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katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
The value of the season - in a very contemporary 'Arthur Christmas' spin.
In yet another twist on 'finding the true meaning of Christmas', Baddiel takes an Arthur-look at the season and it's commercialisation and sets his sights on the Wall-E-like 'Buy N Large' that has taken over the planet - here calling it Winterzone. You might see a parallel with a not-too-far-away real-life corporation. Ahem.
Christmas is a little different from the one readers will recognise. Robots run it these days. Your wishes and letters are checked for availability and bought automatically then delivered by drones (not a reindeer in sight). You can't meet Santa in his grotto, it's a hologram version preprogrammed with 'ho ho ho' cheer.
So Etta is less than thrilled about the coming season. Even though her Dad works for WinterZone and has got her the role of the 'Perfect Present Please' kid this year! She'd rather have her grandma's tinsel, baubles and more magical memories any day.
But coming across a suspiciously Santa-like delivery man, Etta and her friends realise that they might have discovered a secret that WinterZone would rather they - and everyone else - didn't know. But maybe the world really needs to know the truth about Christmas. And deserves more than the one WinterZone have made them expect.
A good point about consumerism is made through another Baddiel madcap adventure, with likeable characters and a very easy-to-imagine Christmas scenario.
I enjoyed the audio version, with several voices contributing to the characters, including the author. Satisfyingly evil bad guys, a plot you will guess but nevertheless enjoy seeing come to pass, and readers may even consider their own feelings about Christmas and what it means to them. Hey, you never know.
For ages 7-12.
In yet another twist on 'finding the true meaning of Christmas', Baddiel takes an Arthur-look at the season and it's commercialisation and sets his sights on the Wall-E-like 'Buy N Large' that has taken over the planet - here calling it Winterzone. You might see a parallel with a not-too-far-away real-life corporation. Ahem.
Christmas is a little different from the one readers will recognise. Robots run it these days. Your wishes and letters are checked for availability and bought automatically then delivered by drones (not a reindeer in sight). You can't meet Santa in his grotto, it's a hologram version preprogrammed with 'ho ho ho' cheer.
So Etta is less than thrilled about the coming season. Even though her Dad works for WinterZone and has got her the role of the 'Perfect Present Please' kid this year! She'd rather have her grandma's tinsel, baubles and more magical memories any day.
But coming across a suspiciously Santa-like delivery man, Etta and her friends realise that they might have discovered a secret that WinterZone would rather they - and everyone else - didn't know. But maybe the world really needs to know the truth about Christmas. And deserves more than the one WinterZone have made them expect.
A good point about consumerism is made through another Baddiel madcap adventure, with likeable characters and a very easy-to-imagine Christmas scenario.
I enjoyed the audio version, with several voices contributing to the characters, including the author. Satisfyingly evil bad guys, a plot you will guess but nevertheless enjoy seeing come to pass, and readers may even consider their own feelings about Christmas and what it means to them. Hey, you never know.
For ages 7-12.
starp0tt3r's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
harleyqueen's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
In a world where santa doesn't exist anymore and are instead virtual avatars. Is a girl who dreams of a real christmas and will do nothing when she finds out the truth to stop her
19becky97's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
jinni's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
lostwithoutabook's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
ashleigh_reads_'s review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
strictlydancer12's review against another edition
5.0
I listened to the audio book version and loved it. The characters were played by different actors but the main narration by David Baddiel himself.
I am a parent and wanted to listen to it before buying the book for my children. I always hate when children’s Christmas books/films spoil the ‘magic’ of Christmas and this one did not spoil it so I’m happy.
One thing I would say is that it’s more suited to older children due to there being a few chapters focused on the corporate/commercial world which younger readers/listeners may find boring.
Overall, loved it.
I am a parent and wanted to listen to it before buying the book for my children. I always hate when children’s Christmas books/films spoil the ‘magic’ of Christmas and this one did not spoil it so I’m happy.
One thing I would say is that it’s more suited to older children due to there being a few chapters focused on the corporate/commercial world which younger readers/listeners may find boring.
Overall, loved it.