A Boy Called Christmas (A Boy Called Christmas)

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 2016 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission.

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.

"Irresistibly readable. Destined to become a Christmas and anytime-before-or-after-Christmas classic!" —Chris Grabenstein, New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

"Like stockings hung by the fire, this spellbinding opus may well become a yuletide tradition." —Kirkus, Starred review

"Award-winning British author Matt Haig (To Be a Cat) writes with warmth, wit and irreverence." —Shelf Awareness, Starred review 

"Humorous and heartfelt, A Boy Called Christmas will grow your heart three sizes and make you believe in magic." —Liesl Shurtliff, New York Times bestselling author of Rump

"The most evergreen, immortal Christmas story to be published for decades. Future generations will receive the same comfort and joy from A Boy Called Christmas that they derive from mince pies, snowmen and creamy liqueurs." —Stephen Fry

"Matt Haig puts the Happy back into Christmas." —Jeanette Winterson

"A new festive classic. Funny, sad and brilliant. It turns out we only knew half the story." —Simon Mayo, BBC

"An instant Christmas classic... Nikolas is a terrific character, clearly the offspring of Gerda from The Snow Queen and Roald Dahl's Charlie Bucket." —The Guardian

"Like enjoying the warmth of a good fire on a cold day . . . perfect for Christmas is every way." —The Independent