"Niko knew he would have to do something
he'd hoped to avoid. If putting on the boots
sent a blip to the North Pole elves, this would
be like planting a neon flag. But there was
nothing to do for it. He twisted his head,
clicking a bone in his neck, which activated
the full flow of his magic, and the world
slowed down."
Fans of Eoin Colfer's work will not need my encouragement to find and read this new classic Christmas tale. Santa (now know as Nicholas Claus) has not been working at his previous job for ten years. He made the decision following the death of his beloved wife. Nowadays he is hiding out in a London park, where he helps the homeless build shelters. He avoids children at all times. That is about to change.
Juniper Lane wants to honor her deceased father's memory by continuing the Santa Vigil he started as the park keeper. Juniper's mother, the new keeper, vanishes before the event. Juniper is desperate to find her and looks to the quiet and reserved Nico for help. He reluctantly agrees when he realizes that Juniper shares some of the same polar magic that he has.
The cast of characters is diverse and numerous, each adding adventure and drama to the search. Juniper's persistence in getting the standoffish handyman to assist in her search is entertaining and heartwarming. Along the way readers are given reasonable explanations for some of the magic that surrounds Santa and Christmas for children around the world. Joy and sorrow play important roles in the telling, as do deeds of great kindness and ill will. Together, they provide a thrilling and memorable story for middle graders who are fans of fantasy, friendship, and hope.
If you are longing for an exciting new read for your family this Christmas, look no further. Maybe you will even want to read it again next year!
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