Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin by R.G. Fraser-Green

Today's read starts to ring in the up-coming holiday season, but should still take on a very original twist. From what I can tell, it centers around a girl who needs to save her younger sister from goblins, who only come to the surface during the twelve days following Christmas and steal children. I'm hoping for a hint of darkness without overpowering the pleasant atmosphere surrounding the holidays. If it maintains the balance, it could be a lovely read.

Let's see how it does!

FOTINOULA AND THE CHRISTMAS GOBLIN

by R.G. Fraser-Green

Fota Press

Middle Grade Fantasy

182 pages

 ages 9 to 12

A thrilling battle of wits between girl and goblin in snow covered Athens...

‘Never forget how devious a Kallikantzaros can be. It will try to snatch Mirtoula. It will keep trying until it has her. And if it succeeds you’ll never see your sister again.’

11-year old Fotinoula doesn’t believe her grandfather when he warns her about the Christmas goblins. After all, the Kallikantzaroi were just an old Greek myth. Creatures with blood-red eyes didn’t really climb up from the underworld during the Twelve Days of Christmas to steal little children, and certainly not in a busy city like Athens.

But Fotinoula soon discovers that some folktales have more truth to them than others. With her father away at sea and only an old book for guidance, she must summon up all her courage and problem-solving skills to save her little sister from one of these hideous creatures. In the process she comes to realise just how much her sister means to her.

This touching story weaves together Greek customs, music, food and history to bring alive a fascinating culture and a rather creepy festive folktale.

A great story for 9-12 year olds or any lover of a scary story with heart.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     BOOKS-A-MILLION

MY TIDBITS

This read takes a different twist on the Twelve Days of Christmas, wrapping a bit of darkness and magic into an unique, holiday read.

Fotinoula isn't sure whether to believe her grandfather's tales about the Kallikantzaroi or not. Her mother doesn't believe in the old Greek myth about the goblins, but her grandfather insists they are true and wants to make sure she keeps her promise to her father, who is out at sea. But Fotinoula's not sure the promise is really that important. After all, it means keeping an eye on her four-year-old sister and making sure she doesn't fall into the goblins' hands during the Twelve Days of Christmas. But when her sister falls prey to the horrible creatures, she has no choice but to believe and try her best to save her.

This isn't like the usual Christmas story found during the holidays but heads toward Greece and a myth I had not heard of before. It centers around creatures called the Kallikantzaroi, which live in the underworld and only come to the surface during the Twelve Days of Christmas to cause mischief and steal children. The basics of the myth are laid out in the first chapters through the grandfather's explanations, which hit in heavier dialogue. It lays a solid foundation and also allows the reader to get a sense for Fotinoula and her family, especially since it keeps a calm pacing, at first. There's a warming relationship between these characters, although these aren't always perfect, either. This is especially clear in Fotinoula's relationship with her younger sister as she finds her frustrating, at times. But then, this also sets the stage for the sibling goodness in these pages.

Greek myth and culture come to light as the tale unfolds. These aspects slide in naturally around the rest of the story. It's a nice way to broaden readers' horizons while learning more about the world, in general. While incorporating light and enjoyable traditions, the tale does hold a darker tone as Fotinoula has to save her sister from the very evil goblins, but it stays very age appropriate the entire way through. 

It makes a lovely read-aloud for those nightly reading sessions, especially since some of the traditions and parts of the myth might lead to a little discussion. It also would work nicely for anyone wanting to take a look at some lesser known Greek myths and learn a little more about the culture in an enjoyable way.