Book Review: The Legend of Holly Claus
Rated by 3 members
What Parents Should 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 between main
character and a young man that is 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. From the Julie Andrews
collection, this book appeals to readers drawn to stories of
heroines in period pieces or strong female characters in
fantasy; this novel has both.
Families who read this novel can discuss 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? And do these qualities make her more likable as a character? Obviously it is a story of fantasy, but how is she relatable in her lonely isolation or wanting to find her path in life? Who are characters that stand out and why? Also being a book about Christmas, families can talk about holidays and how they are observed through different traditions.
Common Sense Media Review
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, flirtatious with his wife, and
struggles like any other parent to settle his over-achieving
adolescent daughter. THE LEGEND OF HOLLY CLAUS is a good read
for kids who like fantasy, strong female characters, and just a
bit of innocent romance.
Like Claudia in From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler , Laura Ingalls in the Little House on the Prairie series or even Hermione in the Harry Potter series, Holly is spirited and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. This time, it's freedom, away from the safety of the castle to explore Victorian New York and help others, thus earning her right to be immortal.
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 down and forget to pick back up. However this is a great holiday selection for kids who favor books on fantasy, romantic heroism, and plucky females.
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