Juniper's Christmas, written by Eoin Colfer. Roaring Brook Press, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $30.00 ages 10 and up

 

"Skara had a quick sniff round the entrance to
Cedarwood Underground but found nothing.
He snuffled in frustration to show Juniper
that the previous day's rain had muddled 
any trail that he might have picked up. 
Juniper scratched his brown fur and said:
"It's okay. The rain washed Mum away. 
It's not your fault."
And, in fact, Juniper was actually 
relieved that they hadn't found a trace 
of her mother here. At least she could
rule out the probability that her mum 
had voluntarily left her.

We are more than halfway to Christmas 2024, and I think you should know about this impressive tale from the prolific Eoin Colfer. It's a terrific read and would be a perfect way to spend family reading time leading up to Christmas. If you like stories that foster hope, love, and being kind to others, while also hinting at the magic of the season, this one is for you. 

Juniper is frantic when her mum, Jennifer, disappears. She has no idea where she might have gone, or why. She knows she needs help to bring her home. To that end, she enlists the help of Niko, an older man who lives quietly on his own in their park and helps others as much as he can without needing any thanks for the work he does. Readers will soon learn that Niko is actually Santa Claus, who quit his former calling when his wife died and he became disheartened by the excessive demands being made by children each year. Now, he helps build shelters for the homeless in the park, and avoids children at all costs. 

When Juniper and her friend Duchess, who is sick and also without a home of her own, are at their wit's end, they enlist Niko's help to find Jennifer. Through many twists and turns, and plenty of clues about  the magic of the Christmas season, readers meet characters to love and hate. It is a love story, a tale of friendship, an adventure that plots a local crime boss against Juniper and her friends to steal the magic of Christmas that still lives in Niko, his elves, a young reindeer, and has even transferred to Juniper in a strange and exciting way. 

Mr. Colfer provides clear and feasible explanations for much of what happens at Christmas time. His story is a joyful, daring ride that is likely to be asked for year after year. The characters are memorable, the action fast-moving, and there is a heartwarming ending. It is likely to become a Christmas classic for many.