A magical review for Christmas

5.0 out of 5 stars 'The snow makes children of us all.', November 1, 2010


By Grady Harp (Los Angeles, CA United States) - See all my reviews

(TOP 10 REVIEWER) (VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME) This review is from: A First Christmas; Friends and Festivity: Book Two of the Everlasting and Fantastical Adventures of Elannah and Sam (Paperback)

Sean Noonan understands children and understands and believes in imagination. He also demonstrates a keen writing style that, while (or is that 'whilst!'? - Noonan is from the UK and it charmingly shows throughout this book!) the book is meant for children it is written in a fashion that will keep the adult reader intrigued with its message AND its style. This book is 'Book two of the Everlasting and Fantastical Adventures of Elannah and Sam', and for those who have not read Book One, never fear there may be important precursor information that would close the door on enjoying this second in a series. Noonan writes so thoughtfully that he catches us up on all the important data from Book one, allowing us to wisely jump into the dreamworld of the two main characters for a splendid spin.



Elannah and Sam are brother and sister in a family that enjoys all the customs and joys of Christmas. After a Christmas Eve one gift opening party, they are off to bed - and off to the dreamland tree house in the jungle they both can visit with ease. A FIRST CHRISTMAS: FRIENDS AND FESTIVITY is a rollicking tale of how Elannah and Sam discover that the Bridge Troll has never had a Christmas: he grew up without parents or friends and lives a lonely life beneath the bridge. Elannah and Sam, blessed with their own early Christmas gifts, encounter their good friends - Rodger the Badger, Pokey the Hedgehog, Tweezel the Weasel, Grumphspawn the Wizard, and the Petal Princess - and after sealing their own friendships with gifts they plan a first Christmas for the Bridge Troll. The travel through the mountains, braving avalanches, to find a tree they can uproot, visit Arnold's cave of jewels (stopping the would be thieves of the cave's treasures) for ornaments, and reassure that there will be lights on the tree courtesy of the Petal Princess. It all comes together, amidst partying and bonding, and the Bridge Troll not only is deeply touched by his first Christmas but he also is given the best gift of all - a name, finally!



Noonan keeps his story flowing with magical speed, but he also takes time to insert some important childhood lessons that makes his book a worthy addition to the libraries of all children. For example, Elannah muses 'After tonight she would never doubt that she could achieve big things in her life if she just applied her imagination and effort. With friends, anything is possible. Especially here in the land of dreams.' Noonan accompanies his little story with line drawings that give the simplicity of thought and vision of children drawing their own versions of what is happening. This is a winner of a book for all seasons, but particularly for Christmas. Grady Harp, November 10