About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is at that bittersweet crossroads where they are starting to trade childhood wonder for logic and cynicism. It is a perfect bridge for the 'big kid' who claims they no longer believe in Santa Claus but still desperately wants to believe in something extraordinary. Set during the Great Depression, the story follows a moody boy named Red who is obsessed with his superhero persona and a specific bicycle. Through a meeting with a lonely, retired hermit rumored to be Santa, the story explores themes of empathy, the weight of longing, and the quiet dignity of hope. While it is a holiday story, its emotional depth and slightly edgy, sophisticated humor make it a sophisticated choice for children ages 6 to 12. It offers parents a chance to validate their child's growing maturity while gently keeping the door to imagination open.
