Author: Matt Haig
Illustrator: Chris Mould
Series: Christmas #1
Genre: Fantasy, Holiday, Children's
First Published November 1, 2016
Book Description (from back cover): You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas.
It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible.
If you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you.
Because this book is FULL of impossible things.
Are you still reading?
Good.
Then let us begin
Review:
So I feel like it's the wrong season to read it, the middle of May, when springtime is finally here. I can finally go out without having to wear anything other than a light sweater or a long sleeve for the cool mornings. Christmas books can be read all year round.
This is such an amazing children's book that tries to teach about good and bad, love and friendship, and the power of believing in yourself and believing in magic. It can be enjoyed by all ages, it does not feel like too young for adults either.
This is a reread, I remembered the gist and feelings but not exactly the story. But I enjoyed this reread as I rediscovered the plotline.
A young boy named Nikolas and his father (Joel the woodcutter) live in poverty. Living in a small shack, with barely any food to feed themselves and as winter is approaching an opportunity presents itself. A group of men approaches the father seeking his assistance in their search for the North Pole and find the whimsical Elf village.
While he's gone, Nikolas is taken care of by his aunt Carlota. She is a great example of an awful person. She uses her misery and dislike of children to excuse the abuse she puts the young boy through. I am surprised but at the same time not, just because someone is a blood relation it does not mean that they will be good people or take care of each other, this is a great lesson to teach children.
Nikolas decides to run away after a few months of living with his aunt. He starts on the same journey his father took, with the hope of finding him. The young boy takes his one friend a little field mouse called Miika. He is a very cute pet, and we get to see him be so obsessed with the idea of cheese and that is so funny.
He will have help from a reindeer who he names Blitzen. In this story you will learn about spickle dancing, pixies and their love for exploring heads, we see there are different types of trolls, the Daily Snow newspaper, among other elvish occupations, how elves stay at a particular age, and so much more. Most of all you will discover why the joy of giving is the spirit of Christmas.
It's an awesome read and I highly recommend it.
On a side note, I just discovered that there is a movie based on this book. The trailer can be found https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFI_aiidke0
I will try to find it somewhere, as I no longer have a Netflix subscription, I will probably visit someone around Christmas time to see if it's still playing.
This was used to cover the challenges:
Author challenge- Matt Haig, I am still making small progress in this one.
Around the world- The author is English.
Rereads
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