Boorn’s debut children’s book brings the legend of Santa Claus to life through clever interpretation, alluring illustrations and skilled storytelling.

An initial disclaimer warns, “If you still LOVE Santa Claus and can’t wait for him to get to YOUR HOUSE on Christmas Eve, CLOSE THIS BOOK NOW!” The author goes on to deconstruct the myth of Santa Claus and its relationship to the concept of magic throughout history. Boorn divides mysterious phenomena into two types of magic: that which is visible (the changing of the seasons and the spectrum of colors) and that which is invisible, such as “Joy, Generosity, Gratitude, and Kindness.” As people began to understand visible magic, she writes, it spurred the study of science. Invisible magic, however, retained more mystical associations, and Boorn places religious beliefs, and the legend of Santa, in this category. The book suggests that people are at their best during the holiday season and pays special attention to celebration, generosity, love and compassion (“These ACTIONS were the first real magic created in the world”). The legend of Santa continues, she writes, because parents pass on these ideals to their children through fables. Although Santa himself is a myth, Boorn asserts, “the magic his legend creates every year is real!” This book, aimed at members of the “Big Kids’ Club,” addresses wonderfully universal ideals and skillfully adapts myth-based ideas into a code of kindness for all ages. Boorn approaches her audience as knowledgeable and understanding—adult enough to know The Big Secret—and suggests ways that older children can prolong the magic in various ways, such as assisting parents with putting little ones to bed on Christmas Eve. Beautiful illustrations, reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts, strengthen the sweet message.

A book that families will look forward to revisiting each holiday season.

5 Star Review, 2014 Finalist, GOLD MEDAL winner (Parenting category)

The Big Secret by D. W. Boorn is a must-have for every parent as it will help children with the transition from believing in Santa Claus to knowing the truth about the magic of Christmas. The Big Secret asks and double checks that the reader is ready to learn the truth about Santa Claus and be added to the list to be a part of the Big Kids’ Club. If the reader is ready to take this enormous step, then he or she should turn the page, add his or her name to the list and be prepared to learn the truth about Santa Claus. The legend of Santa Claus is shared as well as the concept of magic; both the magic of things that can be seen and those magical things that cannot be seen. The magic of Christmas and the season is explained as well with examples of how children can also share in this magic.I absolutely love The Big Secret and it has found a spot on my bookshelf. It will be used when my children are ready to write their names on the list to join the Big Kids’ Club! D. W. Boorn addresses the concept of Santa Claus for children who are transitioning out of the stage of believing in Santa Claus. It is explained in such a way that Christmas is seen in a whole new light, but it is still just as magical a time as when Santa Claus was believed in, maybe even more magical!This book is really for anyone of any religion and does not delve into specific religious beliefs, merely the concept of Christmas being a magical time of the year due to the fact that people are kinder to each other at this time and are overall a better person. I love the look and the layout of this book as it really does look magical as if containing secrets within the pages.