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dgrstory's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
4.5
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
"Father Christmas lived at 7 Reindeeer Road, right next to Reindeer Field, on the edge of Elfhelm. His house, like many of the houses in Elfhelm, was made of reinforced gingerbread and -unlike almost all other houses in Elfhelm- it had a front door so large you didn't have to bend forward to walk through it. "
I had to do a bit more effort for this one as Library #1 had put their Christmas books away as they noticed that people tend to borrow them less outside of the Christmas period. But then I had it, and oh boy, it is so shiny and glittery. I generally also try to read in season, but I am in a Matt Haig mood and didn't want to wait another 10 months before reading this one. :P
First up, who in all heavens wrote that blurb? From the blurb it sounds like The Easter Bunny is a BIG BIG part of the book... however... The Easter Bunny doesn't even appear until page 212 of 288, and well.. he doesn't really unleash anything until page 244. And there is quite a bit more to his attack/jealousy then you may think. :| It is a shame, I was really looking forward to an Easter Bunny attacking Christmas things, and so I was disappointed that he didn't get much of a spotlight and was only added at the end. Most of this book is about Amelia and how she feels out of place in Elfhelm. How she is trying to find her spot between the elves and Father Christmas and Mary, trying her best in school.
This book is also apparently book 3 in a series, however I never had the feeling I had missed something. If anything this felt pretty much like a standalone. She tells us some stuff about what happened to Father Christmas, to her, to Mary, and it is enough information for me.
I quite liked Amelia, though at times I did think she was a bit too gloomy and complainy. I get that things aren't easy, and as the book continues things get even more difficult, but I wished she would also see the good sides, and it takes her most of the book to finally see that she has friends, that she has a family, and that her life is pretty dang nice.
At times I did want to hug her, as the elves don't make it easy for her. Which kind of surprised me as I always saw the Christmas elves as a happy bunch that will be warm and welcoming, but instead we see that so many of them are hurtful and judgemental. Of course, Vodol the baddie of this story also uses the fact that the elves are like this for his gain and for the loss of Father Christmas/Mary/Amelia.
She was still an interesting character, it was good to read about her past and what she went through in the past before she came to Elfhelm. Plus I loved that she was so good in riding a sleigh. I would have loved to see more sleigh riding. And around the end she sure showed a ton of bravery, and I was so proud of her coming so far. I was proud that she wanted to fix her own mistakes, trying to work to repay.
I loved reading about the subjects in the elves school. I am glad I am not following mathematics there, dear lord... though maybe I would have also been the best student if the answer can be snow. :P
I read the Truth Pixie story first, and I was happy to see her here again. She also plays quite a vital role in the story and I was happy that she could be there for her love, Father Christmas.
Vodol was a truly well written villain. It was quite interesting to see why he did what he did, and how far he was going to be taking it. Sure, I didn't like him at all, he was a pest and I was hoping someone would step up against them.
With the exception of the blurb that turned out to be a lie, I also didn't like Captain Soot. It was nice that Amelia was able to bring her cat with her, but dang that cat was annoying as hell. He popped up in mostly the wrong situations causing more harm than good for Amelia. I wouldn't have minded if the cat was gone.
The ending was a bit sad though, then again, I also can imagine why she choose that. Plus, I did like she picked that, I am sure she makes kids very happy.
The book is also delightfully illustrated by the fabulous Chris Mould, his illustrations made the story even more fun to read, and they were also one of the reasons (beside Matt Haig's fun writing style) why I wanted to read this book.
All in all, I had great fun reading this book, but I do wish we had more Easter Bunny. He is such an interesting character and I quite liked him and finding out what makes him tick. This is a great book to read during Christmas, be sure to eat some delicious chocolate coins, or satsumas while reading. I would recommend this one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I had to do a bit more effort for this one as Library #1 had put their Christmas books away as they noticed that people tend to borrow them less outside of the Christmas period. But then I had it, and oh boy, it is so shiny and glittery. I generally also try to read in season, but I am in a Matt Haig mood and didn't want to wait another 10 months before reading this one. :P
First up, who in all heavens wrote that blurb? From the blurb it sounds like The Easter Bunny is a BIG BIG part of the book... however... The Easter Bunny doesn't even appear until page 212 of 288, and well.. he doesn't really unleash anything until page 244. And there is quite a bit more to his attack/jealousy then you may think. :| It is a shame, I was really looking forward to an Easter Bunny attacking Christmas things, and so I was disappointed that he didn't get much of a spotlight and was only added at the end. Most of this book is about Amelia and how she feels out of place in Elfhelm. How she is trying to find her spot between the elves and Father Christmas and Mary, trying her best in school.
This book is also apparently book 3 in a series, however I never had the feeling I had missed something. If anything this felt pretty much like a standalone. She tells us some stuff about what happened to Father Christmas, to her, to Mary, and it is enough information for me.
I quite liked Amelia, though at times I did think she was a bit too gloomy and complainy. I get that things aren't easy, and as the book continues things get even more difficult, but I wished she would also see the good sides, and it takes her most of the book to finally see that she has friends, that she has a family, and that her life is pretty dang nice.
At times I did want to hug her, as the elves don't make it easy for her. Which kind of surprised me as I always saw the Christmas elves as a happy bunch that will be warm and welcoming, but instead we see that so many of them are hurtful and judgemental. Of course, Vodol the baddie of this story also uses the fact that the elves are like this for his gain and for the loss of Father Christmas/Mary/Amelia.
She was still an interesting character, it was good to read about her past and what she went through in the past before she came to Elfhelm. Plus I loved that she was so good in riding a sleigh. I would have loved to see more sleigh riding. And around the end she sure showed a ton of bravery, and I was so proud of her coming so far. I was proud that she wanted to fix her own mistakes, trying to work to repay.
I loved reading about the subjects in the elves school. I am glad I am not following mathematics there, dear lord... though maybe I would have also been the best student if the answer can be snow. :P
I read the Truth Pixie story first, and I was happy to see her here again. She also plays quite a vital role in the story and I was happy that she could be there for her love, Father Christmas.
Vodol was a truly well written villain. It was quite interesting to see why he did what he did, and how far he was going to be taking it. Sure, I didn't like him at all, he was a pest and I was hoping someone would step up against them.
With the exception of the blurb that turned out to be a lie, I also didn't like Captain Soot. It was nice that Amelia was able to bring her cat with her, but dang that cat was annoying as hell. He popped up in mostly the wrong situations causing more harm than good for Amelia. I wouldn't have minded if the cat was gone.
The ending was a bit sad though, then again, I also can imagine why she choose that. Plus, I did like she picked that, I am sure she makes kids very happy.
The book is also delightfully illustrated by the fabulous Chris Mould, his illustrations made the story even more fun to read, and they were also one of the reasons (beside Matt Haig's fun writing style) why I wanted to read this book.
All in all, I had great fun reading this book, but I do wish we had more Easter Bunny. He is such an interesting character and I quite liked him and finding out what makes him tick. This is a great book to read during Christmas, be sure to eat some delicious chocolate coins, or satsumas while reading. I would recommend this one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
markalkman's review against another edition
3.0
Nice ending to the series, a fun & quick read - but book two is still my favourite
katykelly's review against another edition
5.0
Series-finisher that rounds off the saga with heart-warming adventure, mystery and 'finding your place' themes.
After listening to the first two with my son (now 7), we got the third from the library for Easter, knowing that the Easter Bunny featured as a character. Taking place just after the events of the previous book, Amelia is now living in Elfhelm with Father Christmas and Mary, now his wife. And finding that the idyllic setting isn't quite as idyllic when you stand out like a sore thumb, aren't able to do anything as well as an elf can, and can't find your own talent.
Amelia's story about trying to fit in and find her strengths meshes really well with a Harry Potter-like story about the lying media (slyly 'fake news' and similar Trump references are inserted through the book), as Father Vodol returns with a new newspaper, 'The Daily Truth' and elves are hard-pressed to decide what the truth really is.
So just where does the Easter Bunny fit in to this book? I'm not going to say, but I will say that chocolate (money, banks and rooms full of) all play a part in the plot (we liked this bit a lot!!) and the story construction brings tension and excitement as well as some tender and bittersweet scenes as well. Quite a feat to make my son hate a character one moment and then see his/her more vulnerable side and have him feel sorry for them just a few pages later.
The story finished with a natural conclusion, it feels like an ending. This story sees Amelia as centre of the story rather than Father Christmas, and she makes an appealing and entertaining narrator, bringing out the humour of her situation as well as being honest about her downcast feelings.
This took us nearly a month to get through, it's for us one of our longest readers together, but each night my boy would moan whenever I would have to stop. Some of the themes may be a little out of his reach, but I think upper primary pupils will love the setting and characters and immersing themselves in the world of chocolate banks and spickle dancing. I'd recommend ages 7-13 to read this series - though in order is best.
After listening to the first two with my son (now 7), we got the third from the library for Easter, knowing that the Easter Bunny featured as a character. Taking place just after the events of the previous book, Amelia is now living in Elfhelm with Father Christmas and Mary, now his wife. And finding that the idyllic setting isn't quite as idyllic when you stand out like a sore thumb, aren't able to do anything as well as an elf can, and can't find your own talent.
Amelia's story about trying to fit in and find her strengths meshes really well with a Harry Potter-like story about the lying media (slyly 'fake news' and similar Trump references are inserted through the book), as Father Vodol returns with a new newspaper, 'The Daily Truth' and elves are hard-pressed to decide what the truth really is.
So just where does the Easter Bunny fit in to this book? I'm not going to say, but I will say that chocolate (money, banks and rooms full of) all play a part in the plot (we liked this bit a lot!!) and the story construction brings tension and excitement as well as some tender and bittersweet scenes as well. Quite a feat to make my son hate a character one moment and then see his/her more vulnerable side and have him feel sorry for them just a few pages later.
The story finished with a natural conclusion, it feels like an ending. This story sees Amelia as centre of the story rather than Father Christmas, and she makes an appealing and entertaining narrator, bringing out the humour of her situation as well as being honest about her downcast feelings.
This took us nearly a month to get through, it's for us one of our longest readers together, but each night my boy would moan whenever I would have to stop. Some of the themes may be a little out of his reach, but I think upper primary pupils will love the setting and characters and immersing themselves in the world of chocolate banks and spickle dancing. I'd recommend ages 7-13 to read this series - though in order is best.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
The clock was ticking. I mean, I'm not against reading Christmas books when it's not Christmas, somewhen in July or August for example, but it still feels better to read them surrounded by the lights of the Christmas tree and the Christmas village. I've never been that much of a Christmas lover, but lately the festivities are growing on me. So, I searched and searched until I found the two missing Matt Haig Christmas books and I hoped they arrived in time. This one at least did.
It's quite clear when this book has been written. If you read this book and are not reminded of some former American President's way of seeing and ruling the world you're really oblivious. I guess that even a lot of younger readers will recognize some of his famous quotes and his attempts to build walls and exclude people from society. I can imagine not everyone loves the way Haig uses real life politics in a children's story, but I actually liked it.
I think there's nothing as important as teaching kids that life is better, richer and more beautiful when we share it with others. Even when those others don't have the same ears. Or are taller. Or don't have magic. If you treat people with kindness, those people will feel seen and loved and cherished and will treat you with kindness in return. And yes, of course there are also bad people, but there are also bad apples and it doesn't keep us from buying and eating more apples.
I do think the book could have been more amazing if we had also read some things from the point of view of one of the elves. Since we were now reading about Amelia we of course rooted for her. After all, we knew how she felt, what had truly happened, how she had experienced everything. It would have been great if we got more of a chance to understand the elves and their distrust. Especially because that kind of understanding is important too.
However, I enjoyed this story immensely and I will now go on the hunt for the truth fairy books!
It's quite clear when this book has been written. If you read this book and are not reminded of some former American President's way of seeing and ruling the world you're really oblivious. I guess that even a lot of younger readers will recognize some of his famous quotes and his attempts to build walls and exclude people from society. I can imagine not everyone loves the way Haig uses real life politics in a children's story, but I actually liked it.
I think there's nothing as important as teaching kids that life is better, richer and more beautiful when we share it with others. Even when those others don't have the same ears. Or are taller. Or don't have magic. If you treat people with kindness, those people will feel seen and loved and cherished and will treat you with kindness in return. And yes, of course there are also bad people, but there are also bad apples and it doesn't keep us from buying and eating more apples.
I do think the book could have been more amazing if we had also read some things from the point of view of one of the elves. Since we were now reading about Amelia we of course rooted for her. After all, we knew how she felt, what had truly happened, how she had experienced everything. It would have been great if we got more of a chance to understand the elves and their distrust. Especially because that kind of understanding is important too.
However, I enjoyed this story immensely and I will now go on the hunt for the truth fairy books!
forestfox's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racism, War, Abandonment, Death of parent, and Violence
vyshnevyjcvit's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
smittenforfiction's review against another edition
4.0
The end of Matt Haig's trilogy, Father Christmas and Me is an imaginative story that takes place in a fictional town called Elfhelm. In a previous adventure Amelia helped save Christmas, and now she's the only human living in an elf town. Feeling like an outcast, Amelia struggles with elf school and feels like she doesn't belong. She learns that Father Vogol, the elf that used to rule Elfhelm before Father Christmas, wants to get his power back. Amelia also learns that the Easter Bunny feels resentful since the war with the elves hundreds of years ago. With the help of friends Amelia uses her strengths to overcome challenges and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
"An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet."
The characters are intriguing, filled with personality and emotions. Amelia is likeable, with strengths and flaws, and a wonderful personal growth arc. While doing a little research to write this review I discovered my favourite character, The Truth Pixie, has her own book! I can't wait to read it! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41443051-the-truth-pixie
"There was a reindeer clock in the living room, which was like a cuckoo clock but instead of a cuckoo popping out it was a reindeer. Oh, and it didn’t tell ordinary human time with boring things like ‘six o’clock’ and ‘twenty past nine’. It told elf time, and elf hours were called things like Very Early Indeed and Way Past Bedtime.”
I've read two books by Matt Haig now and I have to say I quite enjoy his writing style. With an exciting pace, Father Christmas and Me is a very fun and festive read for all ages.
"'Books,' said Father Christmas, 'are the greatest gifts of all. Nothing else comes close.'"
Setting: 3.5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Writing: 5
Message: 3.5
Overall: 80% 4/5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*
"An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet."
The characters are intriguing, filled with personality and emotions. Amelia is likeable, with strengths and flaws, and a wonderful personal growth arc. While doing a little research to write this review I discovered my favourite character, The Truth Pixie, has her own book! I can't wait to read it! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41443051-the-truth-pixie
"There was a reindeer clock in the living room, which was like a cuckoo clock but instead of a cuckoo popping out it was a reindeer. Oh, and it didn’t tell ordinary human time with boring things like ‘six o’clock’ and ‘twenty past nine’. It told elf time, and elf hours were called things like Very Early Indeed and Way Past Bedtime.”
I've read two books by Matt Haig now and I have to say I quite enjoy his writing style. With an exciting pace, Father Christmas and Me is a very fun and festive read for all ages.
"'Books,' said Father Christmas, 'are the greatest gifts of all. Nothing else comes close.'"
Setting: 3.5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Writing: 5
Message: 3.5
Overall: 80% 4/5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*
knynas1's review against another edition
5.0
5 ⭐
ALL the Christmas feels!! I loved this story. This book may have been my favorite of the trilogy. I can see returning to it in the future. We follow Amelia's first years in Elfhelm and all of the trouble she gets into. We also get more hilarious scenes with the truth pixie and an origin story for the Easter bunny. I highly recommend for all ages!
ALL the Christmas feels!! I loved this story. This book may have been my favorite of the trilogy. I can see returning to it in the future. We follow Amelia's first years in Elfhelm and all of the trouble she gets into. We also get more hilarious scenes with the truth pixie and an origin story for the Easter bunny. I highly recommend for all ages!