About the Author
When Mary K O’Neill’s granddaughter confided that she had questions about Santa, Mary was perplexed. How to explain that something so wonderful was indeed real to a doubting pre-teen? That night, Santa appeared to her in a dream. He knew she was worried. He was worried too. Seems like lots of kids had become skeptical lately. He asked Mary to help him share his story with all of them. She took down everything he said and put it into “A Letter from Santa: for kids who have doubts.”
A Letter from Santa is the story of Nicholas, a boy born in Turkey in the year 270, who became a beloved priest and is now known all over the world as Santa Claus. There are religious references, but there is a bigger truth, the miracle of generosity, that transcends any sectarian doctrine. Parents and children of all persuasions can identify with the spirit that puts the magic in Christmas. And requires our help to flourish.
When asked how she came to publish this book, Mary said, “I have always known that Santa was real, but it’s hard to explain that in a world that seems a bit cynical and data-driven. It’s hard for kids as they get older to believe in miracles that cannot be proven. I was really glad to have help from Santa himself.”
Note from the author: I worked hard to present Santa’s story in a way that younger children could enjoy, but its message is intended for preteens and teens, as they transition from their first, simple impression of Santa, to the larger understanding of their roles in making Christmas magic for others.
Mary retired from a career in healthcare administration and lives with her husband, Dan, in the city of Ypsilanti, Michigan. They have 7 children, 7 children in-law, 16 grandchildren, and four grand dogs, which results in a glorious, and chaotic Christmas celebration.
Kayla Phan is the illustrator. She lives in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with her Siamese cat named Le (which means quickly in Vietnamese) in a small studio full of watercolor paper and paint tubes. She's passionate about creating whimsical art inspired by her life. She is available on Etsy at CosynestArt. You can also her online portfolio at: behance.net/khainguyenda67.
