halcyon_rising's review against another edition
4.0
After the adventures of last year, Amelia Wishart now lives in Elfhelm. As a human and a person who's not been drimwicked, she does not seem to fit in anywhere. None of the subjects they teach in school seem to click for her, and the one thing she can do well (outside of chimney sweeping and writing), sleigh-riding, she's not allowed to do because she's too new in school. When she does eventually get her chance, things end up happening and it leaves her feeling entirely miserable.
Darkness seems to descend upon Elfhelm again, which yet again leaves Christmas without hope. What will be needed this time to fix things, and how permanent a solution will that be?
I would definitely recommend this entire series to both young and old, in these darker days before Christmas.
Darkness seems to descend upon Elfhelm again, which yet again leaves Christmas without hope. What will be needed this time to fix things, and how permanent a solution will that be?
I would definitely recommend this entire series to both young and old, in these darker days before Christmas.
mehsi's review against another edition
5.0
"Father Christmas lived at 7 Reindeeer Road, right next to Reindeer Field, on the edge of Elfhelm. His house, like many of the houses in Elfhelm, was made of reinforced gingerbread and -unlike almost all other houses in Elfhelm- it had a front door so large you didn't have to bend forward to walk through it. "
I had to do a bit more effort for this one as Library #1 had put their Christmas books away as they noticed that people tend to borrow them less outside of the Christmas period. But then I had it, and oh boy, it is so shiny and glittery. I generally also try to read in season, but I am in a Matt Haig mood and didn't want to wait another 10 months before reading this one. :P
First up, who in all heavens wrote that blurb? From the blurb it sounds like The Easter Bunny is a BIG BIG part of the book... however... The Easter Bunny doesn't even appear until page 212 of 288, and well.. he doesn't really unleash anything until page 244. And there is quite a bit more to his attack/jealousy then you may think. :| It is a shame, I was really looking forward to an Easter Bunny attacking Christmas things, and so I was disappointed that he didn't get much of a spotlight and was only added at the end. Most of this book is about Amelia and how she feels out of place in Elfhelm. How she is trying to find her spot between the elves and Father Christmas and Mary, trying her best in school.
This book is also apparently book 3 in a series, however I never had the feeling I had missed something. If anything this felt pretty much like a standalone. She tells us some stuff about what happened to Father Christmas, to her, to Mary, and it is enough information for me.
I quite liked Amelia, though at times I did think she was a bit too gloomy and complainy. I get that things aren't easy, and as the book continues things get even more difficult, but I wished she would also see the good sides, and it takes her most of the book to finally see that she has friends, that she has a family, and that her life is pretty dang nice.
At times I did want to hug her, as the elves don't make it easy for her. Which kind of surprised me as I always saw the Christmas elves as a happy bunch that will be warm and welcoming, but instead we see that so many of them are hurtful and judgemental. Of course, Vodol the baddie of this story also uses the fact that the elves are like this for his gain and for the loss of Father Christmas/Mary/Amelia.
She was still an interesting character, it was good to read about her past and what she went through in the past before she came to Elfhelm. Plus I loved that she was so good in riding a sleigh. I would have loved to see more sleigh riding. And around the end she sure showed a ton of bravery, and I was so proud of her coming so far. I was proud that she wanted to fix her own mistakes, trying to work to repay.
I loved reading about the subjects in the elves school. I am glad I am not following mathematics there, dear lord... though maybe I would have also been the best student if the answer can be snow. :P
I read the Truth Pixie story first, and I was happy to see her here again. She also plays quite a vital role in the story and I was happy that she could be there for her love, Father Christmas.
Vodol was a truly well written villain. It was quite interesting to see why he did what he did, and how far he was going to be taking it. Sure, I didn't like him at all, he was a pest and I was hoping someone would step up against them.
With the exception of the blurb that turned out to be a lie, I also didn't like Captain Soot. It was nice that Amelia was able to bring her cat with her, but dang that cat was annoying as hell. He popped up in mostly the wrong situations causing more harm than good for Amelia. I wouldn't have minded if the cat was gone.
The ending was a bit sad though, then again, I also can imagine why she choose that. Plus, I did like she picked that, I am sure she makes kids very happy.
The book is also delightfully illustrated by the fabulous Chris Mould, his illustrations made the story even more fun to read, and they were also one of the reasons (beside Matt Haig's fun writing style) why I wanted to read this book.
All in all, I had great fun reading this book, but I do wish we had more Easter Bunny. He is such an interesting character and I quite liked him and finding out what makes him tick. This is a great book to read during Christmas, be sure to eat some delicious chocolate coins, or satsumas while reading. I would recommend this one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I had to do a bit more effort for this one as Library #1 had put their Christmas books away as they noticed that people tend to borrow them less outside of the Christmas period. But then I had it, and oh boy, it is so shiny and glittery. I generally also try to read in season, but I am in a Matt Haig mood and didn't want to wait another 10 months before reading this one. :P
First up, who in all heavens wrote that blurb? From the blurb it sounds like The Easter Bunny is a BIG BIG part of the book... however... The Easter Bunny doesn't even appear until page 212 of 288, and well.. he doesn't really unleash anything until page 244. And there is quite a bit more to his attack/jealousy then you may think. :| It is a shame, I was really looking forward to an Easter Bunny attacking Christmas things, and so I was disappointed that he didn't get much of a spotlight and was only added at the end. Most of this book is about Amelia and how she feels out of place in Elfhelm. How she is trying to find her spot between the elves and Father Christmas and Mary, trying her best in school.
This book is also apparently book 3 in a series, however I never had the feeling I had missed something. If anything this felt pretty much like a standalone. She tells us some stuff about what happened to Father Christmas, to her, to Mary, and it is enough information for me.
I quite liked Amelia, though at times I did think she was a bit too gloomy and complainy. I get that things aren't easy, and as the book continues things get even more difficult, but I wished she would also see the good sides, and it takes her most of the book to finally see that she has friends, that she has a family, and that her life is pretty dang nice.
At times I did want to hug her, as the elves don't make it easy for her. Which kind of surprised me as I always saw the Christmas elves as a happy bunch that will be warm and welcoming, but instead we see that so many of them are hurtful and judgemental. Of course, Vodol the baddie of this story also uses the fact that the elves are like this for his gain and for the loss of Father Christmas/Mary/Amelia.
She was still an interesting character, it was good to read about her past and what she went through in the past before she came to Elfhelm. Plus I loved that she was so good in riding a sleigh. I would have loved to see more sleigh riding. And around the end she sure showed a ton of bravery, and I was so proud of her coming so far. I was proud that she wanted to fix her own mistakes, trying to work to repay.
I loved reading about the subjects in the elves school. I am glad I am not following mathematics there, dear lord... though maybe I would have also been the best student if the answer can be snow. :P
I read the Truth Pixie story first, and I was happy to see her here again. She also plays quite a vital role in the story and I was happy that she could be there for her love, Father Christmas.
Vodol was a truly well written villain. It was quite interesting to see why he did what he did, and how far he was going to be taking it. Sure, I didn't like him at all, he was a pest and I was hoping someone would step up against them.
With the exception of the blurb that turned out to be a lie, I also didn't like Captain Soot. It was nice that Amelia was able to bring her cat with her, but dang that cat was annoying as hell. He popped up in mostly the wrong situations causing more harm than good for Amelia. I wouldn't have minded if the cat was gone.
The ending was a bit sad though, then again, I also can imagine why she choose that. Plus, I did like she picked that, I am sure she makes kids very happy.
The book is also delightfully illustrated by the fabulous Chris Mould, his illustrations made the story even more fun to read, and they were also one of the reasons (beside Matt Haig's fun writing style) why I wanted to read this book.
All in all, I had great fun reading this book, but I do wish we had more Easter Bunny. He is such an interesting character and I quite liked him and finding out what makes him tick. This is a great book to read during Christmas, be sure to eat some delicious chocolate coins, or satsumas while reading. I would recommend this one!
Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
nonabgo's review against another edition
4.0
"Books with nice pictures are the best books." Yes, they are, Mr Haig, they absolutely are! And Chris Mould did a fine job once again, making this books even more enjoyable.
I liked this maybe just a tiny bit less than the first two books of the series, maybe because of all the political references, maybe because I found it a bit chaotic and less cohesive. But it's still a magical book, with a heartwarming message and a cozy feeling.
It covers a lot of well-developed themes, with not-so-hidden lessons for children and adults alike. Haig discusses bullying, feeling like an outsider, losing and regaining hope, fighting for what you believe in and discovering your true self in a way that is appealing to all ages.
Overall, these books felt like a hug. They lifted my spirit and made me believe there's just a little bit of magic left in the world, that is worth saving. They made me cry and smile and filled my heart with pure joy. A joy we all need in these times of hopelessness. Merry Christmas, everyone!
I liked this maybe just a tiny bit less than the first two books of the series, maybe because of all the political references, maybe because I found it a bit chaotic and less cohesive. But it's still a magical book, with a heartwarming message and a cozy feeling.
It covers a lot of well-developed themes, with not-so-hidden lessons for children and adults alike. Haig discusses bullying, feeling like an outsider, losing and regaining hope, fighting for what you believe in and discovering your true self in a way that is appealing to all ages.
Overall, these books felt like a hug. They lifted my spirit and made me believe there's just a little bit of magic left in the world, that is worth saving. They made me cry and smile and filled my heart with pure joy. A joy we all need in these times of hopelessness. Merry Christmas, everyone!
paperlove's review against another edition
4.0
Kurz vor dem Jahresende wollte ich noch irgendetwas Weihnachtliches hören und habe deshalb durch die entsprechenden Empfehlungen zu Weihnachten auf Audioteka gestöbert. Stecken geblieben bin ich schliesslich bei "Ich und der Weihnachtsmann" von Matt Haig, vor allem deshalb, weil ich bereits schon ein Hörbuch des Autors gehört habe und ihn positiv in Erinnerung hatte.
Soweit so gut. Als ich etwas mehr als eine Stunde des Hörbuchs gehört hatte, fand ich die Geschichte zwar einerseits sehr niedlich, andererseits war ich aber auch etwas verwundert darüber, dass viele Charaktere ohne richtige Einführung genannt wurden. Ein Blick auf Goodreads hat mir dann verraten, dass es sich um den dritten Teil von Matt Haigs Christmas-Reihe handelt und viele Charaktere bereits in den vorherigen Teilen ihre Erwähnung gefunden habe. Für Fans der Reihe war es deshalb vermutlich ein willkommenes Wiedersehen mit alten Bekannten - für mich war es eher enttäuschend, denn hätte ich von Anfang gewusst, dass es sich um eine Fortsetzung handelt, hätte ich selbstverständlich zuerst zum ersten Teil gegriffen. So wurde ich nun unabsichtlich zu Ereignissen aus den beiden Vorgängern gespoilert. Schade, dass Audioteka nicht gekennzeichnet hatte, dass es sich um eine Fortsetzung handelt. Ich habe mir dann noch überlegt, das Hörbuch (vorerst) abzubrechen und mit dem ersten Teil zu beginnen, doch auf der Suche nach dem Reihenauftakt folgte dann die nächste Enttäuschung: Es waren nur Band 2 und 3 vorhanden.
Nach diesen Erkenntnissen musste ich also wohl oder übel beim dritten Teil bleiben, es fiel mir aber mit dem Wissen, das ich nun hatte, deutlich schwerer, mich auf die Geschichte einzulassen. Ich habe ständig gedacht, dass ich die Story und die Charaktere viel besser verstehen könnte, wenn ich das Vorwissen aus den Vorgängern mitbringen würde.
Amelia fand ich als Protagonistin sehr liebenswert. Durch ein Unglück mit einem teuren Schlitten, muss sie Geld verdienen, um den Schaden, den sie verursacht hat, wieder zu begleichen. Doch das stellt sich schwieriger heraus, als sie es sich vorgestellt hatte, denn für viele Arbeiten, die die Wichtel Jahr für Jahr erledigen, ist sie (vermutlich durch ihre Menschengrösse bedingt) eher ungeeignet und stellt sich sehr ungeschickt an.
Irgendwann nimmt die Geschichte dann eine Wendung und man erfährt, wie in der Inhaltsangabe angekündigt, dass die Kaninchen einen Komplott gegen den Weihnachtsmann schmieden. Amelia muss nun alles daran setzen, nicht nur den Weihnachtsmann, sondern auch Weihnachten zu retten. Doch ihr Mut wird dadurch getrübt, dass viele Wichtel den Menschen feindselig gegenüberstehen. Ob sie es schafft diese Feindseligkeit zu überwinden und Verbündete zu finden?
Zu Rufus Beck als Sprecher brauche ich gar nicht so viel zu sagen. Ich denke, den meisten sollte inzwischen bekannt sein, dass ich nach dem Hören der Harry Potter Reihe ein grosser Fan des Sprechers bin. Hier ist er zwar erstaunlicherweise etwas zurückhaltender mit seinen Interpretationen der jeweiligen Charaktere, als bei Harry Potter, aber es ist nach wie vor sehr angenehm, ihm beim Vorlesen zuzuhören.
Fazit:
Achtung: Es handelt sich um den dritten Teil einer Reihe, obwohl dies hier nicht gekennzeichnet wurde. Der erste Teil der Reihe heisst "Ein Junge namens Weihnacht" und ist bisher auf Audioteka nicht erhältlich. Ich empfehle jedoch jedem, zuerst mit dem Reihenauftakt zu beginnen, da in "Ich und der Weihnachtsmann" viele Anspielungen auf die Vorgänger enthalten sind, die man ohne Vorwissen nicht ohne weiteres versteht.
Nachdem dies gesagt wurde, kann ich zu diesem dritten Teil abschliessend sagen, dass es sich um eine sehr niedliche Weihnachtsgeschichte um ein junges Mädchen handelt, die im Land der Wichtel Mut beweisen und für sich und Weihnachten einstehen muss. Die Geschichte zielt eher auf ein jüngeres Publikum ab und ist dementsprechend kindgerecht erzählt. Dadurch, dass ich leider unwissentlich mit dem dritten Teil der Reihe begonnen habe, wurde meine Freude an dem Buch leider etwas getrübt. Ich vergebe dem Buch insgesamt 3,5 Sterne, die ich aber vielleicht aufrunde, wenn ich die Reihe irgendwann einmal in der richtigen Reihenfolge hören kann.
Soweit so gut. Als ich etwas mehr als eine Stunde des Hörbuchs gehört hatte, fand ich die Geschichte zwar einerseits sehr niedlich, andererseits war ich aber auch etwas verwundert darüber, dass viele Charaktere ohne richtige Einführung genannt wurden. Ein Blick auf Goodreads hat mir dann verraten, dass es sich um den dritten Teil von Matt Haigs Christmas-Reihe handelt und viele Charaktere bereits in den vorherigen Teilen ihre Erwähnung gefunden habe. Für Fans der Reihe war es deshalb vermutlich ein willkommenes Wiedersehen mit alten Bekannten - für mich war es eher enttäuschend, denn hätte ich von Anfang gewusst, dass es sich um eine Fortsetzung handelt, hätte ich selbstverständlich zuerst zum ersten Teil gegriffen. So wurde ich nun unabsichtlich zu Ereignissen aus den beiden Vorgängern gespoilert. Schade, dass Audioteka nicht gekennzeichnet hatte, dass es sich um eine Fortsetzung handelt. Ich habe mir dann noch überlegt, das Hörbuch (vorerst) abzubrechen und mit dem ersten Teil zu beginnen, doch auf der Suche nach dem Reihenauftakt folgte dann die nächste Enttäuschung: Es waren nur Band 2 und 3 vorhanden.
Nach diesen Erkenntnissen musste ich also wohl oder übel beim dritten Teil bleiben, es fiel mir aber mit dem Wissen, das ich nun hatte, deutlich schwerer, mich auf die Geschichte einzulassen. Ich habe ständig gedacht, dass ich die Story und die Charaktere viel besser verstehen könnte, wenn ich das Vorwissen aus den Vorgängern mitbringen würde.
Amelia fand ich als Protagonistin sehr liebenswert. Durch ein Unglück mit einem teuren Schlitten, muss sie Geld verdienen, um den Schaden, den sie verursacht hat, wieder zu begleichen. Doch das stellt sich schwieriger heraus, als sie es sich vorgestellt hatte, denn für viele Arbeiten, die die Wichtel Jahr für Jahr erledigen, ist sie (vermutlich durch ihre Menschengrösse bedingt) eher ungeeignet und stellt sich sehr ungeschickt an.
Irgendwann nimmt die Geschichte dann eine Wendung und man erfährt, wie in der Inhaltsangabe angekündigt, dass die Kaninchen einen Komplott gegen den Weihnachtsmann schmieden. Amelia muss nun alles daran setzen, nicht nur den Weihnachtsmann, sondern auch Weihnachten zu retten. Doch ihr Mut wird dadurch getrübt, dass viele Wichtel den Menschen feindselig gegenüberstehen. Ob sie es schafft diese Feindseligkeit zu überwinden und Verbündete zu finden?
Zu Rufus Beck als Sprecher brauche ich gar nicht so viel zu sagen. Ich denke, den meisten sollte inzwischen bekannt sein, dass ich nach dem Hören der Harry Potter Reihe ein grosser Fan des Sprechers bin. Hier ist er zwar erstaunlicherweise etwas zurückhaltender mit seinen Interpretationen der jeweiligen Charaktere, als bei Harry Potter, aber es ist nach wie vor sehr angenehm, ihm beim Vorlesen zuzuhören.
Fazit:
Achtung: Es handelt sich um den dritten Teil einer Reihe, obwohl dies hier nicht gekennzeichnet wurde. Der erste Teil der Reihe heisst "Ein Junge namens Weihnacht" und ist bisher auf Audioteka nicht erhältlich. Ich empfehle jedoch jedem, zuerst mit dem Reihenauftakt zu beginnen, da in "Ich und der Weihnachtsmann" viele Anspielungen auf die Vorgänger enthalten sind, die man ohne Vorwissen nicht ohne weiteres versteht.
Nachdem dies gesagt wurde, kann ich zu diesem dritten Teil abschliessend sagen, dass es sich um eine sehr niedliche Weihnachtsgeschichte um ein junges Mädchen handelt, die im Land der Wichtel Mut beweisen und für sich und Weihnachten einstehen muss. Die Geschichte zielt eher auf ein jüngeres Publikum ab und ist dementsprechend kindgerecht erzählt. Dadurch, dass ich leider unwissentlich mit dem dritten Teil der Reihe begonnen habe, wurde meine Freude an dem Buch leider etwas getrübt. Ich vergebe dem Buch insgesamt 3,5 Sterne, die ich aber vielleicht aufrunde, wenn ich die Reihe irgendwann einmal in der richtigen Reihenfolge hören kann.
smittenforfiction's review against another edition
4.0
The end of Matt Haig's trilogy, Father Christmas and Me is an imaginative story that takes place in a fictional town called Elfhelm. In a previous adventure Amelia helped save Christmas, and now she's the only human living in an elf town. Feeling like an outcast, Amelia struggles with elf school and feels like she doesn't belong. She learns that Father Vogol, the elf that used to rule Elfhelm before Father Christmas, wants to get his power back. Amelia also learns that the Easter Bunny feels resentful since the war with the elves hundreds of years ago. With the help of friends Amelia uses her strengths to overcome challenges and remember the true meaning of Christmas.
"An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet."
The characters are intriguing, filled with personality and emotions. Amelia is likeable, with strengths and flaws, and a wonderful personal growth arc. While doing a little research to write this review I discovered my favourite character, The Truth Pixie, has her own book! I can't wait to read it! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41443051-the-truth-pixie
"There was a reindeer clock in the living room, which was like a cuckoo clock but instead of a cuckoo popping out it was a reindeer. Oh, and it didn’t tell ordinary human time with boring things like ‘six o’clock’ and ‘twenty past nine’. It told elf time, and elf hours were called things like Very Early Indeed and Way Past Bedtime.”
I've read two books by Matt Haig now and I have to say I quite enjoy his writing style. With an exciting pace, Father Christmas and Me is a very fun and festive read for all ages.
"'Books,' said Father Christmas, 'are the greatest gifts of all. Nothing else comes close.'"
Setting: 3.5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Writing: 5
Message: 3.5
Overall: 80% 4/5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*
"An impossibility is just a possibility you don't understand yet."
The characters are intriguing, filled with personality and emotions. Amelia is likeable, with strengths and flaws, and a wonderful personal growth arc. While doing a little research to write this review I discovered my favourite character, The Truth Pixie, has her own book! I can't wait to read it! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41443051-the-truth-pixie
"There was a reindeer clock in the living room, which was like a cuckoo clock but instead of a cuckoo popping out it was a reindeer. Oh, and it didn’t tell ordinary human time with boring things like ‘six o’clock’ and ‘twenty past nine’. It told elf time, and elf hours were called things like Very Early Indeed and Way Past Bedtime.”
I've read two books by Matt Haig now and I have to say I quite enjoy his writing style. With an exciting pace, Father Christmas and Me is a very fun and festive read for all ages.
"'Books,' said Father Christmas, 'are the greatest gifts of all. Nothing else comes close.'"
Setting: 3.5
Plot: 4
Characters: 4
Writing: 5
Message: 3.5
Overall: 80% 4/5 Stars
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.
*Quotes taken from an ARC copy and subject to change*
maart_je's review against another edition
4.0
“Onmogelijkheid is een mogelijkheid die je nog niet snapt”
Heerlijk boek weer
Heerlijk boek weer
waverlyrose's review against another edition
4.0
My least favorite in the series, mostly due to the rushed climax and conclusion, but still a great read!
leenlief's review against another edition
4.0
Mooi einde van de Christmas-serie van [a:Matt Haig|76360|Matt Haig|https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png]. Een verhaal waarin de thema's uitsluiting (vervolg van het eerste deel [b:Een jongen met de naam Kerstmis|33380938|Een jongen met de naam Kerstmis|Matt Haig|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1481661280l/33380938._SY75_.jpg|45760886]) en leren vertrouwen op je eigen talenten (vervolg van het tweede deel [b:Het meisje dat Kerstmis redde|59650386|Het meisje dat Kerstmis redde (Christmas, #2)|Matt Haig|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637260795l/59650386._SY75_.jpg|50718333]) centraal staan. De paashaas heeft ook een rol en het ontstaan van Pasen vormt het einde van het boek. Het luisterboek wordt weer aangenaam verteld door Job Schuring.
yvo_about_books's review against another edition
4.5
Finished reading: September 4th 2018
"You see, Elfhelm is a magical place, and to see magical places you have to believe in magic. And the type of humans who draw all the maps are the people least likely to believe in magic."
*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Canongate Books in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***
I know Christmas is still far away, but I just HAD to request a copy of this title when I saw it on NG a while back. There was something about the illustrations that caught my attention, and I'm definitely glad I was granted a copy. What a delightful Christmas-themed story! Father Christmas And Me is perfect for the middle grade target group, and I can see this story both being the perfect gift to put under the tree for the younger readers and a wonderful read to bring out that Christmas spirit closer towards the Holidays. I didn't realize beforehand that this is actually the third book of a series, but thankfully I was still able to enjoy this story as a stand-alone as the characters have a completely new adventure in Father Christmas And Me. That said, judging this third book and how wonderful it is, I'm sure the other books are worth your time as well. With an interesting plot, a relatable main character they can see themselves in and just enough action to keep them invested in the story, I'm positive this will be a hit for any middle grade reader looking for that Christmas spirit. It has elves, it has rabbits, it has a magical setting and a bad guy to be defeated. The illustrations brought a smile to my face and I had a wonderful time reading following Amelia and her cat Captain Soot around. All in all a perfect Christmas family read.
Christmas time or not, I still had an excellent time reading this one. Father Christmas And Me would be such a wonderful read together with the younger ones to pump up that Christmas spirit close to the Holidays! The illustrations fit the text wonderfully and definitely add a little something. The plot itself is interesting without being too complicated to follow and I think the target group will be able to relate to Amelia very easily. Entertaining, endearing and without doubt worth the read.