Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Myths, monsters, magic in wild, heart-filled sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Desperate magical villains who will stop at nothing pursue a fox who grants wishes at the FIREFOX MOON, and it's up to Juniper Lane, 13, and her reindeer BFF Skära to protect him. Now 13, Juniper is the Guardian of Cedarwood and its inhabitants, but as the rare moon approaches, wild events start happening, like never-before-seen creatures and a magical river springing up in the grove. Making things worse, Niko, the current Santa Claus who should be able to deal with this, is sidelined in Scandinavia by an erupting volcano. Juniper and Skära are on their own and soon dealing with a cursed queen (now a skeletal rose tree), a witch who appears friendly but also a bit off, and their armies of monstrous creatures, all after the fox. And when Skära is captured and held hostage, Juniper may be forced to help the villain who's imprisoned him instead of saving the fox.
Is It Any Good?
A fox who grants wishes, an Irish queen turned rose tree, a Welsh witch, binding spells, ferocious wolves, and a monstrous sloth make for wild times in Eoin Colfer's sequel to Juniper's Christmas. For Juniper, Skära, and Niko (aka Santa Claus) it's Upa Den Wôdar Ini Den Hval (out of the water, into the whale) as the mid-summer Firefox Moon approaches and Cedargrove is awash in uninvited magic. Fortunately they have magic of their own, but they'll need it as they face monsters, perils, and hard choices. Never a dull moment in this wild ride, with more than a bit of science along the way. Colfer's rich narrative voice and Devin Elle Kurtz's appealing, heart-filled illustrations make for a wacky, irresistible tale with strong messages of kindness.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Santa Claus—and all the different versions of his story over the centuries. How does Niko, the Santa of Firefox Moon, compare with some of the others you've met in other tales?
Juniper does things she knows are wrong because she has to save Skära. You know what's right and wrong, and you try to do what's right. But what happens when you're being pressured to do wrong because someone you love is threatened?
Do you think you'd like living in a forest, or would you prefer a different place?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Devin Elle Kurtz
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Wild Animals ) , Fantasy ( Magic , Monsters ) , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Roaring Brook Press
- Publication date : November 11, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 368
- Available on : Audiobook (abridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 18, 2025
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