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The Legend of Holly Claus

(2006, Fiction - Holiday, Written by Brittney Ryan, Illustrated by Laurel Long)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    St. Nick's saintly child plays fantasy heroine.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Holly is a model of a strong heroine that thinks on her feet, makes wise decisions, and wants happiness for all. She also puts others before herself and respects her parents and elders.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence :

    Beloved wolf character is killed by warlock and eaten by birds, causing grief to other characters. Threats to kill all. Infant heart set in ice.
  • Sex :

    True love expressed between main character and young man; kissing on hand as greeting.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Legend of Holly Claus

Parents need to know that an evil warlock kills a beloved character and threatens to kill not only the main character but all loved ones associated. There's also young love, harmlessly illustrated through fluttering eyelashes and breathy dialogue. Holly and friends meet a Jewish family who share Hanukkah as another holiday observed during this time.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the main character and how the book says she possesses the "purest heart." Though dutiful and highly moral, she is also impatient and strong-willed. How does she show these limitations? Do these qualities make her more likable? Obviously it is a fantasy, but how is she relatable in her lonely isolation or wish to find her path in life? Which characters stand out and why? Also being a book about Christmas, families can talk about holidays and how they are observed through different traditions.
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See all 5 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    THE BEST CHRISTMAS BOOK EVER!

    I read this book every year for Christmas, which has been four or five years now. It is such a powerful, beautiful story, and so well written. I can't begin to describe how much I enjoyed it. I highly recommend this book; it's probably my favorite. There is no sex. There is one or two uses of d-mn, and one use of God's name in vain. There is some violence, but it's not very graphic. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS STORY

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  3. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A must read book for all ages!

    This book was amazing!!!!!!!!!! The writing was terrific! good use of words. Good plot. Nice story Line. The Britney Ryan deserves a hugh pat on the back and a big round of aplause! Good job!

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A Worthwile Read

    An utterly charming and heartwarming fantasy... a worthwile read.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

    Couldn't get through it

    Very lovely story and thinking back to when I was attempting to read it to my 10 year old, am sorry to say that neither one of us wanted to continue to slog through the cumbersome writing to find out what happened to all the characters. That is too bad. It had the potential to be a great classic but falls short. All in all, it was a great disappointment.

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