VICTORIA PERLA
WHEN SANTA TURNED GREEN
(DECEMBER 2008)
by Victoria Perla
“When Santa Turned Green helps even the youngest child grasp the importance of caring for our planet and solving the climate crisis.”
- Former Vice President Al Gore
“I’m dreaming of a green Christmas…” That will be the new jolly holiday standard in homes across the country this year when families read the delightful and creative picture book WHEN SANTA TURNED GREEN (Thomas Nelson Publishers; $15.99) by award-winning writer Victoria Perla.
A fun and fanciful tale that carries a timely message, the story describes how Santa, concerned that global warming is melting his beloved North Pole, calls upon the world’s children for assistance. The children respond by giving Santa a most wonderful gift—a healthier planet. Famed toy retailer FAO Schwarz is releasing a 7-piece When Santa Turned Green eco-friendly collection of plush toys, hand puppets, and other items.
Mother of two Perla notes, “I was folding laundry thinking about the Arctic melt and I wondered, ‘How am I going to get my kids to care about what’s happening up there? Ah-ha! They are very aware of what happens in the North Pole when it has to do with Santa!’”
Endorsed by former Vice President Al Gore, WHEN SANTA TURNED GREEN begins with a drop of water that falls from the ceiling “Plop!” onto Santa’s nose. When he investigates, he discovers a leak in his roof and, looking toward the polar ice cap, glaciers slipping into the sea and the land of permanent freeze “getting soggier by the minute.” Hopping on his sleigh, Santa learns—along with the story’s young readers—the causes of global warming. Then, to save the Earth and to ensure a true “white Christmas” at the North Pole, he asks the children “because they have the power to change the world.”
Lively and informed, in an interview Victoria Perla can discuss:
· Steps children and families are taking now to conserve energy and natural resources;
· How teachers can use her book to start a green dialogue with students;
· Her own children’s reaction and how her family is “turning green,”
· And more.
WHEN SANTA TURNED GREEN and its charming illustrations by Mirna Kantarevic are the inspiration for an exclusive collection for sale at FAO Schwarz stores, select FAO Schwarz/Macy’s boutiques, and at www.fao.com. The centerpiece is an appealing, organic and soy fiber plush Santa—green on one side, red on the other—a year-round reminder of the importance of caring for our environment. The collection also includes a “Green Ideas” Christmas stocking, soft Green Santa hat, puzzle, hand puppet, two-sided ornament, and nesting stacking cubes toy. Going green with Santa, the book and items are made using soy and organic fibers, vegetable and fruit dyes, soy inks, and 100% recycled paper with 50% post-consumer waste.
WHEN SANTA TURNED GREEN is a sweet story that will inspire children and their families for years to come. We look forward to speaking with you about Victoria Perla.