A Boy Called Christmas

by Matt Haig

[Jo]

Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.

I absolutely love Christmas, and waking up on Christmas Day to see I had received presents from Father Christmas when I was younger are some of my fondest memories. When I heard that Matt Haig had written the biography of Father Christmas as a boy (shut up, this is real. Father Christmas DOES exist!), I knew I had to read it!

A Boy Called Christmas is the story of the boy who grew up to become Father Christmas, Nikolas. In this charming story, we discover why Nikolas went to the Far North, how he met the elves, why reindeer can fly, and why young children find a stocking full of presents on Christmas morning.

Nikolas lives with his father in a small cottage in the woods. They have very little money, so when his father hears about a mission for the king to prove the existence of elves in return for a reward, he signs up. Nikolas is left with his awful Aunt Carlotta, but when his father doesn't return, he takes it on himself to search for him, and so begins Nikolas' fantastical journey.

At times sad and poignant, Nikolas' hard start in life teaches him that you don't need a lot to be happy, that love and hope and kindness (and belief in magic!) are all you really need. It's a moving story, but also a funny one, with Nikolas' friend, Miika, a mouse, who gives such funny responses when talking to Nikolas' but poor Nikolas' can't speak mouse language, so never knows what he says.

I don't want to give away too much of the story, because it really is something to discover as you read it, but it's absolutely wonderful! And Chris Mould's illustrations are absolutely stunning! This is an absolute treasure of a Christmas book, and one I am so excited to read to my future children.

A Boy Called Christmas is full of heart, humour, and a whole lot of magic! A must read for all children (and adults!) who still believe in Father Christmas.

Thank you to Canongate for the review copy.