Ages 9+1-min guideFantasyAdventureLoss
A Boy Called Christmas
by Matt Haig
Read togetherBest read together with kids 8 and up. A funny Santa origin story with a dark side. Both of Nikolas’s parents die, and a troll’s head explodes.
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What it’s about
Nikolas, nicknamed Christmas, is a poor 11-year-old boy in Finland. His father joins a hunt for Elfhelm, a hidden village of elves. Left with his cruel aunt, Nikolas heads north with a mouse and a reindeer.
The ending
What might come up
Death and lossA lotA bear killed Nikolas’s mother before the story begins. His father dies saving him, and a troll dies too.
ViolenceA lotA troll who wants to eat Nikolas has his head explode, with gore. A reindeer is shot with an arrow, and an elf child is kidnapped.
Mean adultsSomeAunt Carlotta makes Nikolas sleep outside and tricks him into eating soup made from his turnip doll.
Potty humorSomeBlitzen the reindeer likes to wee on people’s heads.
LanguageA littleNo swear words noted, just bathroom words like 'wee.'
RomanceNone
Why kids like it
Elves, a flying reindeer, a Truth Pixie, and lots of silly jokes.
Free printable quiz
- 1What is Nikolas’s doll made from?
- 2What does Nikolas name the reindeer he helps?
- 3What is the name of Nikolas’s mouse?
- 4What is the elves’ village called?
Read it, then watch it
Read the book first, then watch it together and talk about what changed.
