Juniper's Christmas

An 11-year-old seeks the help of Santa Claus, retired to modern-day London following his wife's death, in a warmhearted Christmas novel from Colfer (the Artemis Fowl series). To honor her late, Ghana-born, London-park-keeper father, Juniper Lane hopes to continue the tradition he started: holding an annual Santa Vigil in the park. But when her white mother, the park's new keeper, vanishes before the event, a desperate Juniper enlists the aid of reclusive handyman Niko--previously Santa--who spends his days building wooden shelters for the park's unhoused residents, and whose retirement eight years ago has left a generation of children without faith in Santa Claus. He reluctantly agrees to assist after Juniper is imbued with polar magic of her own, but when a criminally inclined businesswoman seeks to gain control of the Claus powers, the two find themselves in a race to save Christmas. A congenial, omniscient narrator supplies a fresh spin on familiar holiday themes, including forgiveness, healing, and hope. Final art not seen by PW; secondary characters cue as white. Ages 8-12. Agent: Sophie Hicks, Sophie Hicks Agency. (Oct.)

Gr 3-7--Santa Claus stopped delivering presents to children after his wife died eight years ago. Since then, he has lived undercover in England as Nicholas. He and his reindeer do good deeds for people, but try their best not to be found by the Christmas elves. Without Santa Claus to bring Christmas cheer, Juniper's father developed his own tradition of helping those in need and filling the holiday season with good tidings. When he died, Juniper and her mom were too miserable to carry on the Christmas tradition. This year, when they finally feel up to celebrating, Juniper's mom disappears. Juniper is heartbroken and begins searching for her mom. Through a family friend, Duchess, Juniper makes contact with Nicholas. She learns that Nicholas is Santa Claus in hiding at the same time that she and Duchess find out that the local constables want to shut down the holiday food and clothes giveaway. As this fast-paced story races to a conclusion, Juniper thwarts the constables and their criminal helpers, and eventually finds her mom. Duchess falls in love with Nicholas, whom the elves finally locate. Christmas is saved. Colfer is a master storyteller. The voices of both Juniper and Nicholas shine through and will keep readers engaged, while Prabhat's beautiful illustrations help to convey the personalities of each character. VERDICT A delightful tale. Readers will enjoy the imaginative story filled with lush prose and a heartwarming ending.--Charla Hollingsworth

Colfer weaves a love story with numerous characters . . . [centered] on the determined efforts of his perceptive and big-hearted young protagonist. A soaring flight fueled by joys, sorrows, and deeds both ill and good. —Kirkus, starred review