The Christmas Pig

LoveReading4Kids Says

There are reasons that the Harry Potter books are so beloved of readers, and one of them is that J.K. Rowling is a really good storyteller. Set mostly on Christmas Eve (when, as we all know, miracles happen), and telling the story of a boy so desperate to retrieve his favourite stuffed toy that he’s willing to enter the magical Land of the Lost to find it, The Christmas Pig demonstrates just how good she is at weaving imaginative and compelling adventure stories.

The Land of the Lost is where all lost things end up, diamond earrings, much loved toys like Dur Pig, plus keys, paperclips, tape measures. Some are snatched back into our world as they’re found, but for the things no-one is looking for, well, it’s pretty bleak. With strict rules throughout and the terrifying Loser in charge, this is no place for a human boy, but Jack’s determination to find DP, as Dur Pig is known, drives him on and he’s got the Christmas Pig, the initially unwanted replacement for DP, there to help.

They’ll make some unusual friends, encounter quite scary foes and have many narrow escapes before the story reaches its conclusion, and the narrative is driven throughout by courage, loyalty and love. A Christmas story to be enjoyed all year round.

Reviewed by Andrea Reece
Andrea Reece has spent almost her entire working life in children’s books, first as publisher, latterly as consultant, project manager and critic.
More reviews by Andrea Reece

Find This Book In