Tuesday, June 3, 2014

The Crimson and the Frost by James Colletti and John Williams

Billy's father is always bringing home things from work for his son. He looks at it as free advertising. After an altercation after school, Billy sees the things his father brings home for him as the reason the kids don't like him; they're jealous. Later, while stargazing, he catches a glimpse of something disappearing in the woods. As curious boys often do, he suited up to go outside without thought for how late it was or whether his parents should know. What he finds set our story in motion. Two reindeer, a sleigh with the initials "S.C." on it, a couple of stuffed bags, and no one in site.

Billy decides to stow away on the sleigh just in time to hear two elves argue about who's going to drive. With typical young boy curiosity, Billy searches for anything interesting since the elves still don't know about him. One thing leads to another and a very important jewel is removed from its setting at the back of the sleigh, only to go overboard. The greatest adventure Billy will ever have has started.

A magical adventure in Christmas Town, two rather bumbling elves that keep losing a young boy (who gets caught taking bites out of the wall of The Gumdrop Shoppe), and a sleigh that can't fly until the jewel is found. To mix things up a little more, the King of Winter (aka: Jack Frost) has learned the jewel is missing and wants it for reasons of his own.

This is a fun story, full of life, magic, laughter, trials, and woe. Hopelessness and despair are turned around as a young boy learns to find hope. Although this is a delightful Christmas fantasy, this really is for kids old enough to handle a little conflict in their holiday stories. This could become a favorite family read at the holidays. Check it out and let me know what you think. I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 4 stars

This book is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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