts for Years

Perfect as a gift, for classroom storytime, or cozy nights by the fire, How Old Is Santa Claus? is a book families will return to year after year.


How Old Is Santa Claus? is available now 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