What do you think?
Rate this book
Christmas #1
A Boy Called Christmas
Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. . . . Lemony Snicket meets Klaus in this cheeky, Christmas classic-in-the-making that sparkles with wit and warmth!
Now a Netflix movie starring Kristen Wiig, Maggie Smith and Henry Lawfull!
Eleven-year-old Nikolas–nicknamed "Christmas"–has received only one toy in his a doll carved out of a turnip. But he's happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.
Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things-if only he can reach his father before it's too late. . . .
"Irresistibly readable. Destined to become a Christmas and anytime-before-or-after-Christmas classic!" – Chris Grabenstein, New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
"The definitive (and funny) history of ho, ho, ho! My children loved it." – Yann Martel, bestselling author of Life of Pi
"Matt Haig has an empathy for the human condition, the light and the dark of it, and he uses the full palette to build his excellent stories." – Neil Gaiman, Newbery-winning author of The Graveyard Book
Now a Netflix movie starring Kristen Wiig, Maggie Smith and Henry Lawfull!
Eleven-year-old Nikolas–nicknamed "Christmas"–has received only one toy in his a doll carved out of a turnip. But he's happy with his turnip doll, because it came from his parents, who love him. Then one day his father goes missing, and Nikolas must travel to the North Pole to save him.
Along the way, Nikolas befriends a surly reindeer, bests a troublesome troll, and discovers a hidden world of enchantment in the frozen village of Elfhelm. But the elves of Elfhelm have troubles of their Christmas spirit and goodwill are at an all-time low, and Nikolas may be the only person who can fix things-if only he can reach his father before it's too late. . . .
"Irresistibly readable. Destined to become a Christmas and anytime-before-or-after-Christmas classic!" – Chris Grabenstein, New York Times bestselling author of Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library
"The definitive (and funny) history of ho, ho, ho! My children loved it." – Yann Martel, bestselling author of Life of Pi
"Matt Haig has an empathy for the human condition, the light and the dark of it, and he uses the full palette to build his excellent stories." – Neil Gaiman, Newbery-winning author of The Graveyard Book
240 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2016
674 people are currently reading
19987 people want to read
About the author
Matt Haig
59 books47.9k followersMatt Haig is the author of novels such as The Midnight Library, How to Stop Time, The Humans, The Radleys, and the forthcoming The Life Impossible. He has also written books for children, such as A Boy Called Christmas, and the memoir Reasons to Stay Alive.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,495 reviews
December 14, 2016
Look at these sweet little kids talking about the book on Youtube!
YouTube Video
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Okay, so I got this audio version through the BLOGGING FOR BOOKS program! Thank you!
I very rarely listen to audio books any more because I just don't remember things and can't spell very well. I actually thought this was the hardback, BUT <--- I loved it because the narrator is STEPHEN FRY! I love Stephen Fry and he narrates perfectly!
I loved Nikolas and his story! It's funny and sad!
The story talks about what happened to Nikolas mother which I'm not going to tell you. And about his father being a woodcutter but taking off one day with a band of peeps to go find elves. He leaves Nikolas with his horrible aunt until one day Nikolas and his little mouse friend head out in search of his father.
They run into a reindeer that is hurt and after fixing him up the reindeer joins their journey. And no, it's not Rudolph. I'm not telling you!
When they finally get to Elfhelm they find out that things are not as they should be. The elves are in a state, an elf child was stolen and some bad things are going on all around.
Then eventually all good things start to happen (well not a couple of parts, but I digress) and the book finishes up with how Santa Claus became to be. I loved it, I loved it, I loved it!
There are parts about going to the loo and poo that are quite funny. I just had to mention that!
And...... because I saw how beautiful the pictures were when you look inside the book on Amazon AND looking at all the pictures on google, um...I went to Book Depository and bought the box set! The box set has the hard back of both "The Boy Called Christmas" and "The Girl Who Saved Christmas." The cover of that book looks awesome too.
I really loved the story this author wrote and I'm excited to re-read the actual book. I will doing another review when I do!
I leave you with some of the art work!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
YouTube Video
OMG! OMG! OMG!
Okay, so I got this audio version through the BLOGGING FOR BOOKS program! Thank you!
I very rarely listen to audio books any more because I just don't remember things and can't spell very well. I actually thought this was the hardback, BUT <--- I loved it because the narrator is STEPHEN FRY! I love Stephen Fry and he narrates perfectly!
I loved Nikolas and his story! It's funny and sad!
The story talks about what happened to Nikolas mother which I'm not going to tell you. And about his father being a woodcutter but taking off one day with a band of peeps to go find elves. He leaves Nikolas with his horrible aunt until one day Nikolas and his little mouse friend head out in search of his father.
They run into a reindeer that is hurt and after fixing him up the reindeer joins their journey. And no, it's not Rudolph. I'm not telling you!
When they finally get to Elfhelm they find out that things are not as they should be. The elves are in a state, an elf child was stolen and some bad things are going on all around.
Then eventually all good things start to happen (well not a couple of parts, but I digress) and the book finishes up with how Santa Claus became to be. I loved it, I loved it, I loved it!
There are parts about going to the loo and poo that are quite funny. I just had to mention that!
And...... because I saw how beautiful the pictures were when you look inside the book on Amazon AND looking at all the pictures on google, um...I went to Book Depository and bought the box set! The box set has the hard back of both "The Boy Called Christmas" and "The Girl Who Saved Christmas." The cover of that book looks awesome too.
I really loved the story this author wrote and I'm excited to re-read the actual book. I will doing another review when I do!
I leave you with some of the art work!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT! ♥
MY BLOG: Melissa Martin's Reading List
December 21, 2019
The best Christmas story ever written!
This one goes to my all-time-favourite shelf.
I loved it so much! ❤🎅⛄❄💝💕
This one goes to my all-time-favourite shelf.
I loved it so much! ❤🎅⛄❄💝💕
December 1, 2021
oh man, this was such a wonderful Christmas book <3
I think this is such an amazing middle grade read that teaches you about good and bad, love and friendship, and the power of believing in yourself and believing in magic.
What a perfect book to start 2018 with! (and yes, who cares that it's about Christmas?! Christmas books can be read all year round <3). I'm already so ready for Christmas 2018 haha!
*update on December 3rd 2018*
I reread it and loved it just as much! SO READY FOR CHRISTMAS!
I think this is such an amazing middle grade read that teaches you about good and bad, love and friendship, and the power of believing in yourself and believing in magic.
What a perfect book to start 2018 with! (and yes, who cares that it's about Christmas?! Christmas books can be read all year round <3). I'm already so ready for Christmas 2018 haha!
*update on December 3rd 2018*
I reread it and loved it just as much! SO READY FOR CHRISTMAS!
August 27, 2024
Christmas in July
As a diehard member of the-book-was-better club, it pains me to say that in this case, the film is 100% better. And I'm not even taking Michiel Huisman's height into account. Mostly.
While I know The Midnight Library is hit or miss for so many of you, that was easily one of the fastest five stars I've ever given. I had expected a little holiday magic from this one, and was thoroughly disappointed that it fell flat.
I think film Nikolas/Christmas is more fully fleshed out than the book version. I was going to say dad was better in the film, too, but again, Michiel. So I may be biased on that account.
Team Miika
As a diehard member of the-book-was-better club, it pains me to say that in this case, the film is 100% better. And I'm not even taking Michiel Huisman's height into account. Mostly.
While I know The Midnight Library is hit or miss for so many of you, that was easily one of the fastest five stars I've ever given. I had expected a little holiday magic from this one, and was thoroughly disappointed that it fell flat.
I think film Nikolas/Christmas is more fully fleshed out than the book version. I was going to say dad was better in the film, too, but again, Michiel. So I may be biased on that account.
Team Miika
December 9, 2022
This book is a wonderful holiday read for all ages. If you have ever wondered about where Santa Claus came from, this book is for your. A young boy named Nicholas goes on an impossible (yes, I know this is an elf swearword) to find the Elf Village. His father has gone on ahead. Will he be able to find the village and his father? He will have help from a reindeer who he names Blitzen. In this story you will learn about spickle dancing, The Daily Snow, how elves stay at a particular age, and so much more. . . Most of all you will discover why the joy of giving is the spirit of Christmas. Now I want to watch the Netflix production based on this book and read the sequel: The Girl Who Saved Christmas.
Reposting now that I have gotten a chance to read A Mouse Called Miika and learn about Urga-burga cheese. 🧀
Reposting now that I have gotten a chance to read A Mouse Called Miika and learn about Urga-burga cheese. 🧀
December 3, 2017
Can you believe there was a time when no one in the world knew about him? A time when he was just an ordinary boy called Nikolas, living in the middle of nowhere, or the middle of Finland, doing nothing with magic except believing in it? A boy who knew very little about the world except the taste of mushroom soup, the feel of a cold north wind, and the stories he was told. And who only had a doll made out of a turnip to play with. But life was going to change for Nikolas, in ways he could never have imagined. Things were going to happen to him. Good things. Bad things. But if you are one of those people who believe that some things are impossible, you should put this book down right away. It is most certainly not for you. Because this book is full of impossible things. Are you still reading this? Good. (Elves would be proud.) Then let us begin.
I loved reading this so much that before I was halfway through I ordered copies for several people.
A perfect Christmas story for any age, really. Filled with a magical adventure, reindeer, snow, elves, trolls and pixies, and oodles of charm. It’s not without some difficult situations which rather beautifully illustrate the theme that impossible is just an old elf swear word, and that if you truly believe in what you’ve set out to do, nothing is impossible.
The illustrations, which are enchanting, really add to this story, and are perfect.
Many thanks to Annet, whose review inspired me to read this.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I loved reading this so much that before I was halfway through I ordered copies for several people.
A perfect Christmas story for any age, really. Filled with a magical adventure, reindeer, snow, elves, trolls and pixies, and oodles of charm. It’s not without some difficult situations which rather beautifully illustrate the theme that impossible is just an old elf swear word, and that if you truly believe in what you’ve set out to do, nothing is impossible.
The illustrations, which are enchanting, really add to this story, and are perfect.
Many thanks to Annet, whose review inspired me to read this.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
April 29, 2023
Merry Christmas ✨
Right so because the book is about Father Christmas and I was really curious about his story. Matt Haig has written an incredible story! It's heartbreaking throughout the narration but it's so full of hope till the end.
This story tells the story of a poor boy, Nicholas, who lived with his father trying hard to make both ends meet everyday. They had so little yet they were satisfied living together.
However, things changed when his father had to leave to a faraway land in a quest which promised to bring far more money if he succeeded.
Things turned out in a way that neither expected. Nicholas' aunt neglected and harrassed him until he couldn't bear any longer. He left home and thus begins the story of one of the most adventurous reads!
I like the writing so much! It's almost like everything is happening in front of you while you're reading the book. The illustrations! Yes, they are done so well. All my love to the artist, Chris Mould.
I love how the story deals with both the human world and a fantastical world of elves and many other fantastical characters. It's well-balanced.
I love how the story deals with a range of emotions as well as the concepts of loyalty and hope with such zeal and sincerity.
There would be moments where you shed a tear or two but ultimately you would feel good as you keep on reading the book because all this book would do is to give you hope and immense warmth towards the end. Such a gem!
💝 Merry Christmas 🌨️🎄
Today will remain memorable for years to come.
This book is special and so written well. Matt haig and his adventurous stories with lots of life quotes in between.
*I have to watch the new episode of Tharntype season 2. Thoughts on the book will be up by tomorrow.
Right so because the book is about Father Christmas and I was really curious about his story. Matt Haig has written an incredible story! It's heartbreaking throughout the narration but it's so full of hope till the end.
This story tells the story of a poor boy, Nicholas, who lived with his father trying hard to make both ends meet everyday. They had so little yet they were satisfied living together.
However, things changed when his father had to leave to a faraway land in a quest which promised to bring far more money if he succeeded.
Things turned out in a way that neither expected. Nicholas' aunt neglected and harrassed him until he couldn't bear any longer. He left home and thus begins the story of one of the most adventurous reads!
I like the writing so much! It's almost like everything is happening in front of you while you're reading the book. The illustrations! Yes, they are done so well. All my love to the artist, Chris Mould.
I love how the story deals with both the human world and a fantastical world of elves and many other fantastical characters. It's well-balanced.
I love how the story deals with a range of emotions as well as the concepts of loyalty and hope with such zeal and sincerity.
There would be moments where you shed a tear or two but ultimately you would feel good as you keep on reading the book because all this book would do is to give you hope and immense warmth towards the end. Such a gem!
💝 Merry Christmas 🌨️🎄
Today will remain memorable for years to come.
This book is special and so written well. Matt haig and his adventurous stories with lots of life quotes in between.
*I have to watch the new episode of Tharntype season 2. Thoughts on the book will be up by tomorrow.
January 30, 2021
1.) A Boy Called Christmas ★★★★★
2.) The Girl Who Saved Christmas ★★★★
3.) Father Christmas and Me ★★★★
1.) The Truth Pixie ★★★★
2.) The Truth Pixie Goes to School ★★★.5
-----------------------------------------------
What an absolute delight. Matt Haig is just incredible. I also highly recommend the audiobook narrated by (my fave) Stephen Fry! :')
2.) The Girl Who Saved Christmas ★★★★
3.) Father Christmas and Me ★★★★
1.) The Truth Pixie ★★★★
2.) The Truth Pixie Goes to School ★★★.5
-----------------------------------------------
What an absolute delight. Matt Haig is just incredible. I also highly recommend the audiobook narrated by (my fave) Stephen Fry! :')
December 13, 2021
This is a delightful middle grade children's book about the origins of Father Christmas, written at the children's level but with some wonderfully sarky comments from time to time which only the parents would understand. It was very entertaining.
Nikolas is a boy who is neglected and ill treated by the adults in his life, and who suffers in extreme poverty. His only toys are a wooden sled made by his father and a doll carved out of a turnip by his mother. A series of events lead to him meeting a reindeer he names Blitzen who takes him to the home of the elves. A lot more happens before he becomes the jolly man in the red suit including more reindeer (one with a strange red nose) and a magical escape up a chimney.
This a perfect book to read at Christmas. I understand the audio is read by Stephen Fry and that there is a good movie version too. Maybe I will look out for those next Christmas.
Nikolas is a boy who is neglected and ill treated by the adults in his life, and who suffers in extreme poverty. His only toys are a wooden sled made by his father and a doll carved out of a turnip by his mother. A series of events lead to him meeting a reindeer he names Blitzen who takes him to the home of the elves. A lot more happens before he becomes the jolly man in the red suit including more reindeer (one with a strange red nose) and a magical escape up a chimney.
This a perfect book to read at Christmas. I understand the audio is read by Stephen Fry and that there is a good movie version too. Maybe I will look out for those next Christmas.
December 25, 2019
Perfect book to finish reading at 1.30am on Christmas morning!
December 24, 2016
Impossible - an old elf swear word :-)
Great Xmas story, out of the box!
Including elves, trolls, pixies and reindeers....
The drawings are just beautiful and cute.
Fun, although also a bit sad here and there....
All in the spirit of Xmas.
A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and an eleven-year-old boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic.
My name is Father Christmas. When I was your age I was called Nikolas. There will be a lot of people in your life who will tell you to 'grow up'or to insist that you stop believing in MAGIC. Do NOT listen to these people. There IS magic in this world. ....Now, go and spread the word. Merry Christmas! Yours, F.C.
He wrote the three bestselling books of the decade in Elfhelm, over twenty-seven copies each. 'How to be jolly: The Father Christmas Guide to Happiness', 'Sleighcraft for Dummies' and 'The Reindeer Whisperer'.
Great Xmas story, out of the box!
Including elves, trolls, pixies and reindeers....
The drawings are just beautiful and cute.
Fun, although also a bit sad here and there....
All in the spirit of Xmas.
A Boy Called Christmas is a tale of adventure, snow, kidnapping, elves, more snow, and an eleven-year-old boy called Nikolas, who isn't afraid to believe in magic.
My name is Father Christmas. When I was your age I was called Nikolas. There will be a lot of people in your life who will tell you to 'grow up'or to insist that you stop believing in MAGIC. Do NOT listen to these people. There IS magic in this world. ....Now, go and spread the word. Merry Christmas! Yours, F.C.
He wrote the three bestselling books of the decade in Elfhelm, over twenty-seven copies each. 'How to be jolly: The Father Christmas Guide to Happiness', 'Sleighcraft for Dummies' and 'The Reindeer Whisperer'.
February 6, 2017
Wonderful Christmas book to keep. One of my favorite Christmas books. ♡ the illustrations. Will read again! :)
5*****
5*****
December 8, 2020
After adoring Matt Haig's "The Midnight Library" this year, I decided to work my way through his back catalog. What a delight to find that he's written a few holiday-themed middle grade novels!
"A Boy Called Christmas" tells the origin story of Santa Claus/Father Christmas, starting back when he was a just a wee boy named Nikolas in Finland. There's magic, adventure, peril, heartbreak, snowy scenes, cozy moments, and a perfectly plotted ending.
The blurb sums it up so well: Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. Lemony Snicket meets Elf in this warmhearted Christmas caper.
Families should take note that the audiobook is narrated by Stephen Fry. This would make a wonderful listen in the car while heading to and fro in December.
"A Boy Called Christmas" tells the origin story of Santa Claus/Father Christmas, starting back when he was a just a wee boy named Nikolas in Finland. There's magic, adventure, peril, heartbreak, snowy scenes, cozy moments, and a perfectly plotted ending.
The blurb sums it up so well: Before there was Santa Claus, there was a young boy who believed in the impossible. Lemony Snicket meets Elf in this warmhearted Christmas caper.
Families should take note that the audiobook is narrated by Stephen Fry. This would make a wonderful listen in the car while heading to and fro in December.
December 8, 2021
"Impossible. —An old elf swearword"
This book is as sweet as a Christmas sugar cookie!!! 🎅🏻🌟🎄
Matt Haig was so clever in retelling how "Santa" or "Father Christmas" came to be!! I read this, wanting to get into the Christmas spirit, and it definitely worked it's magic!! 🌟
I loved how charming and beautiful the illustrations were by Chris Mould!! The drawings really added to my enjoyment of the story!! (Which I hope they would being an Illustration student myself! 🤣)
I have a feeling that reading this book will become a new Christmas tradition!! 🎄🎅🏻💕
This book is as sweet as a Christmas sugar cookie!!! 🎅🏻🌟🎄
Matt Haig was so clever in retelling how "Santa" or "Father Christmas" came to be!! I read this, wanting to get into the Christmas spirit, and it definitely worked it's magic!! 🌟
I loved how charming and beautiful the illustrations were by Chris Mould!! The drawings really added to my enjoyment of the story!! (Which I hope they would being an Illustration student myself! 🤣)
I have a feeling that reading this book will become a new Christmas tradition!! 🎄🎅🏻💕
December 10, 2020
Am plâns, am râs, am zburat cu renii, m-am certat cu un trol, m-am împrietenit cu un spiriduș și chiar am simțit căldura aceea tipică sărbătorilor. Minunată poveste! Perfectă pentru copii, pentru adulți, pentru bătrâni, elfi, reni, oameni răi și buni, pentru cei care nu cred și pentru cei care nu mai speră. Perfectă, pur și simplu! Știu că fiecare percepe altfel o carte, dar nu știu cum ar putea cineva să nu găsească măcar câteva pagini în cartea asta, care să-i schimbe starea. Trebuie, trebuie, trebuie să o citiți! Recenzia aici: https://sandradeaconu.blogspot.com/20....
,,Să pierzi pe cineva iubit e cel mai cumplit lucru din lume. Se face o gaură invizibilă prin care simți cum cazi și care pare interminabilă. Oamenii pe care îi iubești fac lumea reală și durabilă, iar când ei dispar odată pentru totdeauna, nimic nu mai pare durabil.''
,,Să pierzi pe cineva iubit e cel mai cumplit lucru din lume. Se face o gaură invizibilă prin care simți cum cazi și care pare interminabilă. Oamenii pe care îi iubești fac lumea reală și durabilă, iar când ei dispar odată pentru totdeauna, nimic nu mai pare durabil.''
December 9, 2024
I’d give this a solid 4. I watched the movie first and absolutely loved it but the book was a little flatter than expected. It was big as fun to read for myself as it was to read as a story to my 8 year old, so in that sense it was pretty good.
I took off a star because the magical holiday element seemed to be lacking for me but the message about not having and making do without was really inspiring.
I enjoyed the story overall and will definitely read the others books in the series to my kids.
I took off a star because the magical holiday element seemed to be lacking for me but the message about not having and making do without was really inspiring.
I enjoyed the story overall and will definitely read the others books in the series to my kids.
December 19, 2021
This delightful children's book on the origin of Father Christmas has been lingering on my kindle for a couple of years waiting to be read one Christmas and now with the movie release, I've finally remembered to do just that.
Matt Haig's wonderful imagination tells us how an impoverished boy called Nikolas, born on Christmas Day came to live at the North Pole, befriend the elves, capture some of their magic and start the tradition of bringing gifts to the world's children. It's a gorgeous story with a lot of humour for both adults and children and lovely illustrations (that are teeny tiny on the kindle, so give yourself a treat and buy the book or even better also buy the audio by Stephen Fry).
Matt Haig's wonderful imagination tells us how an impoverished boy called Nikolas, born on Christmas Day came to live at the North Pole, befriend the elves, capture some of their magic and start the tradition of bringing gifts to the world's children. It's a gorgeous story with a lot of humour for both adults and children and lovely illustrations (that are teeny tiny on the kindle, so give yourself a treat and buy the book or even better also buy the audio by Stephen Fry).
November 21, 2021
*** 4 Stars ***
Even though this is a children's book, I really enjoyed it.
It's the type of story I imagine a grandfather reading to the grandchildren on Christmas Eve, around the tree ❤️🎄🎅
If you can, go for the audiobook. It's narrated by Stephen Fry and it's a delight to listen to!
Even though this is a children's book, I really enjoyed it.
It's the type of story I imagine a grandfather reading to the grandchildren on Christmas Eve, around the tree ❤️🎄🎅
If you can, go for the audiobook. It's narrated by Stephen Fry and it's a delight to listen to!
December 15, 2021
Reread 2021: I'd forgotten so much if this, so it was fun to experience it all over again. Highly recommend the audio narrated by Stephen Fry. He's very good at elf voices.
3.5 stars
At times funny, at times heart breaking, A Boy Called Christmas is the story of Nicholas who sets out on a treacherous journey to find his father, and ends up finding something much more magical in the process.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially the characters, I found it to be a story of two halves. In the beginning we have this build up of Nicholas setting off in the cold, alone, to search for his father after his horrible aunt has forced him to live outside. He's a good hearted boy, but lonely in a way. His only friend is a cheese obsessed mouse and a reindeer. We see the group struggle to survive the harsh environment, until finally the reach a safe haven. Or so they think. It's a great story, fast paced and witty with all the charm of a traditional winter story. However, when this storyline wraps up we get another 50 pages of the aftermath. Although this was nice, I found it rather unnecessarily long winded for something that could have been summed up in a paragraph. After lots of action, it's rather sedate.
However, as I said I loved the characters - especially the elves, pixies and animals Nicholas encounters. There's some really funny dialogue, usually from a certain truth pixie who likes to see heads explode, that really had me laughing. Sometimes having to always tell the truth us definitely a pain.
Charming, bitter sweet and perfect for the Christmas season.
3.5 stars
At times funny, at times heart breaking, A Boy Called Christmas is the story of Nicholas who sets out on a treacherous journey to find his father, and ends up finding something much more magical in the process.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed this, especially the characters, I found it to be a story of two halves. In the beginning we have this build up of Nicholas setting off in the cold, alone, to search for his father after his horrible aunt has forced him to live outside. He's a good hearted boy, but lonely in a way. His only friend is a cheese obsessed mouse and a reindeer. We see the group struggle to survive the harsh environment, until finally the reach a safe haven. Or so they think. It's a great story, fast paced and witty with all the charm of a traditional winter story. However, when this storyline wraps up we get another 50 pages of the aftermath. Although this was nice, I found it rather unnecessarily long winded for something that could have been summed up in a paragraph. After lots of action, it's rather sedate.
However, as I said I loved the characters - especially the elves, pixies and animals Nicholas encounters. There's some really funny dialogue, usually from a certain truth pixie who likes to see heads explode, that really had me laughing. Sometimes having to always tell the truth us definitely a pain.
Charming, bitter sweet and perfect for the Christmas season.
December 22, 2016
O carte frumoasă ca o dorință pe care o așterni pe scrisoarea adresată Moșului. Nu este o capodoperă literară, în sensul că nu veți descoperi bijuterii stilistice, dar veți găsi FERICIRE. Și aromă de copilărie și de sărbătoare. Ah, și multă magie!
December 13, 2022
Pur și simplu magică!!!
"O imposibilitate este doar o posibilitate pe care încă nu ai înțeles-o.""
O carte plină de emoție și despre lucrurile care se întâmplă dacă le dăm crezare din tot sufletul. ❤️
"O imposibilitate este doar o posibilitate pe care încă nu ai înțeles-o.""
O carte plină de emoție și despre lucrurile care se întâmplă dacă le dăm crezare din tot sufletul. ❤️
December 14, 2021
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
A Boy Called Christmas is the first book in a series of three Christmas books from author Matt Haig with ‘The Girl who Saved Christmas’ and ‘Father Christmas and Me‘ being the second and third books.
In this story, we meet eleven-year-old Nikolas who is called Christmas by his family because he was born on Christmas Day. He lives in a remote hut in Finland with his father and his only friend, a little mouse called Miika.
When his father is offered a lot of money to take a group of men north to locate a magical city called Elfhelm and prove to the King that elves really do exist, he leaves Nikolas behind with his nasty aunt who treats him badly. Refusing to put up with her behaviour, Nikolas sets out to find his father through the bleak and cold landscape but discovers much more.
A Boy Called Christmas is a wonderfully festive middle-grade story that has recently been made into a movie (I’m yet to watch it). When I began writing this review I realised that I had read book three in the series back in 2017 and for some reason, I had forgotten, even with some of the same characters making an appearance!
The tale is beautifully told and is a special take on how Father Christmas came to the world. The book is one long adventure with magic swirling around it, complete with a feeling of joy and hope. There are also plenty of amazing and enchanting illustrations to look at too.
The book has a lot of charm within it and plenty of fun characters, including pixies, reindeer, trolls, elves, and hunters. This is the perfect story to pick up to get you into the Christmas spirit. Imaginatively written, this is one book that will stay with children for a long after they have finished reading it.
A Boy Called Christmas is the first book in a series of three Christmas books from author Matt Haig with ‘The Girl who Saved Christmas’ and ‘Father Christmas and Me‘ being the second and third books.
In this story, we meet eleven-year-old Nikolas who is called Christmas by his family because he was born on Christmas Day. He lives in a remote hut in Finland with his father and his only friend, a little mouse called Miika.
When his father is offered a lot of money to take a group of men north to locate a magical city called Elfhelm and prove to the King that elves really do exist, he leaves Nikolas behind with his nasty aunt who treats him badly. Refusing to put up with her behaviour, Nikolas sets out to find his father through the bleak and cold landscape but discovers much more.
A Boy Called Christmas is a wonderfully festive middle-grade story that has recently been made into a movie (I’m yet to watch it). When I began writing this review I realised that I had read book three in the series back in 2017 and for some reason, I had forgotten, even with some of the same characters making an appearance!
The tale is beautifully told and is a special take on how Father Christmas came to the world. The book is one long adventure with magic swirling around it, complete with a feeling of joy and hope. There are also plenty of amazing and enchanting illustrations to look at too.
The book has a lot of charm within it and plenty of fun characters, including pixies, reindeer, trolls, elves, and hunters. This is the perfect story to pick up to get you into the Christmas spirit. Imaginatively written, this is one book that will stay with children for a long after they have finished reading it.
July 4, 2025
I am a big Matt Haig fan. I rated The Life Impossible five stars and The Midnight Library four stars. I listened to A Boy Called Christmas on audiobook. It is a terrific children's story about how Father Christmas came to be with a storyline that includes elves, a kidnapping, poverty, hope, and those who attempt to destroy goodness and hope.
My only criticism is that the references to pissing, reindeer dung, and chamber toilets may not have been necessary. However, I know that young children and grade school children have a fascination with bodily functions.
The young boy, Nikolas, is a terrific protagonist who is filled with determination, ingenuity, and hope.
My only criticism is that the references to pissing, reindeer dung, and chamber toilets may not have been necessary. However, I know that young children and grade school children have a fascination with bodily functions.
The young boy, Nikolas, is a terrific protagonist who is filled with determination, ingenuity, and hope.
December 17, 2021
“Are they real, Papa?” Nicholas asked.
“Yes. I’ve never seen them,” his father said, sincerely, “but I believe they are. And sometimes believing is as good as knowing.” (a conversation regarding elves).
Occasionally I read a story that makes me wish and wish that I could roll back time and be sitting with my granddaughters right before bedtime and reading them a story again. This is one of those stories; one I would like to share with someone young who still believes.
The illustrations in this book are wonderful. Regardless of your age, treat your inner child to this one.
“Yes. I’ve never seen them,” his father said, sincerely, “but I believe they are. And sometimes believing is as good as knowing.” (a conversation regarding elves).
Occasionally I read a story that makes me wish and wish that I could roll back time and be sitting with my granddaughters right before bedtime and reading them a story again. This is one of those stories; one I would like to share with someone young who still believes.
The illustrations in this book are wonderful. Regardless of your age, treat your inner child to this one.
November 27, 2021
matt haig stop making me cry challenge
December 2, 2021
Ovaj roman je za one koji nisu znali istinitu priču o Djedu Božićnjaku ili Djedu Mrazu te o tome kako je nastao Božić. Čarobnost ove knjige je na visokoj razini tako da si uzmete to u obzir pri odabiru za čitanje onima koji čvrsto stoje na zemlji. Napomena: mogli bi čitajući odlebdjeti s pozitivom i u teškim trenutcima. Dječak zvan Božić avanturistička je priča o snijegu, otmici, vilenjacima i što je najbitnije, o jedanaestogodišnjem dječaku koji vjeruje u nemoguće.
Cijeli osvrt pronađite ovdje: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c... .
Cijeli osvrt pronađite ovdje: https://knjige-u-svom-filmu.webador.c... .
December 25, 2017
This is a full on Children's book and I absolutely loved it! Also lovely illustrations to go with the story. Great Christmas read!
December 22, 2020
Eine ganz wunderbare und herzerwärmende Geschichte,die in jedes Bücherregal gehört. Matt Haig kann es einfach,nicht nur mit seinen Erwachsenen Romanen,auch mit der Geschichte von Nikolas hat er mein Herz berührt, mich Lachen lassen und nochmal Kind sein lassen. Absolute Leseempfehlung.
December 17, 2015
There may be a more adulty review from me at some stage but I wouldn’t count on it as right now I’m a big kid again.
A Boy Called Christmas is, as my son Harry put it upon finishing , “absolutely awesome”.
I could probably leave it there. Harry is 8. He knows more than me on these things, I bow to his superior knowledge. But as it is a sort of review, I’ll expand a bit.
Lots of people have talked about how wonderful and magical it is (true)
Others have mentioned that it has its darker moments. (also true)
What I’d like to say (apart from Matt Haig you TOTALLY rock) goes more towards my reading experience of it – this was very much a family affair, two tiny terrors, one often harassed looking mother, bedtime, a chapter or two. Read out loud, through much laughter (not always at the story, Harry’s sounding out of the occasional word he’s unsure of can end up changing the entire meaning of the universe) a lot of going back and reading bits again that we loved and eventually a hot chocolate and marshmallow finish.
If you like reading with your children, if you like a story to read with them that will utterly engage them AND you (this is a book for kids of any age), that offers so much more than just a darn good yarn (want to know about Ho Ho Ho? Yeah you do..) then I would highly recommend this one. Its one that you know you can cope with the million and one times your children are going to want to hear it again. Or read it again themselves and shout about it.
For me, A Boy Called Christmas is the literary equivalent of Love Actually. You’ll sneakily read it all year round upon occasion but come Christmas it’ll be one of the things that define the holiday season for you. Which reminds me…it’s probably time to dig out the Richard Curtis collection…
A classic in the making? Oh I would think so. I mean none of us will be around to be sure, so actually why the heck not confidentally say that this book will still be read in 100 years and loved by future generations. I believe it.
On a slightly more serious note – this is truly excellent. In every way you can think of and then a few more ways on top of that too. The writing is great, the story is oh so terrific, an imaginative journey, a new take on an age old tale and as such is incredibly powerful.
Back to the important stuff – I’m a bit (ok a lot) bah humbug. But occasionally the Christmas Spirit (the REAL one not the commercial rubbish or the endless pressure to conform and be GODARN HAPPY its that time of year) gets driven into my heart by something. This book did it. So theres that. Its ok…it’ll wear off. Which presumably means I’ll then have to read it again. Perhaps on my own this time.
A great gift this Christmas. A beautiful looking book that does exactly what it says on the tin.
Happy Christmas Reading Folks!
Darn is it the 17th December already? I need to find myself an elf….
A Boy Called Christmas is, as my son Harry put it upon finishing , “absolutely awesome”.
I could probably leave it there. Harry is 8. He knows more than me on these things, I bow to his superior knowledge. But as it is a sort of review, I’ll expand a bit.
Lots of people have talked about how wonderful and magical it is (true)
Others have mentioned that it has its darker moments. (also true)
What I’d like to say (apart from Matt Haig you TOTALLY rock) goes more towards my reading experience of it – this was very much a family affair, two tiny terrors, one often harassed looking mother, bedtime, a chapter or two. Read out loud, through much laughter (not always at the story, Harry’s sounding out of the occasional word he’s unsure of can end up changing the entire meaning of the universe) a lot of going back and reading bits again that we loved and eventually a hot chocolate and marshmallow finish.
If you like reading with your children, if you like a story to read with them that will utterly engage them AND you (this is a book for kids of any age), that offers so much more than just a darn good yarn (want to know about Ho Ho Ho? Yeah you do..) then I would highly recommend this one. Its one that you know you can cope with the million and one times your children are going to want to hear it again. Or read it again themselves and shout about it.
For me, A Boy Called Christmas is the literary equivalent of Love Actually. You’ll sneakily read it all year round upon occasion but come Christmas it’ll be one of the things that define the holiday season for you. Which reminds me…it’s probably time to dig out the Richard Curtis collection…
A classic in the making? Oh I would think so. I mean none of us will be around to be sure, so actually why the heck not confidentally say that this book will still be read in 100 years and loved by future generations. I believe it.
On a slightly more serious note – this is truly excellent. In every way you can think of and then a few more ways on top of that too. The writing is great, the story is oh so terrific, an imaginative journey, a new take on an age old tale and as such is incredibly powerful.
Back to the important stuff – I’m a bit (ok a lot) bah humbug. But occasionally the Christmas Spirit (the REAL one not the commercial rubbish or the endless pressure to conform and be GODARN HAPPY its that time of year) gets driven into my heart by something. This book did it. So theres that. Its ok…it’ll wear off. Which presumably means I’ll then have to read it again. Perhaps on my own this time.
A great gift this Christmas. A beautiful looking book that does exactly what it says on the tin.
Happy Christmas Reading Folks!
Darn is it the 17th December already? I need to find myself an elf….
March 23, 2023
Bookstagram Review: https://www.instagram.com/p/CprkytnI_cW/
I simply adored this story of Santa Claus, thought and crafted by none other than Matt Haig.
A boy called Christmas is the first book in the series, and even though it had ridiculous lines at times, hence the fact I took out half a 🌟, the story overall warmed me up from inside out and excited me!
We have the perspective of Nikolas, a boy from a poor family, his mom dead, living with his father who is a lumberjack and with Miika the mouse (who only thought of cheese 🧀).
One day, someone arrives and wants to take Nikolas' dad into an adventure to discover if Fairy land (called differently) truly exists, and gain some money out of it.
Long story short, he leaves and let his sister, Nikolas' aunt to take care of him. Except she is a mean soul that puts Nikolas to sleep outside every night in the cold.
At one point he decides to go into the same journey and find his father.
And from here things get a lot more exciting!
I adored his journey and the illustrations, especially a map that was beautifully drawn out. As for the characters, Truth Pixie was so funny and I also loved the reindeer and Nikolas himself.
4.5 stars.
Looking forward to the next book! ❄
I simply adored this story of Santa Claus, thought and crafted by none other than Matt Haig.
A boy called Christmas is the first book in the series, and even though it had ridiculous lines at times, hence the fact I took out half a 🌟, the story overall warmed me up from inside out and excited me!
We have the perspective of Nikolas, a boy from a poor family, his mom dead, living with his father who is a lumberjack and with Miika the mouse (who only thought of cheese 🧀).
One day, someone arrives and wants to take Nikolas' dad into an adventure to discover if Fairy land (called differently) truly exists, and gain some money out of it.
Long story short, he leaves and let his sister, Nikolas' aunt to take care of him. Except she is a mean soul that puts Nikolas to sleep outside every night in the cold.
At one point he decides to go into the same journey and find his father.
And from here things get a lot more exciting!
I adored his journey and the illustrations, especially a map that was beautifully drawn out. As for the characters, Truth Pixie was so funny and I also loved the reindeer and Nikolas himself.
4.5 stars.
Looking forward to the next book! ❄
Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,495 reviews