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A review by annettebooksofhopeanddreams
Father Christmas and Me by Matt Haig
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!