What do you think?
Rate this book
Fairy Tale Christmas
Santa Claus has been kidnapped! Behind the plot are the fairy tale an evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a beanstalk giant, and, or course, the mischievous Rumplestiltskin. They have a plan that will erase the term Happily Ever After from our storybooks forever. To save the day, the fairy tale heroes must decide if they will sacrifice their happiness so that Santa can bring Christmas to all the children of the world. Christmas is almost her, and time is running out. Fairy Tale Christmas is a little bitInto the Woods and a little bit How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and features black-and-white illustrations as well as a number of music icons that invite readers to download the free music and listen to the songs sung by the fairy tale characters. Sure to be a Christmas classic, Fairy Tale Christmas reminds all of us that there is good in everyone and that the magic of Christmas and the spirit of giving can soften any heart.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2014
6 people are currently reading
126 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
November 7, 2014
As a fan of The Forgotten Carols I jumped at the chance to review this novel while keeping in mind it was a very different genre/style. As I’ve mentioned in past reviews I am not someone who gets into the Christmas spirit easily but I seem to be on a winning streak. My expectations were set high knowing who this duo was. The Forgotten Carols has been a family tradition on Christmas Eve night for a few years now and hits home every time. I was not disappointed. In fact I was flabbergasted by how fantastic this middle-grade read was. It has that sweep you off your feet style laced with humor that all ages can appreciate. I would love to see this become a classic for this niche market like Hogfather by Terry Pratchett. Something anyone and everyone can enjoy and find happiness in.
It’s unusual to find villains not only lovable but endearing. The little details in this book add a touch of something special right from the beginning. The style itself could be the hook if it weren’t that the unusual start will reel you in on its own. The style is exceptional and flows well throughout the novel, keeping great pacing. It’s been a while since I’ve startled my family with laughter while reading but I couldn’t contain myself. I ended up reading parts of it aloud and we all agreed that it was a must read. As soon as I put it down on the shelf I noticed another family member pick it up, wanting to experience it for themselves. Considering none of us are under 20 and a few of them/us can take advantage of the senior discounts it shows the vast age range this story can cater to.
Fantastic read for all ages and one I would highly recommend to start off the Christmas season!
It’s unusual to find villains not only lovable but endearing. The little details in this book add a touch of something special right from the beginning. The style itself could be the hook if it weren’t that the unusual start will reel you in on its own. The style is exceptional and flows well throughout the novel, keeping great pacing. It’s been a while since I’ve startled my family with laughter while reading but I couldn’t contain myself. I ended up reading parts of it aloud and we all agreed that it was a must read. As soon as I put it down on the shelf I noticed another family member pick it up, wanting to experience it for themselves. Considering none of us are under 20 and a few of them/us can take advantage of the senior discounts it shows the vast age range this story can cater to.
Fantastic read for all ages and one I would highly recommend to start off the Christmas season!
November 8, 2015
Meh, it was ok.
December 14, 2018
This is a cute book. Villains who want their happy ending is a unique premise. My kids liked the book. I read some other reviews and have to agree- I wish the author would have left the villains name as is (ie malificent, or the wicked witch vs Medoza and Agatha), it’s a bit confusing trying to remember who is who.
September 21, 2014
This was a cute, easy read, Christmas Story. The villains want to change the endings of the stories, so they hatch a plan to kidnap Santa Claus and in exchange get the fairy tale heroes to trade their stories endings to save Christmas. But the Christmas spirit can even change the hardest of hearts. Great for all ages!!
October 24, 2014
I didn't enjoy this book at all. It is just a silly advertisement for Michael McLean's next Christmas musical. The writing is terrible and so contrived. Hopefully the production will be better...
December 21, 2017
This was very good book. It kept you interested for every coming chapter. Me favorite part was how Santa insisted they make agreement and how that turned out! To me the real point to the story was , that given the chance there is good in everyone no matter what else wheater you believe in Santa or some form of a God or both this is outstanding story with awesome ending!
December 24, 2017
This was an enjoyable read aloud with my girls about the fairy tale villians who kidnap Santa Claus with a plan to change the ending to their stories because they want their happily ever afters. We all give this cute story 5 stars.
January 9, 2018
Great Christmas story for children. I think this would be a great one to read to children at Christmas time. I loved how all my favorite fairy-tale characters were present along with their counter parts and of course Santa himself. Very entertaining and heartwarming.
December 30, 2021
It's pretty cute. The story is mostly "tell us" and not "show us" which when overdone like this gets old. The story is completely predictable, but I am not sure a child would be interested. Not very long and a quick read.
December 30, 2023
This was a really cute story. It took me some time to get into it, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. It's one I could possibly read to my nieces and nephews (although, I'm not sure if they are up on Fairy Tale Culture enough to enjoy it.) I always love me a good happy ending!
December 17, 2017
Cute and creative short story. Fun feel good for Christmas.
December 6, 2018
Read with Keira and Abbs. Cute message, girls enjoyed it more than me.
December 13, 2018
This is a cute little story. Not the worlds best writing, but inviting and fun. I think we may make this an annual Christmas read.
December 26, 2018
I'll probably read this to my children and grandchildren, but I probably wouldn't recommend for anyone older than 10.
December 28, 2018
A cute if not predictable story with a very happy ending. I liked it and smiled throughout the book.
November 9, 2019
Fun little Christmas story...about the wicked characters in fairy tales with a somewhat Grinch-like meaning. Cute, quick read.
December 24, 2020
Fairytales AND Christmas?!! 2 of my favorite things. Great quick read with a wonderful mushy message . ❤️
December 23, 2021
A cute story of how the villains try to get their fairy tale ending. The middle was a little long for me. I was impressed with the plan and how it played out. A fun, easy read.
December 7, 2022
Really fun and creative story!!!
December 24, 2023
Saccharine sweet, fun, quick read
December 29, 2023
*It’s an OK story. I kept getting the villains confused - it would have been better to use their names.
November 18, 2014
Every fairy tale has a happy ending, but image what would happen if evil won over good.
When the evil counterparts of several fairy tales get together, they decide to change the endings of their stories in their favor and to call themselves ‘The Clandestines’. They kidnap Santa Clause and hold him hostage until the heroes and heroines of the fairy tales agreed to give up their ‘happy ever afters.’
Not wanting to be the cause of children not celebrating Christmas, the good guys (and girls) agree to the villains’ demands. But Santa has his only condition as Christmas Eve is almost over and he is behind due to the kidnapping. The Clandestines have to help deliver the presents before they can have their own happy ever afters.
Throughout the night, good and evil worked side-by-side making sure that every child (good and bad) received a present. As the dawn approached, those delivering presents realized they had all been given a gift too.
FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS is a delightful story of how there can be good in everyone if given a chance. The authors have blended the fairy tales of old with the Christmas spirit for an entertaining tale to delight the entire family.
There are numerous black and white illustrations throughout the book that enhances the story. In addition, readers are instructed on how to download free music that the characters enjoyed.
This is an enchanting story that will quickly become a Christmas favorite for young and old alike. This is a story that will have you smiling from beginning to end.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher as part of the authors’ virtual tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
When the evil counterparts of several fairy tales get together, they decide to change the endings of their stories in their favor and to call themselves ‘The Clandestines’. They kidnap Santa Clause and hold him hostage until the heroes and heroines of the fairy tales agreed to give up their ‘happy ever afters.’
Not wanting to be the cause of children not celebrating Christmas, the good guys (and girls) agree to the villains’ demands. But Santa has his only condition as Christmas Eve is almost over and he is behind due to the kidnapping. The Clandestines have to help deliver the presents before they can have their own happy ever afters.
Throughout the night, good and evil worked side-by-side making sure that every child (good and bad) received a present. As the dawn approached, those delivering presents realized they had all been given a gift too.
FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS is a delightful story of how there can be good in everyone if given a chance. The authors have blended the fairy tales of old with the Christmas spirit for an entertaining tale to delight the entire family.
There are numerous black and white illustrations throughout the book that enhances the story. In addition, readers are instructed on how to download free music that the characters enjoyed.
This is an enchanting story that will quickly become a Christmas favorite for young and old alike. This is a story that will have you smiling from beginning to end.
FTC Full Disclosure – A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher as part of the authors’ virtual tour in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review. The thoughts are completely my own and given honestly and freely.
December 16, 2016
Fairy Tale Christmas is best summed up as cute. There is a good message (aka moral lesson) about giving, though.
"'It's the magic of giving and helping and sharing that's changing you. You've been touched by the spirit of Christmas,' he explained."
The one thing I really enjoyed about this little book was the idea that after someone reads a fairy tale, the magic that creates, manifests as the fairy-tale heroes' and heroines' happy ending. The villains hate the endings, of course, and want to be able to tell their own stories. Thus, this story's conflict.
All the princesses, princes, and villains are heavily influenced by Disney: the "good" guys are super sweet and extremely polite; the "bad" guys are fumbling idiots who come across almost like children with all their in-fighting and spotlight hogging. And I'll admit to being slightly annoyed when, the princesses were asking Snow White how she keeps her skin looking lovely, "[t]he princes rolled their eyes and began talking about hunting dragons and other more manly activities."
Recommended only to young readers, 12 and under. It might be too cute and childish for others.
3 stars
"But he was also smiling because these questions were confirming his belief that there was good in everyone; that inside the darkest of oyster shells was where the best pearls were to be found. He then went on to explain the truth about Christmas magic to the Clandestines: to keep those feelings, they must continue doing kind things."
Wanna listen to a song from the villains' musical? Go here.
"'It's the magic of giving and helping and sharing that's changing you. You've been touched by the spirit of Christmas,' he explained."
The one thing I really enjoyed about this little book was the idea that after someone reads a fairy tale, the magic that creates, manifests as the fairy-tale heroes' and heroines' happy ending. The villains hate the endings, of course, and want to be able to tell their own stories. Thus, this story's conflict.
All the princesses, princes, and villains are heavily influenced by Disney: the "good" guys are super sweet and extremely polite; the "bad" guys are fumbling idiots who come across almost like children with all their in-fighting and spotlight hogging. And I'll admit to being slightly annoyed when, the princesses were asking Snow White how she keeps her skin looking lovely, "[t]he princes rolled their eyes and began talking about hunting dragons and other more manly activities."
Recommended only to young readers, 12 and under. It might be too cute and childish for others.
3 stars
"But he was also smiling because these questions were confirming his belief that there was good in everyone; that inside the darkest of oyster shells was where the best pearls were to be found. He then went on to explain the truth about Christmas magic to the Clandestines: to keep those feelings, they must continue doing kind things."
Wanna listen to a song from the villains' musical? Go here.
November 3, 2014
Isn't this a fun cover? It made me want to open the book to find out what was inside.
In this book we find fairy tale characters (good and bad) mixed up with Santa Claus and his elves. The evil characters are plotting a way to change the endings of the fairy tales they come from because they are sick and tired of the good guys always winning.
They devise a plan that includes kidnapping Santa to force the fairy tale heroes and heroines to give up their happily ever after endings to save him.
This is a short book which I easily read through in a day. There is even a few pictures sprinkled throughout the book. It was fun and had a great message. I love Santa's positive attitude and his belief that every person has good in them. There is something magical about Christmas if we allow it in. Kindness and love will always win.
I really enjoyed this sweet little book. If my kids were younger this would be the perfect book to read aloud to them before bed during the month of December. The Christmas spirit is just flowing through this book.
This book is obviously a prelude to a Michael McLean production, which he is famous for. There is a link in the back of the book to download the Copper Mine Club and Dinner Theater's original cast recording. Part of the proceeds from this book, soundtrack and musical go toward the cost of getting toys into the hands of kids.
My thanks to the publisher, Shadow Mountain for allowing me to read and review this title for them.
In this book we find fairy tale characters (good and bad) mixed up with Santa Claus and his elves. The evil characters are plotting a way to change the endings of the fairy tales they come from because they are sick and tired of the good guys always winning.
They devise a plan that includes kidnapping Santa to force the fairy tale heroes and heroines to give up their happily ever after endings to save him.
This is a short book which I easily read through in a day. There is even a few pictures sprinkled throughout the book. It was fun and had a great message. I love Santa's positive attitude and his belief that every person has good in them. There is something magical about Christmas if we allow it in. Kindness and love will always win.
I really enjoyed this sweet little book. If my kids were younger this would be the perfect book to read aloud to them before bed during the month of December. The Christmas spirit is just flowing through this book.
This book is obviously a prelude to a Michael McLean production, which he is famous for. There is a link in the back of the book to download the Copper Mine Club and Dinner Theater's original cast recording. Part of the proceeds from this book, soundtrack and musical go toward the cost of getting toys into the hands of kids.
My thanks to the publisher, Shadow Mountain for allowing me to read and review this title for them.
November 3, 2014
The villains of the fairy tales want to win for a change. The giant wants to eat Jack. The evil step-mother wants Cinderella to provide slave labor. They don't think it's fair that the good guy always gets to win.
They have come up with a perfect plan. Ruin Christmas and the heroes are bound to give them the endings to their stories. They will get their evilly perfect ending.
Santa has determined that every child deserves a toy. There is good in every person, sometimes it just has to be looked for a little harder. While the villains think they have a perfect plan, Santa knows the truth, he just has to teach the villains that their plan is not as perfect as they thought it was.
This is a great Christmas story to share with Children. It takes some of the most loved and hated characters of favorite fairy tales and adds Santa to the mix. It is bound to capture the imagination of children and adults of all ages.
It is a quick read, it took me less than a day. I enjoyed the story and look forward to listening to the Copper Mine Club and Dinner Theater's original cast recording. Michael McClean has written some of my favorite songs. The link to the recording is in the back of the book. :)
They have come up with a perfect plan. Ruin Christmas and the heroes are bound to give them the endings to their stories. They will get their evilly perfect ending.
Santa has determined that every child deserves a toy. There is good in every person, sometimes it just has to be looked for a little harder. While the villains think they have a perfect plan, Santa knows the truth, he just has to teach the villains that their plan is not as perfect as they thought it was.
This is a great Christmas story to share with Children. It takes some of the most loved and hated characters of favorite fairy tales and adds Santa to the mix. It is bound to capture the imagination of children and adults of all ages.
It is a quick read, it took me less than a day. I enjoyed the story and look forward to listening to the Copper Mine Club and Dinner Theater's original cast recording. Michael McClean has written some of my favorite songs. The link to the recording is in the back of the book. :)
November 6, 2014
4 STARS
This is a charming book. l liked it. I am sure many families will want to add it to their libraries. It is one parents can read to their kids and older kids can read and enjoy it too.
I liked the illustrations by Jason Quinn too.
The Villains from a few fairy tales have gotten together to get revenge. They are tired of always losing to the heroes. They want to win.
The book even has songs and a web site that you can hear the songs at FairyTaleChristmasMusical.com
But as 10/05/2014 is not up yet and working.
Jack is my favorite hero or maybe Pinocchio or? Now who was my favorite villain? I have a hard time spelling his real name but he is undercover working as an elf. He is very talented and can spin gold from straw.
The setting for this book is North Pole, Cinderella's castle and all around the world.
I will enjoy reading this book with my nieces or maybe some future Grandchildren down the far road. Because my baby at 24 likes to read her own books.
For a fun new Christmas Fairy tale this hits the spot.
I will read more from Michael and Scott McLean in the future.
I was given this book to read so I can give an honest review of Fairy Tale Christmas and be part of it's blog tour.
This is a charming book. l liked it. I am sure many families will want to add it to their libraries. It is one parents can read to their kids and older kids can read and enjoy it too.
I liked the illustrations by Jason Quinn too.
The Villains from a few fairy tales have gotten together to get revenge. They are tired of always losing to the heroes. They want to win.
The book even has songs and a web site that you can hear the songs at FairyTaleChristmasMusical.com
But as 10/05/2014 is not up yet and working.
Jack is my favorite hero or maybe Pinocchio or? Now who was my favorite villain? I have a hard time spelling his real name but he is undercover working as an elf. He is very talented and can spin gold from straw.
The setting for this book is North Pole, Cinderella's castle and all around the world.
I will enjoy reading this book with my nieces or maybe some future Grandchildren down the far road. Because my baby at 24 likes to read her own books.
For a fun new Christmas Fairy tale this hits the spot.
I will read more from Michael and Scott McLean in the future.
I was given this book to read so I can give an honest review of Fairy Tale Christmas and be part of it's blog tour.
November 7, 2014
This is a "different" kind of Christmas story. Focused on the villains of the Fairtytale World and their plans for revenge and need to have a "happily every after". You have the Drama Queen, Rump (or Goldman as HE prefers to be called), Agatha, the dim-witted Giant and the Abominable Snowman who also owns the restaurant (the clubhouse?) where they all meet to make their dastardly plans to kidnap Santa.
I loved the black & white drawings, the visual descriptions used to describe their surroundings, the characters and they only make the story more interesting to kids and their parents who really should be reading it aloud starting about the age of 8 or so. I still haven't really decided which story this reminds me of - the writing is a bit different. It reminds probably most of the Lemony Snicket series (I think) with maybe a dash of Romona Quimby thrown in (the tiniest dash).
It's different and should appeal to middle grade kids everywhere - might even make a good stocking stuffer since kids love anything Christmassy year round.
I loved the black & white drawings, the visual descriptions used to describe their surroundings, the characters and they only make the story more interesting to kids and their parents who really should be reading it aloud starting about the age of 8 or so. I still haven't really decided which story this reminds me of - the writing is a bit different. It reminds probably most of the Lemony Snicket series (I think) with maybe a dash of Romona Quimby thrown in (the tiniest dash).
It's different and should appeal to middle grade kids everywhere - might even make a good stocking stuffer since kids love anything Christmassy year round.
November 6, 2014
This is one of the most gorgeous covers and layouts I have ever seen for a middle grade book! All of your favorite fairy tale characters: Rumplestiltskin, Cinderella's Wicked Stepmother, a giant and a Fairy Queen have joined together to form "the Clandestines"." Their secret mission is to kidnap Santa Claus and create an ending of their own. The elves are overworked and need to unionize and Christmas may be in trouble! With black and white illustrations, fun text variations and plenty of action, this is a short, fun middle grade read. Santa and Rudolph meet their match in a mash up of villains and good guys. Perfect for an afternoon by the fire.
I love that part of the proceeds from the book, soundtrack and musical "go toward the costs of getting toys into the hands of kids." And, I am anxiously awaiting the Copper Mine Club and Dinner Theatre's songs which will be uploaded to www.Fairy Tale ChristmasMusical.com
I love that part of the proceeds from the book, soundtrack and musical "go toward the costs of getting toys into the hands of kids." And, I am anxiously awaiting the Copper Mine Club and Dinner Theatre's songs which will be uploaded to www.Fairy Tale ChristmasMusical.com
November 7, 2014
What a creatively new look at the Christmas season and Santa and toy giving! Santa has decided that all kids deserve at least one present to help inspire them to be good. As a result the elves and reindeer have been working overtime to get ready for Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, some well-known fairy tale villains (think Rumplestiltskin, Snow White, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty) want their own so-called happy endings. In order to force the fairy tale heroes to give up their happy endings they decide to kidnap Santa Claus. But like most such things, it doesn't go the way they planned. This is a light fun read for middle grade readers who enjoy fairy tale spin-offs and Christmas stories.
The advantage of having a songwriter for an author is the addition of music to the story. While the website where the music will be is not up yet, I look forward to checking it out.
The advantage of having a songwriter for an author is the addition of music to the story. While the website where the music will be is not up yet, I look forward to checking it out.
November 4, 2014
OH I LOVE A GOOD CHRISTMAS STORY!
And I LOVE A GREAT FAIRY TALE!
Combine the two together with a kidnapping of Santa and you have created a "Fairy Tale Christmas."
An evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a beanstalk giant, and the mischievous Rumpelstiltskin are NOT HAPPY with their fairy tale endings...they want their 'happily ever after.'
How to get it? They must get the fairy tale heroes to switch endings...
But how? Kidnap Santa...this will be the "sweetest revenge!"
Can Snow White really eat the apple and live forever in a glass coffin?
Can Cinderella be a slave to her step-mother for eternity?
Can Jack really let the giant eat him?
But if they don't...Santa will not be able to deliver presents to the children all over the world.
Time is running out...
What will they do?
A FUN, FUN BOOK!
Sure to be a HOLIDAY FAVORITE!
SO. LOVED. IT!
And I LOVE A GREAT FAIRY TALE!
Combine the two together with a kidnapping of Santa and you have created a "Fairy Tale Christmas."
An evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a beanstalk giant, and the mischievous Rumpelstiltskin are NOT HAPPY with their fairy tale endings...they want their 'happily ever after.'
How to get it? They must get the fairy tale heroes to switch endings...
But how? Kidnap Santa...this will be the "sweetest revenge!"
Can Snow White really eat the apple and live forever in a glass coffin?
Can Cinderella be a slave to her step-mother for eternity?
Can Jack really let the giant eat him?
But if they don't...Santa will not be able to deliver presents to the children all over the world.
Time is running out...
What will they do?
A FUN, FUN BOOK!
Sure to be a HOLIDAY FAVORITE!
SO. LOVED. IT!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews