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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
As others said, this was dark. But so is all of the brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Anderson, so I don't fault the story for that.
I just love Aubrey Plaza, but I didn't love the writing in the book. I felt like it's on par with stories our middle schoolers write. Maybe that was the intent. But I felt like the story jumped, didn't make sense, and was lacking detail in some places where it was too detailed in others. I think I'm in the minority with my opinion - so definitely give it a read to see what you think!
Recommend grades 4 and up.
I just love Aubrey Plaza, but I didn't love the writing in the book. I felt like it's on par with stories our middle schoolers write. Maybe that was the intent. But I felt like the story jumped, didn't make sense, and was lacking detail in some places where it was too detailed in others. I think I'm in the minority with my opinion - so definitely give it a read to see what you think!
Recommend grades 4 and up.
A cute little campfire story perfect for Christmas!
This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book that delivers a more unique Christmas story. It’s the story of Santa’s twin sister, Kristtorn, who got separated from her brother when they were younger. She ended up being raised by a witch in the woods. Kristtorn had her own special magic that made her good with animals and other things. But, she had a temper that sometimes caused her to have magic outbursts and feel vengeful towards others.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it brings Yuletide front and center. The pagan holiday that Christmas sprouted from. The book includes some common traditions from Yuletide which many still celebrate today as pagan ways have started making a comeback. Witches are definitely cool again but the book shows Kristtorn was born during a time when witches were seen as bad or highly feared.
That was my one qualm with the book, when Kristtorn opts for revenge because she’s casted out for being different. For a children’s book it didn’t feel like the best message to give. It would have been nicer to see Kristtorn love what makes her different and not care about others. It’s still a cute book overall and I enjoyed the story other than that last little bit.
The illustrations are so beautiful, the book is worth the purchase for those alone. But, the characters, besides Kristtorn and Santa, are pretty awesome to read about. You get a wise talking Raven, helpful penguins, and a kind old witch. The side characters definitely helped make this book much better than if it was just about the two twins.
My husband and I were thinking of making this a Christmas reading tradition for our daughter but the message the end sends makes us take pause on that idea. The wording of the ending is a bit ambiguous and my husband and I can definitely spin it to be more positive. So, we shall see how next Christmas goes because it was a fun story to read. It is written for children with longer attention spans as it’s a good 50 pages. Younger kids might not stay focused that long and it’ll have to split up into a couple of readings for them.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it brings Yuletide front and center. The pagan holiday that Christmas sprouted from. The book includes some common traditions from Yuletide which many still celebrate today as pagan ways have started making a comeback. Witches are definitely cool again but the book shows Kristtorn was born during a time when witches were seen as bad or highly feared.
That was my one qualm with the book, when Kristtorn opts for revenge because she’s casted out for being different. For a children’s book it didn’t feel like the best message to give. It would have been nicer to see Kristtorn love what makes her different and not care about others. It’s still a cute book overall and I enjoyed the story other than that last little bit.
The illustrations are so beautiful, the book is worth the purchase for those alone. But, the characters, besides Kristtorn and Santa, are pretty awesome to read about. You get a wise talking Raven, helpful penguins, and a kind old witch. The side characters definitely helped make this book much better than if it was just about the two twins.
My husband and I were thinking of making this a Christmas reading tradition for our daughter but the message the end sends makes us take pause on that idea. The wording of the ending is a bit ambiguous and my husband and I can definitely spin it to be more positive. So, we shall see how next Christmas goes because it was a fun story to read. It is written for children with longer attention spans as it’s a good 50 pages. Younger kids might not stay focused that long and it’ll have to split up into a couple of readings for them.
Really cool story (with potential to be more/better), but didn't love the ending sadly. I feel like children's books need a certain level of closure and this left me with a "what the eff" feeling. If this were read to a child, I wouldn't be sure what the take away message was. The illustrations were beautiful, but I just feel like it could have been so much more!
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A fun kid's book. I liked the nods to Christmas's pagan roots without being entirely overt. Also the art was lovely.
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I thought this was such a beautiful picture book about Santa Clause's twin sister. I love the illustrations and the pictures helped tell the story about twin siblings growing up in the forest alone with different abilities and one day they get separated and each of them go on their own destiny. I think this will become a Christmas must read and a classic.