Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
Eleven-year-old Nikolas nicknamed Christmas has received only one toy in his life: 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 own: 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.
Is A Boy Called Christmas appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 8 and up.
A heartwarming Christmas origin story with mild peril involving trolls and a missing father. The protagonist faces challenges that include mild danger and the implied loss of his mother, but the tone remains hopeful and magical throughout.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death of parent and abandonment.
Who'll love this
Kids will love following Nikolas on his adventure to the North Pole, meeting magical elves, a grumpy reindeer, and discovering how Christmas magic began.