The Christmas Thingy

by F. Paul Wilson, Alan M. Clark (Illustrator/Designer)

Eight-year-old Jessica Atkins wants a monster for Christmas. Not a big, mean monster; more of a friendly little one to play with when she comes home from school, and maybe scare away the mice who live in her big old London house.

But the old housekeeper, Mrs. Murgatroyd, warns her against wishing for a monster in this house. Exactly one hundred years ago the Christmas Thingy visited this very house and stole away with a load of Christmas presents.

As Mrs. Murgatroyd's mum used to "Like a rose must bloom and a pig must squeal, a cow must moo and a thingy must steal. It simply must."

Be careful what you wish for, Jessica...

The Christmas Thingy is a heartwarming story for children (and adults!) of all ages -- and a delightful fantasy for every day of the year!

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Fantasy

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

Francis Paul Wilson is an author, born in Jersey City, New Jersey. He writes novels and short stories primarily in the science fiction and horror genres. His debut novel was Healer (1976). Wilson is also a part-time practicing family physician. He made his first sales in 1970 to Analog and continued to write science fiction throughout the seventies. In 1981 he ventured into the horror genre with the international bestseller, The Keep, and helped define the field throughout the rest of the decade. In the 1990s he became a true genre hopper, moving from science fiction to horror to medical thrillers and branching into interactive scripting for Disney Interactive and other multimedia companies. He, along with Matthew J. Costello, created and scripted FTL Newsfeed which ran daily on the Sci-Fi Channel from 1992-1996.

http://us.macmillan.com/author/fpaulw...

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, once upon a time, F. Paul Wilson took a break from his horror and thriller books and penned a children's tale, including illustrations by Alan M. Clark. It was cute, probably more appealing to the small children it's aimed at, and a unique story with messages about friendship and whatnot.

[Pete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Where the Wild Things Are, this story is far more enjoyable for children than adults. I'd put the ideal reader age at 6+.

This story is designed to be read out loud and they recommend what voices to use. My son quite enjoyed the Thingy and the voices.

For an outstanding Christmas read, go with The Polar Express. When that's finished, grab The Christmas Thingy.

Sidebar, stealing is a centerpiece of the story. Also, recommended book title for a potty book, The Little Thingy.

[Scott Neumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun sweet little Christmas story, good for a read aloud on Christmas Eve with the family.

[Trina Talma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished our 10th anniversary reading of this book with my kids! We read it every year, half on Christmas Eve and the other on Christmas night. The first time we read it, the younger kid (then 5) had to be reassured that Thingy wouldn't turn up under the bed unless wished for. I hope to be reading this book to another generation at Christmas one day.

[Geoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a children's book. And, as one might expect, it was a cute little story. it was a well written original story accompanied by some nice illustrations. I'll keep this around to read to my nephew next year at Christmas.

[Shawn Deal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. Got a signed copy from the author. An absolute favorite author or mine. I had missed this one over the years. I loved this story great theme, great art work. Amatory for everyone.

[S.M. Boyce]

This story is both beautifully written and illustrated... and I don't even have kids. It's a worthy read for anyone who wants to believe in the impossible for a while.

[Michael Albanese · Rating 1 out of 5]

Short and predictable.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed sharing this with my nearly-six-year-old son & he had fun with the squamous little Xmas monster.

[Kellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and surprisingly sweet. I thought in the beginning that Thingy would annoy me, but the ending was very cute. I think this would make a great animated movie.

[mel toland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Merry Christmas!

A cute, heartwarming gift from f. Paul Wilson. Children will love it, and you might, too! Do yourself and your little a favour!

[Richard Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully simple story about friendship and the Christmas spirit.
While I agree that this is a children's story, it will be most enjoyable when read to them.

[Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice feel good story.

[Nari Goebel · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome!

It’s a very heartwarming tale! We read it aloud in one sitting and loved it! Thank you Mr. F. Paul Wilson!

[Paul Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little story for kids.