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annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
For some reason this first book in the trilogy was the last one to arrive. Luckily I had already watched the movie before I read the other two books, so I didn't miss all the winks and nudges towards this story in those sequels. However, time was ticking. I might not be against reading Christmas themed novels at any time, but it's a little more special reading them during the holidays. Well, this book arrived yesterday, so that was still on time to count, right?
Just like the other two books, and just like the movie, it's quite clearly a children's book. Nicolas decides to go searching for his father, who went on a trip to find proof that Elves exist for the king of Finland. And that's exactly what this book is, and actually all you need to know about it. It's an adventure. And since the book starts with telling us that this is the story of how Santa Claus became Santa Claus we already know how it will end. Mostly.
However, the book wouldn't be a Haig book without some messages along the way. The elves in this book are learning that one can't judge all humans for the deeds of a few, although I totally understand where they're coming from since the first ones they met weren't exactly great ones. And Nicolas is learning that sometimes giving gifts is just about the giving, about making other people happy, about spreading a little cheer when times are dark and grim.
Kids will mostly find a great book to dive into and they will meet all kinds of amazing creatures and characters. Not only Nicolas is an important character. We're also becoming friends with his mouse, with a rendeer he saves from pain and death, with the Elves of Elfheim, with a truth pixie incapable of lying, even when it are small white lies, and we're also briefly meeting one of the trolls and we're witnessing how Nicolas slowly introduces all the Christmas traditions we know nowadays.
There are quite a few differences with the movie, but I think the changes are justified, simply because a movie asks for different storytelling techniques.
Just like the other two books, and just like the movie, it's quite clearly a children's book. Nicolas decides to go searching for his father, who went on a trip to find proof that Elves exist for the king of Finland. And that's exactly what this book is, and actually all you need to know about it. It's an adventure. And since the book starts with telling us that this is the story of how Santa Claus became Santa Claus we already know how it will end. Mostly.
However, the book wouldn't be a Haig book without some messages along the way. The elves in this book are learning that one can't judge all humans for the deeds of a few, although I totally understand where they're coming from since the first ones they met weren't exactly great ones. And Nicolas is learning that sometimes giving gifts is just about the giving, about making other people happy, about spreading a little cheer when times are dark and grim.
Kids will mostly find a great book to dive into and they will meet all kinds of amazing creatures and characters. Not only Nicolas is an important character. We're also becoming friends with his mouse, with a rendeer he saves from pain and death, with the Elves of Elfheim, with a truth pixie incapable of lying, even when it are small white lies, and we're also briefly meeting one of the trolls and we're witnessing how Nicolas slowly introduces all the Christmas traditions we know nowadays.
There are quite a few differences with the movie, but I think the changes are justified, simply because a movie asks for different storytelling techniques.
andinanindy's review against another edition
5.0
"An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet"
I love the feeling of reading a children book when I'm already an adult. Bukunya menyimpan banyaaaaaaaak sekali pesan yg sebenarnya sangat applicable di umur yg mulai tua ini. Tp di sisi lain, tetep bisa ngasih kehangatan yg dicari sama inner child ako
I love the feeling of reading a children book when I'm already an adult. Bukunya menyimpan banyaaaaaaaak sekali pesan yg sebenarnya sangat applicable di umur yg mulai tua ini. Tp di sisi lain, tetep bisa ngasih kehangatan yg dicari sama inner child ako
cadmanreads's review
5.0
Matt Haig sensibilities with an audiobook narrated by Stephen Fry.
You know you are onto a winner with that combo. I'd recommend this to any kid or grownup who wants to add a little Christmas cheer to their life.
5stars!
You know you are onto a winner with that combo. I'd recommend this to any kid or grownup who wants to add a little Christmas cheer to their life.
5stars!
pep_pooja's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.75
boomakes's review
5.0
Even as a 41 year old adult I fully embraced this origin story! Full of magic. Perfect Christmas story that will be loved for generations to come.
lwjessika's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
cele3222's review
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
Nice sent me to sleep, I like the light hearted children's story's for my own bed time , and made me chuckle in parts :)) not 5 stars because .. I dont know why.