From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7–The leader of the Great Christmas Council, one Gerold Geronimus Goblynch, has outlawed all of the old, magical ways. Snowmobiles have replaced reindeer, elves and angels are banned, and noncompliant Santas are turned into chocolate. Niklas Goodfellow is the last real Santa. He and his ramshackle companions–two fat angels named Matilda and Emmanuel, an invisible reindeer, and a bunch of foulmouthed elves (steaming reindeer poo!)–are hiding from the Council. Luckily, local children Ben and Charlotte and Charlotte's dog, Mutt, join forces to save Niklas from a chocolatey fate. Funke's holiday fantasy, originally published in Germany in 1994, appeals on many levels and is surprisingly fresh. Howard's charming drawings, many full page, add just the right touch. Wonderfully imaginative details, adventure, danger, and a brave young Santa who fights to preserve all that is magical and special about Christmas make this a perfect read over a mug of hot chocolate on a cold winter's night.
–Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to an alternate
Hardcover
edition.
From AudioFile
Author Cornelia Funke (INKHEART) reads this fantastical Christmas fable capably in her German-accented voice, sounding smoky and confiding (and a little like Lena Olin). One of the last "true" santas, Niklas Goodfellow, crash-lands in a small town, and his invisible, marzipan-loving reindeer, Twinklestar, goes missing. Lonely kids Ben and Charlotte learn his identity, help save him from giant nutcrackers, and discover some real Christmas magic. Funke gives distinguishing voices to many of the characters, particularly Niklas's comical entourage-- plump angels Matilda and Emmanuel and a caravan full of wee grumbly elves. Get out the hot cocoa--this is charming seasonal listening for the whole family. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
--This text refers to the
Audio CD
edition.