The Advent Calendar

by Steven Croft, Sarah John (Illustrator)

Packed with codes, secrets, biblical parallels, and reminding us of the real meaning of Christmas, this enthralling and touching tale can be read on many levels, and will be loved by adults and children alike. When Alice’s Uncle Sam brings home a mysterious calendar that’s short on chocolate but big on surprises, she is thrown into an Advent she never dreamed of. Codes arrive by text message and open the doors in the calendar, drawing Alice and Sam into fantastical new worlds. Accompanied by famous figures from the Bible, they explore the great themes of Advent and Christianity and find themselves maturing, changing and questioning. Life in their own world will never be quite the same again.

Genres: Christmas, Fantasy, Christian

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2006

Reviews

[Lucy-Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has become part of my Advent traditions - I read it every year, and although the story is now very familiar to me, somehow it still surprises & challenges each year

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I borrowed this on a whim, not really knowing what to expect. And honestly, I'm struggling with exactly how to describe it... A self-absorbed man and his niece discover the true meaning of Christmas as they journey through a magical advent calendar? That makes it sound like a TV movie - and admittedly there are some bits that are a bit cheesy (and dated) but overall it's done very well, and I found myself really drawn in.

I would specifically recommend it for "lifer" Christians. I think we often become jaded in our faith as we lose a bit of wonder, and no longer marvel at the miracles.

My favorite scene: a land of darkness, as a small light appears. And the people's reaction: "But the people around them had never seen light at all, it seemed. Some reached forward straining towards the burning torch, fascinated by its glare. Others shrank back, shielding their eyes and looking for the familiar shadows."

[Chari · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite book

I decided to read The Advent Calendar when an online friend mentioned she planned to read it again this year, one chapter a day in December. I couldn’t stop at the end of chapter one. The writing style reminds me of C.S. Lewis.
This is not your usual Christmas story. It’s so much more. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to know “what all the fuss is about, anyone who is in need of a spiritual boost, or anyone who is well-settled.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening.

I would recommend this for everyone. I would also like to see this as an actual advent calendar for purchase.

[Lorraine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Giving this book a 21/2 stars. It wasn't what I expected and a bit disappointed. Although it had a good message it wasn't my favourite book.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an inspirational read to reflect upon the real meaning of Christmas!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost stopped reading this book, when I was 33% into reading it. I didn't much care for the two main characters. Alice and Sam weren't very nice people. I put the book up for several days to read something else. The book took on more interest as I continued to read. Sam and Alice were given an advent calendar. Sam would get a code each day on his cell phone. When the code was punched, they would be taken to a different reality, and they were taught about the gospel, without really knowing what they were learning. They had several different guides a long the way. Both of them started to change, and became better people. Alice and Sam became examples and helpers to others throughout their lives, because of the experiences they gained through the advent calendar adventures.

[Danada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this one 4 times already (at least) and intend to keep it as part of my Advent/and or Christmas tradition each year. I continue to gain new insight and always love following along with Alice and Sam as they explore the adventure of the Advent Calendar.

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting story. I really enjoyed the different visual stories for each day, and the character growth of Sam and Alice was excellent. a good read.