 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Legend of Holly Claus
- By Brittney Ryan
- Genre: Holiday
Common Sense Media says
St. Nick's saintly child plays fantasy heroine.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
In 1878, a 10-year-old boy sends a letter to Santa Claus inquiring what Santa himself wishes as a gift. This act of generosity is the catalyst for Santa and wife to receive a baby. Holly is born of the purest heart and becomes the means for escape by an imprisoned-by-curse warlock named Herrikhan. He manages to set her infant heart in ice and threatens to return one day to collect it, and thus set himself free.
The Land of the Immortals is closed then to the outer world, and Holly is forced to live in a castle constantly glistening with snowflakes to avoid melting her heart; and in isolation except for loving family and set of animal friends. Obsessed with the life in New York City as seen through her telescope, she discovers a way to escape. In Victorian New York, she brings happiness to all she meets by helping people, young and old, acknowledge their dreams. Herrikhan follows masquerading as a wealthy young man and potential suitor. Holly, however, has her eye on another lonely soul.
Is it any good?
A new take on the jolly, pink-cheeked, white-bearded man living in the North Pole, the father of Holly Claus has a temper, can be impetuous, is flirtatious with his wife, and struggles like any parent to settle his overachieving adolescent daughter. THE LEGEND OF HOLLY CLAUS is a good read for kids who like fantasy, strong female characters, and a bit of innocent romance.
This book in the Julie Andrews Collection is filled with flowery descriptions and accompanied by delicate illustrations. Certainly easy to read, the bulk of the drama is in the beginning and end, which may cause some readers to put it down and forget to pick it back up. However, this is a great holiday selection for kids who favor books with fantasy, romantic heroism, and plucky females.
What 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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AGE
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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AGE
Awaken the spirit of Christmas in you heart
A truly heart warming Chirstmas story sure to awaken the child in all of us. Kids will love the story of Holly's adventures and her wonderful friends. The illustrations are beautiful I only wish they were in color in all their glory like in the picture book but they are still breathtaking as they are. This will be a book you and you're kids will want to make a Christmas tradition to read every year.
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AGE
A fabulously written novel for all ages
Although I myself am well beyond the age of nine, I still find the novel to be quite enjoyable. The gorgeous writing style and the beautiful illustrations still make it a good read for a teenager, like myself. I did initially read it near the age prescribed, though, and thought that the "violence" was nothing that I, as a child, could not handle easily.Enjoy!
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AGE
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
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AGE
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!
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AGE
Perfect for almost all ages
I've loved this book since I first discovered it in the stacks of my local library. It reminded me why I love Christmas without being overly gushy and forceful with its message. The language is descriptive and enthralling. I would certainly recommend this novel to anyone.
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AGE
Perfect for ages 7-12
Holly is a great role model for kids ages 7-14! She's very optimistic, has a great attitude, and will do anything for the ones close to her. I loved this book, but some children may be a little creeped about the villain. Another off is that it's a little long and some parts can be a little dry. Peace.
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AGE
A Worthwile Read
An utterly charming and heartwarming fantasy... a worthwile read.
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| Author: | Brittney Ryan |
| Illustrator: | Laurel Long |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Holiday |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | October 1, 2006 |
| Number of pages: | 544 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Paperback price: | $7.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 9 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 9 |
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