A Boy Called Christmas

Young Nikolas has a grand adventure while discovering his magical destiny as Father Christmas.Nikolas is a sweet, 12-year-old white boy who leads a hard-knock life in the woods of Finland. His mother has died, and his father, Joel is an impoverished woodcutter. Desperate for money, Joel joins a group of men on a quest to prove the existence of elves, leaving Nikolas with his ill-tempered aunt, Carlotta. Nikolas runs away to find his father, but trudging months through the woods, he faces starvation, freezing, and hopelessness. Then he comes across a reindeer with an arrow stuck in his leg. Nikolas helps him and names him Blitzen, and they continue their journey to the elf village together. Unfortunately, once located, the elves do not offer a warm welcome but instead lock Nikolas in the tower. It's there that Nikolas discovers, with the help of a drimwick, or hope spell, that he's become more than just the simple boy he used to be. With remarkable descriptions ("His eyebrows were sliding apart like caterpillars falling out of love") and a bit of mischief (Blitzen likes to wee on the heads of humans as he flies over), this hits both ends of the audience's sophistication range and has great promise as a read-aloud. The clever story is powdered with puckish illustrations and reminds humans and elves alike that goodness and kindness are a kind of magic. Like stockings hung by the fire, this spellbinding opus may well become a yuletide tradition. (Fantasy. 6-13) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-This lively British import recounts the adventures of young Nicholas, who will grow up to become Father Christmas, otherwise known as Santa Claus to American children. Born on Christmas Day, Nicholas leads a life of hardship in a remote, ramshackle cabin with his good-hearted father. When his father goes in search of Elfhelm (and a chance at a great monetary reward), Nicholas is left alone with his cruel aunt Carlotta. After enduring abuse and neglect, the boy sets off on his own to find his father and the mythical land of the elves. The fairy-tale atmosphere aptly sets the stage for magic and mischief, including flying reindeer, exploding trolls, a truth pixie, and a trusty mouse companion. Nicholas eventually changes the course of Elfhelm history, saving it from a regime of unhappiness, and ultimately discovers his true calling as a giver of gifts. Mould's quirky yet charming black-and-white drawings are a perfect complement to the sometimes snarky text. VERDICT There's plenty to please fans of Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and Adam Gidwitz: offbeat humor with the ultimate satisfaction of overcoming the impossible, helping humanity, and achieving one's dreams. A popular choice for Christmas or year round.-Madeline Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2016
Grades 3-5 Readers will be enchanted by Haig's origin story for one of Christmas' most iconic figures, Santa Claus (so named by the pixies!). It all begins in the middle of nowhere in Norway with Nikolas and his woodcutter father. Times are tough for the pair, who have little money and subsist mainly on mushroom soup, but Nikolas tries his best to be happy. One night, the woodcutter is asked to join an expedition to the fabled village of Elfhelm in the Far North, which, if successful, will pay handsomely. Unable to refuse such an offer, he accepts, leaving Nikolas behind. After months pass, Nikolas sets out to find his missing father, uncovering his own true purpose in life and the magic of belief and goodwill. Sidestepping religion, Haig's story perfectly captures the spirit of Christmas, and Mould's scratchy ink-pen illustrations bring charm and humor to the page. Misguided elves, a mouse that unflaggingly believes in the existence of cheese, and flying reindeer (naturally) all unite under one boy's faith in the impossible. A heartwarming holiday adventure.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)

November 1, 2016
Ever wonder how Santa became Santa? This novel has an answer. It seems that he was born in Finland and named Nikolas (but called Christmas, because that was his birthday). Running away from his horrid aunt to search for his father in the Far North, he arrived in the village of Elfhelmand the rest is holiday history. Well, there's more to it, but it's no surprise when, in the end, generous Nikolas grows that famous beard and embraces his gift for giving. Spindly black-and-white illustrations feel merry even in their simplicity, and readers who are beyond the usual Yuletide picture books should find the same fanciful sweetness in this confection. shoshana flax

(Copyright 2016 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)