A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig

Happy New Year to everyone and let me start with my first book review of 2022...

Whilst this may be a children’s book, I am a fan of Matt Haig and having watched the book’s adaptation into a film this Christmas, I wanted to read the book too.

This book tells a story in a time before there was a Father Christmas. Nikolas is a poor boy, who lives in the forest with his father Joel. Life is simple but they are happy together. However, things soon change when Joel leaves to go to a faraway land called Elfhelm, on a quest for the King, in return for a large sum of money. Nikolas is left in the care of his aunt Carlotta and he soon realises how little she cares for him and leaves the forest in search of his father. Taking with him his only friend Miika the mouse and a reindeer called Blitzen, he sets off on the long journey and soon meets his destiny. So as to avoid any spoilers, I will end my review of the story there.

I really enjoyed the way Haig has written this book and I think that children will love it! The story includes many humorous lines, some of which are a nod to the adults reading the book. Accompanying the text are numerous illustrations by Chris Mould which are an added bonus.

The story deals with the human world and a fantasy world of elves and is a story which deals with hope and magic but also touches on sadness and loss.

A wonderful book to read on the days and weeks leading up to Christmas.

Bewitched by Books Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️