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Featured story: The Spirit of Santa
A St. Louis father is giving away his entire Christmas picture book — free to read, all season.
The Spirit of Santa by Jesse Kuhn is a 48-page illustrated picture book for ages 4–9 about the Santa conversation — how families can keep wonder alive while being honest. The complete book is free to read at spiritofsantaproject.com/read through December 31, 2026. Printed editions are optional.
Book facts
| Title | The Spirit of Santa |
|---|---|
| Author & illustrator | Jesse Kuhn |
| Publisher | Torchbearer Press, St. Louis, Missouri |
| Format | 48 pages, 8.5 × 8.5 in, full premium color; ages 4–9 |
| Softcover | $24.99 · ISBN 978-1-971789-14-9 |
| Hardcover | $34.99 · ISBN 978-1-971789-15-6 |
| Kindle | $2.99 · ASIN B0HPQ5FRTW |
| Free reading | Complete book free through December 31, 2026 at spiritofsantaproject.com/read |
Cover art
Author headshot
Download headshot (1000 × 1000)
Interior spreads for press use are not yet packaged — request them via the contact form if needed for a deadline.
Short biography
Jesse Kuhn is an award-winning author, illustrator, and father of three based in St. Louis, Missouri. His books have received multiple Global Book Awards, including Gold honors in 2026. His latest children's picture book, The Spirit of Santa, explores how families can navigate the question of Santa's existence while preserving the wonder, generosity, and magic of Christmas.
Longer biography
Jesse Kuhn is an award-winning author, illustrator, and father of three based in St. Louis, Missouri. His books — including the Always Here series — have received multiple Global Book Awards, including Gold honors in 2026, and the Always Here series has sold more than 10,000 copies. He is a Certified Grief Educator through David Kessler's program. His latest children's picture book, The Spirit of Santa (Torchbearer Press, 2026), is a 48-page illustrated book for ages 4–9 that explores how families can navigate the question of Santa's existence while preserving the wonder, generosity, and magic of Christmas; for the 2026 holiday season the complete book is free for any family to read.
Reviews
“The Spirit of Santa by Jesse Kuhn had such a beautiful message. It was about kindness, generosity, and keeping the magic of Christmas alive.”
Jennifer Senick, Readers’ Favorite — 5 stars, November 2, 2026