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katykelly's review
5.0
A sequel to 'A Boy Called Christmas', this can be read by itself. Matt Haig's first book delved into the origins of Father Christmas. In this volume, his legend has not yet become well-established in the world, he is the gift-giver we know, but in the Victorian world, hope and festive feeling are not yet the annual warm glow we know today.
Though Amelia believes in him. Niklaus's first receiver of a Christmas present, all she wants this year really is for her sick mother to be well again. And maybe to not have to work up chimneys anymore.
But there is trouble in Elfhelm, and Father Christmas can't help... her hope and belief in magic fades...
While Amelia struggles with the workhouse and some truly miserly Dickensian characters, Father Christmas and elves also contend with their own troubles - rampaging trolls on Christmas Eve!
Can one old man and one little girl possibly help each other, in times of desperate need? What will it take to bring it all right?
I loved Haig's origin story of the Christmas traditions, and this continues it nicely, though I missed the longer sections set in Elfhelm (with chocolate money as currency!), but a visit to Dickens' London was very welcome. Seeing a workhouse and child poverty (we saw Niklaus's own terrible childhood in the first) wasn't dwelt on for too long, but might stir interest and questions.
Amelia is a strong young heroine, and her story will be of interest to ages 8-12. The chapters are short and well illustrated by Chris Riddell, this would work well as a December class read to take a KS2/3 group through the festive season.
The 'reveals' of the true bad guy was no surprise, and it is a little schmaltzy at times (talking about the power of believing in magic, hope and caring for each other), but at this time of year, that's no bad thing and something we could all do well to share with children - that Christmas really should be more than about presents.
Hope to see more of Haig's Elfhelm in the future, how the new characters play a role in Christmas.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy, sent for review purposes.
Though Amelia believes in him. Niklaus's first receiver of a Christmas present, all she wants this year really is for her sick mother to be well again. And maybe to not have to work up chimneys anymore.
But there is trouble in Elfhelm, and Father Christmas can't help... her hope and belief in magic fades...
While Amelia struggles with the workhouse and some truly miserly Dickensian characters, Father Christmas and elves also contend with their own troubles - rampaging trolls on Christmas Eve!
Can one old man and one little girl possibly help each other, in times of desperate need? What will it take to bring it all right?
I loved Haig's origin story of the Christmas traditions, and this continues it nicely, though I missed the longer sections set in Elfhelm (with chocolate money as currency!), but a visit to Dickens' London was very welcome. Seeing a workhouse and child poverty (we saw Niklaus's own terrible childhood in the first) wasn't dwelt on for too long, but might stir interest and questions.
Amelia is a strong young heroine, and her story will be of interest to ages 8-12. The chapters are short and well illustrated by Chris Riddell, this would work well as a December class read to take a KS2/3 group through the festive season.
The 'reveals' of the true bad guy was no surprise, and it is a little schmaltzy at times (talking about the power of believing in magic, hope and caring for each other), but at this time of year, that's no bad thing and something we could all do well to share with children - that Christmas really should be more than about presents.
Hope to see more of Haig's Elfhelm in the future, how the new characters play a role in Christmas.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy, sent for review purposes.
annettebooksofhopeanddreams's review against another edition
4.0
This year I discovered Matt Haig. Although the Midnight Library didn't blow me away, I was impressed with how he looked at life, how he described depression and most of all the way out of it. When A Boy Called Christmas appeared on Netflix I watched the movie with my parents and I recognized that same message of hope and light. I was therefore quite happy when I got this book in one of my bookswaps. And now is the perfect time to read this.
What I love about this book is that it's a sequel to A Boy Called Christmas and yet it can be read separately. You will of course miss some nudges and winks here and there, but the story works without having read or watched the previous story. And that's mostly because even though father Christmas is still having a huge part to play, the main part is for a little girl. A little girl once full of hope and now confronted with the ugliness of life.
I have to admit that I haven't read enough Victorian books to know for sure how well Haig captures the time. From what I know it feels like Haig did an amazing job portraying this time, how hard it was, how big the gap was between rich and poor, how much abuse there was and how little people did for each other. It's quite a sad setting, to be honest. I think in a way this is not a happy story to begin with.
However, it's a story about finding light in the darkness. About hope in the darkest of times. About moving forward, even when you're at the bottom and have no idea where to go or how to live on. It's quite clearly a theme in Haig's life. It's however also very much a theme in my life. I quite like how Haig doesn't just make me believe in magic again, which is already something great in itself. Haig also shows us that even when we don't see it, there's always someone who cares.
What I love about this book is that it's a sequel to A Boy Called Christmas and yet it can be read separately. You will of course miss some nudges and winks here and there, but the story works without having read or watched the previous story. And that's mostly because even though father Christmas is still having a huge part to play, the main part is for a little girl. A little girl once full of hope and now confronted with the ugliness of life.
I have to admit that I haven't read enough Victorian books to know for sure how well Haig captures the time. From what I know it feels like Haig did an amazing job portraying this time, how hard it was, how big the gap was between rich and poor, how much abuse there was and how little people did for each other. It's quite a sad setting, to be honest. I think in a way this is not a happy story to begin with.
However, it's a story about finding light in the darkness. About hope in the darkest of times. About moving forward, even when you're at the bottom and have no idea where to go or how to live on. It's quite clearly a theme in Haig's life. It's however also very much a theme in my life. I quite like how Haig doesn't just make me believe in magic again, which is already something great in itself. Haig also shows us that even when we don't see it, there's always someone who cares.
lcee613's review against another edition
4.0
Read this with my nine year old daughter in the lead up to and post-Christmas. We both really enjoyed it! The story is interesting and the illustrations are excellent.
exploradora's review
3.0
***3 stars***
Another story that's perfect for reading to children around Christmas time
Another story that's perfect for reading to children around Christmas time
wipu's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
jenniferreads2's review
4.0
What a jolly fun read! Loved Charles Dickens in this and the clever reference to his works. Definitely a cute book that I think kids and adults alike will enjoy.
tessaspike's review against another edition
medium-paced
4.0
The Girl Who Saved Christmas is the perfect holiday book for those seeking a story about the real core feeling. This book is dark yet warm. Amelia’s story is quite sad, so it’s something to be aware of before reading it (to your child). However, I believe it’s a compelling narrative that grounds you while also imparting a magical feel.
One aspect I didn’t particularly enjoy was the constant switch between points of view. The switches were random and that was sometimes confusing.
Having read the first book in the series, I appreciated the insights Father Christmas shared about his own journey in ‘A Boy Called Christmas.’ However, if you want to start with this one, it’s alright! It can also be considered a (sort of) standalone.
One aspect I didn’t particularly enjoy was the constant switch between points of view. The switches were random and that was sometimes confusing.
Having read the first book in the series, I appreciated the insights Father Christmas shared about his own journey in ‘A Boy Called Christmas.’ However, if you want to start with this one, it’s alright! It can also be considered a (sort of) standalone.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Abandonment, and Death of parent
knynas1's review
5.0
5 ⭐
Wholesome, heartwarming, nostalgic, and sweet! I loved this Christmas story about a girl named Amelia who has been through difficult times and needs to find the hope and magic of Christmas. There is also a mystery in Elfhelm when trolls attack and an elf goes missing. This book gave me all the warm fuzzies and I highly recommend!
Wholesome, heartwarming, nostalgic, and sweet! I loved this Christmas story about a girl named Amelia who has been through difficult times and needs to find the hope and magic of Christmas. There is also a mystery in Elfhelm when trolls attack and an elf goes missing. This book gave me all the warm fuzzies and I highly recommend!