Find out what happens when the elf in charge of labeling humans “Naughty” or “Nice” tries to save his job at the expense of an unpleasant family. Kirkus Reviews calls South Pole Santa “An all ages tale … a wonderful addition to any Christmas-story collection, featuring plenty of charm and a subtle wit… particularly recommended for readers who enjoy tales of redemption with happy endings;” … happy endings;” Audiofile Magazine says this story is “as good as it gets” and named South Pole Santa an Earphones award winner! See for yourself why so many families have enjoyed reading this story together.
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I don’t like Christmas stories. I find them too sappy and sugary for my taste. If I wanted sappy sugary stuff, I would watch the Lifetime channel. So why did I bother picking up what is obviously a Christmas story? Because I found that little penguin on the original cover of Back to Christmas too stinking cute to pass up. I see since I picked up the book the title and cover have changed. I like the original cover.
Color me surprised! I actually enjoyed this quick novella. It’s told in dueling POVs – Marmel the elf who is the head naughty and nice labeling and Amanda Krumwerth whose job is to redeem her family. I really liked Marmel and can totally relate to him. The concept of Reverse Claus, I can get behind that 100%. Forget that silly coal business. Start taking stuff away and that will straight kids (and adults!) right up. The whole story was a fun read with a very good message. I see the book is also an audiobook. The perfect read for the family to listen to while they travel to visit family.
Stars: 4
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not compensated for the book other than the entertainment it provided. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Fun, modern Christmas tale
Back to Christmas by Dennis Canfield
Read a previous years version and now this one as it’s been updated:
It’s a very different book than the last version. This one is mostly about how people are placed on the naughty and nice lists.
Part I love the best are when the elves intervene and the technology no longer works and after standing in lines for hours they do work.
Love also how the family gets to know things about one another because they have/make the time to actually talk to one another, rather than using technology.
Kudoos to the elves who helped!
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
A little off season to listen to this Christmas story, but that’s okay. I enjoyed it all the same. After all, the love of the Christmas season shouldn’t be confined to just a few short weeks every year. My grandson and I listened to it together, and it definitely held his interest. I like the concept of kindness and respect the author brings up, and my grandson and I had a nice talk after listening to it. Christmas is a big time for celebrating family in our house, and I really appreciated how the author reminds the kids of our responsibility to be an active part of family. I loved how the elf kept throwing obstacles in the path of family members determined not to spend time with each other, but only on electronics. We have a no electronics rule at the dinner table our house, and hearing about this family’s problems reinforced that idea and allowed my grandson to see just what happens when we lose track of how important family time is. Another great story by Dennis Canfield.