Krampus: A Christmas Tale

by Scott McKenzie

I'm going to tell you a Christmas tale,
With a man who gives books and toys,
But this one's a little different,
It's been known to scare some girls and boys...

Krampus: A Christmas Tale is written by Scott McKenzie and illustrated by Phil Ives.

Genres: Christmas

Paperback

First published December 2, 2011

Reviews

[Anya Mackay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in Germany we knew "Krampus" as "Knecht Ruprecht" and I used to be petrified of him when I was younger. He used to come with St Nicolaus (Santa), who comes on 6th December. Back in the day some children were singled out at school and had to go up to the front at assembly and they were either praised by Santa and got a gift of chocolate or Knecht Ruprecht/Krampus would pull their ears and whack them with a bundle of twigs. As a shy child I was relieved never to have the honour to meet either up close.

The illustrations in the book are delightful and very detailed. To me Krampus looks more funny than scary, so children should cope. The text is simple and complements the pictures well. The book made me laugh and remember my childhood. We were told similar stories when we were yound. A delight for both adults and children alike.

Delighted to have won a copy in a Goodreads giveaway. Looking forward to reading it to my daughter next.

[Vivienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was delighted to receive this in a Goodreads giveaway. Physically it's a short book, with the main story only 16 pages long. Each page has a piece of text, partially rhyming, accompanied by large illustrations. The latter were the strongest part for me, always capturing the scene well. By contrast I found some of the text awkward, and also wondered how easily it would read aloud. Having said that, the book would be good to read to young children, and even starts with an adult doing just that. And it also has quite a strong moral message for youngsters: be good, or Krampus will bring you something horrid. That said, it is a scary book in places, and while children often enjoy being scared I would caution against reading this to any that are extremely young. But otherwise a strong thumbs-up from me.

[Taylor Leflore · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was younger and in that stage where you think you can do anything my mom told me about "Krampus" and I used to be petrified of him when I was younger. He was like the opposite of Santa who comes on 23rd of December. My mom told me that if you were good, Santa would give you toys or if you were a bad child Krampus would pull your ears and whack you with a bundle of twigs. So reading this book really takes be back of how I was so afraid of him when I was younger.

The illustrations in the book are delightful and very detailed. To me Krampus looks more funny than scary. The text is simple and complements the pictures well. The book made me laugh and remember my childhood. A delight for both adults and children

[susan murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but good really liked the book husband and son have also read it a good christmas book to get the children to behave and a twist on the Santa claus belief.

[Brandy Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good little book :)

It's a good rhyme. The basic message is to be good more than bad, which is good for kids to hear.

[Kylei Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

To short

I do not recommend this book it's to short and it may scare your child so don let ur kid read this

[Aaron Habib · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Good it was I think it wasn't creepy but a good tale to listen to

[Angie Lora Meza · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,8

[Ronald Weston · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short, illustrated Christmas poem, that somewhat misrepresents Krampus. Good for what it is, as a cautionary "tale". Fine, somewhat whimsical pictures.

[Paddy O'callaghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely hilarious. An excellent book for kids of all ages, and the adults who read it to them. A funny Dahl-esque moral tale.

[Helen Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book in the Goodreads giveaways.
An excellent short, rhyming story about Santa and his scary side kick, Krampus. Really enjoyed reading it.

[Nicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very short even with coloured pictures. Not what I expected. Probably better for small children.