Blogmas Day 14: Middle Grade Christmas (mini) Books Reviews and Movie Pairings

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NUTCRACKED

Enter the magical world of The Nutcracker in a whole new way with this perfect Christmas stocking stuffer!

Christmastime, ballet, and magic! Georgie has waited for this moment her whole life–to dance the part of Clara in The Nutcracker ballet. And when she finally gets the part, it’s like a dream come true. . . .

Literally.

Every time Georgie dances with the Nutcracker doll, she leaves the ballet studio and enters a world where everything around her–the old wooden furniture, the Christmas tree, the carefully wrapped presents–is larger than life. It’s so magical, Georgie can’t wait to return again and again.

Then the Nutcracker’s magic seeps into the real world, putting Georgie’s friend in danger. Everything is falling apart, and it’s almost Christmas! Can Georgie save her friend, the Nutcracker, and most of all, herself? from Goodreads

This middle grade book was just too cute. The author herself danced as a child and even starred in her own Nutcracker ballet as Clara. With this experience the dancing scenes feel so alive and honest. The “other realm” with the Nutcracker is only visited in snippets and left me wanting more. But, Georgie’s fight to win her position in the ballet, keep her friendship, make a new friend all while worrying about her beloved Grandfather in the hospital, is battle enough for anyone.

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‘If I had my way, every idiot who goes around with Merry Christmas on his lips, would be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of holly through his heart. Merry Christmas? Bah humbug!’

Introduction and Afterword by Joe Wheeler
To bitter, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, Christmas is just another day. But all that changes when the ghost of his long-dead business partner appears, warning Scrooge to change his ways before it’s too late. 

Part of the Focus on the Family Great Stories collection, this edition features an in-depth introduction and discussion questions by Joe Wheeler to provide greater understanding for today’s reader. “A Christmas Carol” captures the heart of the holidays like no other novel. from Goodreads.

I am so excited to read A Christmas Carol this year. I don’t think I’ve ever read the original story. However, once I do I am really excited to watch one of the many (many) remakes of this story. For a more definitive list, instead of just the ones I want to watch this year, check out Dave Trumbore’s article from Collider.

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A Boy Called Christmas by Matt Haig is a middle grade book in the style of Lemony Snicket or Roald Dahl about a little boy, name Nickolas, who would grow up to become Santa. It reminded me of Klaus which is another dark-ish retelling of the origins of Santa.

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A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS

You are about to read the true story of Father Christmas.
It is a story that proves that nothing is impossible.
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?

Good.

Then let us begin . . .

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. from Goodreads.

If you enjoy a dark fairy tale or stories by Lemony Snicket or Roald Dahl, this book is perfect for you. Nicholas is a character everyone will love who is full of goodness and hope and saddled with a lifetime of sadness (and, of course, the requisite horrible Aunt). With talking mice, reindeer that urinate on people for fun, elves that have lost their joy, and a fairy who can’t help but enjoy violence, I loved every moment of this book. Whether you read it and enjoy the illustrations or listen to it and bask in the narration of Stephen Fry, its a win / win!

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Tell me, please! Do you have a Christmas book and movie pairing to recommend?

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