Summary
The origin story of Santa! A boy and his father, poor and struggling. An opportunity to change their fortunes. The abusive guardian. A dangerous journey. Good deeds. Hope. Loss. All of these elements – and more – make up the fairy-tale-like beginnings of Father Christmas!
Review
I really enjoyed this middle grade Christmas story. I definitely felt like I was reading a fairy tale. There’s even a Disney-esque quality to it where some amount of personal tragedy spurs the hero on his journey.
All of the classic Santa bits are here – elves, flying reindeer, gifts in stockings. But the author does a great job of doling them out in the service of the larger story. They aren’t just dumped in. (The reference to Rudolph was especially fun.)
The end of the book shifts focus from the story of Nikolas the boy to the quest of Nikolas the man to find his purpose. It almost feels like an extended epilogue or a bonus story. It feels different in tone from the larger story.
Rating: ♥♥♥♥
I think this would make a great seasonal read for families to enjoy together!