Santa's Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki and Ivan Gantschev - First Edition Children's Books - Vintage Child Book, Christmas, 1980s

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Beautiful first edition of Santa's Favorite Story by Ivan Gantschev and Hisako Aoki.

Written by Hisako Aoki. Illustrated by Ivan Gantschev. 1982 first edition. Picture Book Studio. Neugebauer Press USA.

One cold day in December", a fox walking through the forest finds Santa sleeping under a tree. The other animals hear the news and gather 'round, worried. Santa assures them he's just tired.

"Maybe all those heavy presents will be too much for me to deliver this year."

The animals are alarmed. No Christmas?!

"No, no, no," said Santa in a kindly voice, "Christmas hasn't got anything to do with me. Sit down and I'll tell you all the story of the first Christmas."

Santa then tells them the story of the Christ child, the real reason for Christmas.

Ivan Gantschev's (1925 - 2014) beautiful water colors evoke Eastern European artist traditions and charm Santa's story to life. Gantschev illustrated over seventy books and was awarded the Gold Medal at the 1985 Biennale for illustrators in Bratislava.

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Condition*: Near Fine/Very Good. Dust jacket: Price-clipped; mild shelf wear.

* Based on Guidelines of the Independent Online Booksellers' Association.

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