Once upon a time, there was a young boy named Harry who lived in a small village. Harry was known for his mischievous nature and his love for adventure. He was always seeking new experiences and was never satisfied with the ordinary. One day, Harry stumbled upon an old, dusty attic in his house. As he was rummaging through the piles of forgotten items, he discovered a peculiar-looking pen tucked away in a corner. This pen seemed different from any he had ever seen before.
Two beautiful and distinctive seasonal children’s books on the review docket today! Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, illustrated by Julia Iredale; and thanks to Raincoast Books, I have the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on the picture book Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinksy. Happy reading!
With story elements that include everything from notes about winter solstice, the rise of misplaced suspicions about witches, to unbreakable sibling connections, hair-raising travels to the disparate poles, as well as a look at the Kringle family and the legend of Santa Claus, The Legend of the Christmas Witch thrums with activity and turns. One night, shadows make their way to Isaac s house and a stone shatters through their front window, breaking the glass and extinguishing their menorah.
This pen seemed different from any he had ever seen before. It had a sparkling blue gemstone at the top and intricate engravings along its body. Curiosity piqued, Harry picked up the pen and examined it closely.
The fable of the Christmas witch cast
Two beautiful and distinctive seasonal children’s books on the review docket today! Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, illustrated by Julia Iredale; and thanks to Raincoast Books, I have the pleasure of sharing my…
December 20, 2021 6 minutesTwo beautiful and distinctive seasonal children’s books on the review docket today! Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada, I have the pleasure of getting to talk about The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza, illustrated by Julia Iredale; and thanks to Raincoast Books, I have the pleasure of sharing my thoughts on the picture book Red and Green and Blue and White by Lee Wind, illustrated by Paul O. Zelinksy. Happy reading!
“No doubt you’ve never heard the name of Kristtörn, for the Legend of the Christmas Witch is a story that has been forgotten in time. But in her day, she was as familiar to children as Santa Claus. In fact, she is his long-lost twin sister…”. The children’s book debut of creative partners Dan Murphy (writer/producer) and Aubrey Plaza (actress/producer/writer you may immediately recognize as April from Parks and Recreation!), with illustrations by Canadian artist Julie Iredale, The Legend of the Christmas Witch tells a richly imagined tale of twins separated as young children and the very different paths their lives take. Opening with a rhyming, atmospheric prologue taking place in the Yuletide season, readers learn about ”a wondrous phantom [smelling] of the sea”, traveling from town to town, whistling a ”strange melody“. This phantom, we learn, is the Christmas Witch…a witch who leaves ”peculiar gifts” on doorsteps as she navigates the falling snow, with children pressing their noses to the windows hoping for a glance of her. But who is this Christmas Witch? And where did she come from and what has she to do with “the season of Yuletide”? As an old raven named Malachi takes over upon the Prologue’s end, he let’s captivated readers know that he will divulge everything about the incredible story of Christmas Witch and begins to unfurl an intricate, mesmerizing legend. From a time ages and ages ago, when ”magical beings freely roamed the earth”, twin babies “with red hair and green eyes” are forsaken in a forest. The twins, a girl named Kristtörn, and a boy named Kristoffer, have magical gifts and a deep connection. When the twins are separated as children, and Kristoffer is taken in by a kind couple far, far, away, Kristtörn finds her life in the forest with a witch named Lutzelfrau. Even as she grows and cultivates a fascinating life with Lutzelfrau, Kristtörn never, ever forgets her long-lost brother and vows to find him one day. With story elements that include everything from notes about winter solstice, the rise of misplaced suspicions about witches, to unbreakable sibling connections, hair-raising travels to the disparate poles, as well as a look at the Kringle family and the legend of Santa Claus, The Legend of the Christmas Witch thrums with activity and turns. Julia Iredale’s gothic-leaning, gorgeously moody and unmissable artistic style is such a perfect match for Murphy and Plaza’s sophisticated and inviting storytelling. Iredale’s gouache and digital illustrations are fantastical and evocative- the illustrations and close-ups of Kristtörn are especially stunning as are the rich outdoor scenes with various hues of greens, browns, and blues and bursts of snow. With undercurrents of old-world Hans Christian Andersen-like storytelling, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a delicious fable to sink one’s teeth into: unusual and inventive, with elements of tragedy and surprise that capture attention from opening to the last word. (…Perhaps more stories featuring The Legend of the Christmas Witch may be in store for the future?). Readers who adore layered, moodier fairytales and children’s stories about powerful, magical witches, or those looking for a noteworthy and unexpected winter tale, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a fantastic pick.
“On a block dressed up in Red and Green/one house shone Blue and White. Isaac helped his family decorate their big window for Chanukah/Across the street, his best friend Teresa helped her family trim their Christmas tree.” A story inspired by events that took place in Billings, Montana in December of 1993, Lee Wind and Paul O. Zelinksy’s Red and Green and Blue and White tells an important, poignant story of the holiday season. Best friends Isaac and Teresa cannot wait for the holidays and celebrations to begin: Isaac and his family are Jewish and celebrate Chanukah; while Teresa and her family are Christian and celebrate Christmas. The front window displays of each of their homes reflect their family’s respective holiday celebrations; though readers learn from the opening of the story that Isaac and his family’s house is the one home on the block glowing ”Blue and White, Menorah light”. One night, “shadows” make their way to Isaac’s house and a stone shatters through their front window, breaking the glass and extinguishing their menorah. When help is called and adults meet and discuss, the question arises about whether or not Isaac’s family should ”light the menorah again”. Isaac lights the menorah the next night, knowing that if they do not, ”it would be like hiding they were Jewish [and] that didn’t feel right”. In support of her best friend, his family, their religion and their celebration of Chanukah, Teresa makes a heartfelt, visible display ”For Isaac” in her own home window- so now the light from her home shines ”Blue and White/Menorah Light/From Two Homes Tonight!”. The actions made by Teresa and her respective family is then shown to extend more deeply and widely than ever thought, culminating in a celebration ”of the true spirit of the holidays [and] the true meaning of community”. A deeply beautiful, heartfelt story, author Lee Wind’s spare yet lyrical storytelling is met to perfection in award-winner Paul O. Zelinsky’s multi-layered, intensely bold and deeply coloured digital artwork. Red and Green and Blue and White is highly recommended reading and a must-add to the holiday collection of a school and/or public library. Extras: Be sure not to miss the Author’s Note at the book’s end which includes a significant, salient point about being an UPstander versus being a BYstander. A link to author Lee Wind’s website is also included for readers interested in learning more about the real-life story behind this picture book.
I received a copy of The Legend of the Christmas Witch courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review; and I received a copy of Red and Green and Blue and White courtesy of Raincoast Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and comments are my own. Titles have been published and are currently available.
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“No doubt you’ve never heard the name of Kristtörn, for the Legend of the Christmas Witch is a story that has been forgotten in time. But in her day, she was as familiar to children as Santa Claus. In fact, she is his long-lost twin sister…”. The children’s book debut of creative partners Dan Murphy (writer/producer) and Aubrey Plaza (actress/producer/writer you may immediately recognize as April from Parks and Recreation!), with illustrations by Canadian artist Julie Iredale, The Legend of the Christmas Witch tells a richly imagined tale of twins separated as young children and the very different paths their lives take. Opening with a rhyming, atmospheric prologue taking place in the Yuletide season, readers learn about ”a wondrous phantom [smelling] of the sea”, traveling from town to town, whistling a ”strange melody“. This phantom, we learn, is the Christmas Witch…a witch who leaves ”peculiar gifts” on doorsteps as she navigates the falling snow, with children pressing their noses to the windows hoping for a glance of her. But who is this Christmas Witch? And where did she come from and what has she to do with “the season of Yuletide”? As an old raven named Malachi takes over upon the Prologue’s end, he let’s captivated readers know that he will divulge everything about the incredible story of Christmas Witch and begins to unfurl an intricate, mesmerizing legend. From a time ages and ages ago, when ”magical beings freely roamed the earth”, twin babies “with red hair and green eyes” are forsaken in a forest. The twins, a girl named Kristtörn, and a boy named Kristoffer, have magical gifts and a deep connection. When the twins are separated as children, and Kristoffer is taken in by a kind couple far, far, away, Kristtörn finds her life in the forest with a witch named Lutzelfrau. Even as she grows and cultivates a fascinating life with Lutzelfrau, Kristtörn never, ever forgets her long-lost brother and vows to find him one day. With story elements that include everything from notes about winter solstice, the rise of misplaced suspicions about witches, to unbreakable sibling connections, hair-raising travels to the disparate poles, as well as a look at the Kringle family and the legend of Santa Claus, The Legend of the Christmas Witch thrums with activity and turns. Julia Iredale’s gothic-leaning, gorgeously moody and unmissable artistic style is such a perfect match for Murphy and Plaza’s sophisticated and inviting storytelling. Iredale’s gouache and digital illustrations are fantastical and evocative- the illustrations and close-ups of Kristtörn are especially stunning as are the rich outdoor scenes with various hues of greens, browns, and blues and bursts of snow. With undercurrents of old-world Hans Christian Andersen-like storytelling, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a delicious fable to sink one’s teeth into: unusual and inventive, with elements of tragedy and surprise that capture attention from opening to the last word. (…Perhaps more stories featuring The Legend of the Christmas Witch may be in store for the future?). Readers who adore layered, moodier fairytales and children’s stories about powerful, magical witches, or those looking for a noteworthy and unexpected winter tale, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a fantastic pick.
To his surprise, the pen started glowing in his hand and emitted a mysterious energy. Intrigued by its seemingly magical nature, Harry decided to give it a try. As Harry started using the pen, he realized that it had an extraordinary ability. Whatever he drew with it would come to life. With a simple stroke, Harry could bring anything he imagined into existence. It was like having the power to create his own world. Excited and eager to explore the endless possibilities, Harry began using the pen to bring his wildest dreams to life. He drew towering castles, majestic dragons, and enchanted forests. With every stroke, Harry's imagination soared, and his creations came alive before his eyes. However, as Harry got carried away with his newfound power, he soon realized that every creation had a consequence. His beautiful castles brought envy among the villagers, and the dragons caused fear and chaos. Even the enchanted forests disrupted the natural balance of the land. This realization made Harry question the responsibility that came with his magical pen. He understood that his drawings had the power to change lives, both for better and worse. Determined to make amends, Harry decided to use the pen wisely, only creating things that would bring joy, inspiration, and happiness to those around him. With a newfound sense of purpose, Harry used his magic pen to create stunning works of art that brought people together. His drawings became a source of wonder and admiration, uniting the village in their shared appreciation for beauty and creativity. From that day on, Harry became not just a mischievous boy, but a respected artist whose creations touched the hearts of everyone who saw them. He learned that with great power came great responsibility and that using his gifts for the betterment of others was the true magic of life. And so, Harry continued to spread joy and happiness throughout the village with his magical pen, leaving a lasting legacy that would inspire generations to come. In conclusion, the story of Harry and his magic pen teaches us the importance of using our abilities and gifts responsibly. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, and with great power comes great responsibility. By using our talents to bring joy and inspiration to others, we can create a magical world that leaves a positive impact on those around us..
Reviews for "The Magical Portraits of Harry Pattern and his Enchanted Magic Pen"
1. Melissa - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Harry Pattern and the Magic Pen". The writing felt amateurish and the characters lacked depth. The plot was predictable and I found myself struggling to stay engaged. Overall, it was a forgettable read for me.
2. Ryan - 1 star - I cannot understand the hype around "Harry Pattern and the Magic Pen". The story was disjointed and the pacing was incredibly slow. I found myself skimming through chapters, hoping for something interesting to happen. The dialogue between the characters was also stilted and unnatural. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed.
3. Samantha - 2 stars - "Harry Pattern and the Magic Pen" did not live up to my expectations. The magic system was poorly explained and inconsistencies in the world-building left me confused. The main character felt one-dimensional and lacked any real growth throughout the story. I struggled to connect with the book and ultimately found it disappointing.
4. Michael - 1 star - I found "Harry Pattern and the Magic Pen" to be incredibly boring. The plot dragged on and there were unnecessary side stories that added nothing to the overall narrative. The writing was also lackluster, with cliched descriptions and uninspiring dialogue. I was left wanting much more from this book.