Goliath's Christmas

The Adventures of Goliath

by Terrance Dicks, Valerie Littlewood (Illustrator)

A heavy snow just before Christmas and preparations for a party for the senior citizens in his neighboorhood bring excitement for David and his dog Goliath, until the party money and old Mrs. Gorringer both disappear

52 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

Terrance Dicks was an English author, screenwriter, script editor, and producer best known for his extensive contributions to Doctor Who. Serving as the show's script editor from 1968 to 1974, he helped shape many core elements of the series, including the concept of regeneration, the development of the Time Lords, and the naming of the Doctor’s home planet, Gallifrey. His tenure coincided with major thematic expansions, and he worked closely with producer Barry Letts to bring a socially aware tone to the show. Dicks later wrote several Doctor Who serials, including Robot, Horror of Fang Rock, and The Five Doctors, the 20th-anniversary special.
In parallel with his television work, Dicks became one of the most prolific writers of Doctor Who novelisations for Target Books, authoring over 60 titles and serving as the de facto editor of the range. These adaptations introduced a generation of young readers to the franchise. Beyond Doctor Who, he also wrote original novels, including children’s horror and adventure series such as The Baker Street Irregulars, Star Quest, and The Adventures of Goliath.
Dicks also worked on other television programmes including The Avengers, Moonbase 3, and various BBC literary adaptations. His later work included audio dramas and novels tied to Doctor Who. Widely respected for his clarity, imagination, and dedication to storytelling, he remained a central figure in Doctor Who fandom until his death in 2019, leaving behind a vast legacy in television and children's literature.

Reviews

[Josiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Terrance Dicks was known not just for his television writing, but his children's stories, and the Adventures of Goliath was one of his popular book series. A few days before Christmas, David is excited to see big, feathery snowflakes falling. He takes Goliath—his large, shaggy dog—to play in the snow at the park alongside other kids, tossing snowballs and zooming down hills on sleds. Everyone seems to enjoy the deep, thick snow...until David hears a faint cry for help on his way home. Miss Gorringer, an elderly woman who lives alone with a slew of cats, is trapped in her house by the snowfall. She's not steady on her feet, and is afraid to go to the store to buy food for herself and her cats. David walks Miss Gorringer to the store and back, and crisis is averted. David's parents are proud of him, and decide to put together a neighborhood Christmas party for older folks like Miss Gorringer. With cooperation from neighbors, plans for the party are soon set.

David and Goliath love Christmas vacation in all this snow. David rigs up a custom sled from an old realtor's sign, and it travels faster than anything the other kids have. No one can beat David in a sled race. He's on his way to meet yet another challenger when Miss Gorringer hails him from her doorway with a request for assistance. The Fox and Hounds restaurant is reserved for the upcoming party, but Miss Gorringer needs David to deliver the envelope of community money to pay for it. He pockets the envelope, intending to walk it over to the Fox and Hounds after his sledding match. Surely there's no harm in a minor delay.

After winning the race, David drops off Miss Gorringer's envelope at the Fox and Hounds. Later, the restaurant's angry manager shows up at David's house. Inside the envelope David handed over was nothing but a torn piece of paper. The hundred dollars to retain the Fox and Hounds for the party is still due, and if David can't explain where the money went, his parents will be on the hook for it. Confused and worried, David heads over with Goliath to Miss Gorringer's to ask if she knows what's going on, but the old woman is gone, the front door left open. In this weather, she could be in danger out and about by herself. Can David and Goliath save the life of the local Cat Lady, and rescue their own Christmas from financial disaster?

Goliath's Christmas is a nice seasonal story. David and Goliath are good boys who strive to do right, even if the restaurant manager has doubts. Being a community helper isn't always easy, but things usually turn out well if you're sincere, and Christmas is more satisfying when you spend the days ahead of it doing good for others. Goliath's Christmas is a brief but effective mood-setter that I can imagine a kid going back to year after year at Christmastime.

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

A lovely Christmas story...I can see why reading this would be a Christmas tradition c:

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one book that I remember reading as a child although I don't think it was ever a seasonal read for me. As a result it was kind of a nostalgic read whose cover was more a reminder to me of this particular book than the actual plot that can be found within the pages.

As for the writing itself it was quite an easy read with only a few words that were two or three syllables long so that way young readers approaching chapter books aren't scared off by it. The rest of the plot is simple to read as well as follow thus allowing the reader a chance to get used to the story being told and to have time enough to enjoy the pace.

As a result although some elements of the story may be outdated to young readers they will find that the rest of the story has a great lesson that pertains to even modern-day children and that it can be a nice pleasurable read for both the holidays as well as outside it.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 3 out of 5]

My love of reading started when i was young, and it gives me immense pleasure to provide books to Spread the Word Nevada, an organization that passes them on to children in the community. They are a terrific organization supporting an important cause. If your local I encourage you to check them out. For those living further a field, look in your own community, their may already be a similar program in place. And if not, you can always help start one.

http://spreadthewordnevada.org/

Myself, I go out on the weekends and
shop thrift store and bulk book lots to rescue books and donate them. Sometimes I'll find a book I remember reading when I was young and will read it again before passing it on.

I don't rate these books using my normal scale, instead I give most of them three stars. This isn't a Criticism of the book, simply my way of rating them as good for children.

[Mark Rabideau · Rating 4 out of 5]

My grandsons and I enjoyed the adventures of David & Goliath (a boy and his dog). This Christmas mystery was a 'riveting' tale enjoyed most thoroughly by my 6+ year old grandson and a bit less so by his 2+ year old sibling. ;)

[Jeannette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect beginning chapter book for the Christmas season. Cloaked in this story of a boy and his dog, are lessons of empathy, bravery and honesty. The community of caring people and the friendship between a young boy and an elderly woman is especially heartwarming.

[Catherine Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like the book and how the book describes David and Goliath, how nice they helped the old lady. I hope that y'all would like the book like i did.