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The Miracle on Ebenezer Street
When George stumbles across Marley's Curiosity Shop at the Christmas fair he finds a mysterious snow globe. The scene it contains is just the first in a series of impossibilities . . .
George and his Scrooge of a dad are soon swept on a hilarious adventure to Christmases past, present and future. With help from an enthusiastic elf, a rather grumpy purple reindeer and a very mischievous Nan, can George find a way to bring the joy of Christmas home once again?
This is a fabulously festive story about finding Christmas, family, and magic
George and his Scrooge of a dad are soon swept on a hilarious adventure to Christmases past, present and future. With help from an enthusiastic elf, a rather grumpy purple reindeer and a very mischievous Nan, can George find a way to bring the joy of Christmas home once again?
This is a fabulously festive story about finding Christmas, family, and magic
240 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2020
17 people are currently reading
1287 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Doyle
28 books2,748 followersCatherine Doyle grew up in the West of Ireland. She holds a first-class BA in Psychology and a first-class MA in Publishing. She is the author of the Young Adult Blood for Blood trilogy (Vendetta, Inferno and Mafiosa), which is often described as Romeo and Juliet meets the Godfather. It was inspired by her love of modern cinema. Her debut Middle Grade novel, The Storm Keeper's Island (Bloomsbury, 2018), is an adventure story about family, bravery and self-discovery. It is set on the magical island of Arranmore, where her grandparents grew up, and is inspired by her ancestors' real life daring sea rescues.
Aside from more conventional interests in movies, running and travelling, Catherine also enjoys writing about herself in the third-person.
Aside from more conventional interests in movies, running and travelling, Catherine also enjoys writing about herself in the third-person.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
October 15, 2020
If you're looking for a new festive middle grade to make a Christmas Eve reading tradition, then look no further than Catherine Doyle's 'The Miracle on Ebeneezer Street'.
This will be the third Christmas that George will spend without his mother. After her death, his father has refused to celebrate Christmas and it appears all the colour and festive cheer of the season has gone forever. Then George stumbles across a strange shop that is run by Marley, and after receiving a snow globe, he, his father and his grandmother get whisked away on an adventure through Christmas past, present and future to change George's father's Scrooge-like ways.
From start to finish, this was filled with Christmassy goodness. I was instantly drawn towards George through empathy and a want for him to succeed in changing his father's mind about Christmas. I absolutely loved Nana Flo and how young-at-heart she was. We are also introduced to an elf called Tricksie and a reindeer called Randolph (not Rudolph!!) and it just all made for a perfect Christmas treat.
I could feel the inspiration of A Christmas Carol with so many nods to the original, as well as Charles Diskens himself. The way this was written really made me want to curl up with a hot chocolate, a mince pie and watch snow fall. This gives me the same kind of vibes as Arthur Christmas, so it's well worth a read this Christmas!
This will be the third Christmas that George will spend without his mother. After her death, his father has refused to celebrate Christmas and it appears all the colour and festive cheer of the season has gone forever. Then George stumbles across a strange shop that is run by Marley, and after receiving a snow globe, he, his father and his grandmother get whisked away on an adventure through Christmas past, present and future to change George's father's Scrooge-like ways.
From start to finish, this was filled with Christmassy goodness. I was instantly drawn towards George through empathy and a want for him to succeed in changing his father's mind about Christmas. I absolutely loved Nana Flo and how young-at-heart she was. We are also introduced to an elf called Tricksie and a reindeer called Randolph (not Rudolph!!) and it just all made for a perfect Christmas treat.
I could feel the inspiration of A Christmas Carol with so many nods to the original, as well as Charles Diskens himself. The way this was written really made me want to curl up with a hot chocolate, a mince pie and watch snow fall. This gives me the same kind of vibes as Arthur Christmas, so it's well worth a read this Christmas!
January 2, 2022
This is a beautiful book inside and out! The story is a wonderful and fresh retelling of A Christmas Carol, and it made me laugh out loud but also brought tears to my eyes. I would recommend to everyone! It is a perfect gift for the holiday season for readers of all ages!
December 17, 2020
Ever since George's mam passed away in a car accident on Christmas Eve, his dad refuses to celebrate Christmas and has become cold and irritable. Three years on, George's days are lacking in colour and a trip to a magical miracle shop might be the key to restoring Hugo's Christmas spirit and crush the Scrooge inside him.
This was a really fun, cute read that I enjoyed a lot, and it's just perfect for the Christmas season. The story is obviously inspired by Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but Catherine Doyle has managed to inject her own ideas and magic into it to make it her own. The Dickens' references in the book are magnificent, and the characters are all either lovable or easy to despise at times. It took me a long time to warm up to George's dad as he was just such a Scrooge!
My only real complaint with this book was I was disappointed this book was set in London, and not in Dublin or another Irish town as the author was Irish. We did have some Irish charm in Grandma Flo but I would have loved it to have been set in Ireland.
This was a really fun, cute read that I enjoyed a lot, and it's just perfect for the Christmas season. The story is obviously inspired by Dickens' A Christmas Carol, but Catherine Doyle has managed to inject her own ideas and magic into it to make it her own. The Dickens' references in the book are magnificent, and the characters are all either lovable or easy to despise at times. It took me a long time to warm up to George's dad as he was just such a Scrooge!
My only real complaint with this book was I was disappointed this book was set in London, and not in Dublin or another Irish town as the author was Irish. We did have some Irish charm in Grandma Flo but I would have loved it to have been set in Ireland.
November 15, 2021
This Christmas tale from the Irish writer Catherine Doyle is made not even based on motives, but as a direct reference to Dickens' "Christmas Song in Prose", which you no doubt remember. The first and most famous of the five Yuletide stories written by him from 1843 to 1848, the hero of which, the hard-hearted miser Ebenezer Scrooge, appears at Christmas the ghost of his recently deceased companion Marley and says that he himself is now in hell, conjuring Scrooge, before it's too late, to take care of the salvation of the soul.
After that, over the next three nights, the spirits of Christmas: past, present and future show the old man how he came to such a life; what is happening around him now, how much pain and suffering that could be alleviated with money; finally, the joyless death that awaits the miser. These visions so shock Scrooge that he decides to reform, helps the clerk with the treatment of his sick son, establishes relations with his nephew and deserves universal love.
The miracle from the magic ball is not so dramatic, there is no poor sick boy who will die if his parents do not find money for treatment, but there is a mental wound caused by the death of his mother in an accident just before Christmas. This tragedy forced my father to abandon the holiday, which he blames for what happened. In the family of ten-year-old George, everything that reminds of the main winter joy is banned. In addition, dad stopped communicating with the family of his mother's sister, who was driving during that accident, and after all, the boy's cousins are his only relatives close in age.
Рождественская песнь, XXI век
И все же я верю,
Что прямо за дверью
Нас ждут чудеса.
Эта рождественская сказка от ирландской писательницы Кэтрин Дойл сделана не по мотивам даже, а как прямая отсылка к "Рождественской песни в прозе" Диккенса, которую вы, без сомнения, помните. Первая и самая известная из пяти святочных историй, написанных им с 1843 по 1848 годы, герою которой, жестокосердному скряге Эбенезеру Скруджу является под Рождество призрак его недавно умершего компаньона Марли и говорит, что сам он теперь в аду, заклиная Скруджа, пока не поздно, позаботиться о спасении души.
После чего, на протяжении трех следующих ночей, духи Рождества: прошедшего, нынешнего и будущего показывают старику как он дошел до жизни такой; что творится вокруг сейчас, как много боли и страдания, которые можно было бы облегчить его деньгами; наконец - безрадостная кончина, которая ждет скупца. Эти видения так потрясают Скруджа, что он решает исправиться, помогает клерку с лечением его больного сына, налаживает отношения с племянником и заслуживает всеобщую любовь.
Чудо из волшебного шара не столь драматично, здесь нет бедного больного мальчика, который умрет, если его родители не найдут денег на лечение, но есть душевная рана, нанесенная гибелью мамы в аварии как раз под Рождество. Эта трагедия заставила отца отказаться от праздника, который он винит в происшедшем. В семье десятилетнего Джорджа под запретом все, что напоминает о главной зимней радости. Кроме того, папа прекратил общение с семьей маминой сестры, бывшей за рулем во время той аварии, а ведь двоюродные сестры мальчика - его единственные родственницы, близкие по возрасту.
И вот, в канун очередного Рождества, бабушка Флоренс, которая тоже немало страдает от сыновней нелюдимости, втихомолку отправляется с Джорджем на предрождественскую ярмарку, где ему дарят украшение в виде шара. Ну, знаете. такого, какой потрясешь и внутри снег начнет сыпаться на домик. Только здесь внутри не домишко, а кое-что, чего никак не может быть. Но, упс (делая закрывающий жест у рта) - молчу, иначе вам будет неинтересно.
Кэтрин Дойл отменный сторителлер, на русском пока только эта сказка, но для детей у нее есть еще остросюжетный "Остров Повелителя бурь", а в жанре янг-эдалт трилогия "Вендетта", "Инферно", "Мафия" о том. как Ромео и Джульетта встречают крестного отца. Я бы почитала. А для тех, кто не прочь послушать хорошую сказку вместе с детьми, есть аудиокнига в замечательном исполнении Игоря Князева.
After that, over the next three nights, the spirits of Christmas: past, present and future show the old man how he came to such a life; what is happening around him now, how much pain and suffering that could be alleviated with money; finally, the joyless death that awaits the miser. These visions so shock Scrooge that he decides to reform, helps the clerk with the treatment of his sick son, establishes relations with his nephew and deserves universal love.
The miracle from the magic ball is not so dramatic, there is no poor sick boy who will die if his parents do not find money for treatment, but there is a mental wound caused by the death of his mother in an accident just before Christmas. This tragedy forced my father to abandon the holiday, which he blames for what happened. In the family of ten-year-old George, everything that reminds of the main winter joy is banned. In addition, dad stopped communicating with the family of his mother's sister, who was driving during that accident, and after all, the boy's cousins are his only relatives close in age.
Рождественская песнь, XXI век
И все же я верю,
Что прямо за дверью
Нас ждут чудеса.
Эта рождественская сказка от ирландской писательницы Кэтрин Дойл сделана не по мотивам даже, а как прямая отсылка к "Рождественской песни в прозе" Диккенса, которую вы, без сомнения, помните. Первая и самая известная из пяти святочных историй, написанных им с 1843 по 1848 годы, герою которой, жестокосердному скряге Эбенезеру Скруджу является под Рождество призрак его недавно умершего компаньона Марли и говорит, что сам он теперь в аду, заклиная Скруджа, пока не поздно, позаботиться о спасении души.
После чего, на протяжении трех следующих ночей, духи Рождества: прошедшего, нынешнего и будущего показывают старику как он дошел до жизни такой; что творится вокруг сейчас, как много боли и страдания, которые можно было бы облегчить его деньгами; наконец - безрадостная кончина, которая ждет скупца. Эти видения так потрясают Скруджа, что он решает исправиться, помогает клерку с лечением его больного сына, налаживает отношения с племянником и заслуживает всеобщую любовь.
Чудо из волшебного шара не столь драматично, здесь нет бедного больного мальчика, который умрет, если его родители не найдут денег на лечение, но есть душевная рана, нанесенная гибелью мамы в аварии как раз под Рождество. Эта трагедия заставила отца отказаться от праздника, который он винит в происшедшем. В семье десятилетнего Джорджа под запретом все, что напоминает о главной зимней радости. Кроме того, папа прекратил общение с семьей маминой сестры, бывшей за рулем во время той аварии, а ведь двоюродные сестры мальчика - его единственные родственницы, близкие по возрасту.
И вот, в канун очередного Рождества, бабушка Флоренс, которая тоже немало страдает от сыновней нелюдимости, втихомолку отправляется с Джорджем на предрождественскую ярмарку, где ему дарят украшение в виде шара. Ну, знаете. такого, какой потрясешь и внутри снег начнет сыпаться на домик. Только здесь внутри не домишко, а кое-что, чего никак не может быть. Но, упс (делая закрывающий жест у рта) - молчу, иначе вам будет неинтересно.
Кэтрин Дойл отменный сторителлер, на русском пока только эта сказка, но для детей у нее есть еще остросюжетный "Остров Повелителя бурь", а в жанре янг-эдалт трилогия "Вендетта", "Инферно", "Мафия" о том. как Ромео и Джульетта встречают крестного отца. Я бы почитала. А для тех, кто не прочь послушать хорошую сказку вместе с детьми, есть аудиокнига в замечательном исполнении Игоря Князева.
December 19, 2025
I really enjoy children's holiday literature, so each year I try to discover a new middle-grade Christmas story. This book is beautiful both inside and out, with great characters and a heartwarming story. It's a fresh, modernized retelling of A Christmas Carol. A relatable story of a boy trying to bring joy back to his grieving, Scrooge-like father, and features memorable characters like a purple reindeer and mischievous grandma. Who knew the Ghost of Christmas Present could be upstaged by a reindeer in therapy? Lol:-) ... Highly recommend (but grab some tissues)!
September 28, 2020
You should all know by now that I adore Christmas, and I literally get myself in a tizz in December. You probably remember that one of my favourite books is A Christmas Carol. So when I spotted this book The Miracle on Ebenezer Street I knew I needed to get my hands on it and quick. The Christmas Elves must have heard me because no sooner than I'd wished for it, the book appeared before me like magic. A little like this book, it truly is a piece of magic.
It's December, a couple of days before Christmas and George is about to spend his third Christmas without his mum. Since his Mum died George's life has become a little sad and grey; Hugo, George's dad has thrown himself into his work and has no time for his Son and absolutely no time for Christmas. In fact its banned in their house and he's even stopped George from seeing his Cousins and his Mums Sister his Aunt. All because three years ago he Mum died on Christmas Eve.
One day George and his Nan are out in the town marvelling at the Christmas Festivities and he comes across Marley's Curiosity Shop. On the door it reads, 'Strictly No Grown - ups Allowed, Enter At Your Own Whimsy'
George goes in and meets an old man named Marley who's reading a paper dated 1843. Marley invites George to select a gift and he chooses a snow globe, which - though George can't quite understand how - appears to show a scene from George's past. A Christmas several years ago where all his family are together and merry.
Once he takes the snow globe home his adventures start. George is ensconced in a magical world where his ancestors from an oil painting come alive and an Elf on the shelf called Trixie takes charge and a purple reindeer who's no longer friends with Rudolph transports them on adventures.
This story is fun, sweet, exciting and has everything a good christmas book needs. Lots of nods to the book that Dickens wrote but in a humorous way.
Highly recommended for children ages 8 -12 ish I would say, and all adults that still believe! For those who loved Tom Fletchers The Christmasaurus like me and David Walliams adventures, this is the book for you. If Christmas is still in your heart and you read a chapter a night leading up to christmas eve who knows what miracles might happen to you.
5 Scroogey Stars for this joyful book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Catherine Doyle and Puffin Books for this advanced copy. Publishes 01 October 2020
It's December, a couple of days before Christmas and George is about to spend his third Christmas without his mum. Since his Mum died George's life has become a little sad and grey; Hugo, George's dad has thrown himself into his work and has no time for his Son and absolutely no time for Christmas. In fact its banned in their house and he's even stopped George from seeing his Cousins and his Mums Sister his Aunt. All because three years ago he Mum died on Christmas Eve.
One day George and his Nan are out in the town marvelling at the Christmas Festivities and he comes across Marley's Curiosity Shop. On the door it reads, 'Strictly No Grown - ups Allowed, Enter At Your Own Whimsy'
George goes in and meets an old man named Marley who's reading a paper dated 1843. Marley invites George to select a gift and he chooses a snow globe, which - though George can't quite understand how - appears to show a scene from George's past. A Christmas several years ago where all his family are together and merry.
Once he takes the snow globe home his adventures start. George is ensconced in a magical world where his ancestors from an oil painting come alive and an Elf on the shelf called Trixie takes charge and a purple reindeer who's no longer friends with Rudolph transports them on adventures.
This story is fun, sweet, exciting and has everything a good christmas book needs. Lots of nods to the book that Dickens wrote but in a humorous way.
Highly recommended for children ages 8 -12 ish I would say, and all adults that still believe! For those who loved Tom Fletchers The Christmasaurus like me and David Walliams adventures, this is the book for you. If Christmas is still in your heart and you read a chapter a night leading up to christmas eve who knows what miracles might happen to you.
5 Scroogey Stars for this joyful book.
Thanks to Netgalley, Catherine Doyle and Puffin Books for this advanced copy. Publishes 01 October 2020
December 12, 2024
Незважаючи на те, що це дитяча книжка, мені вона дуже сподобалась. В несерйозній манері і в стилі Різдвяної історії Дікенса молодий хлопчик намагається повернути додому Різдво, яке його тато заборонив, бо в Різдво померла його дружина, мама хлопчика.
Легка, щира і така невимушена історія. Місцями я хіхікала як дитина, бо ельфійка Тріксі і фіолетовий олень — брат Рудольфа, з яким він посварився — просто зробили мій день
Рекомендую всім, навіть якщо ви дорослий — нам всім треба трошки різдвяного дива
Легка, щира і така невимушена історія. Місцями я хіхікала як дитина, бо ельфійка Тріксі і фіолетовий олень — брат Рудольфа, з яким він посварився — просто зробили мій день
Рекомендую всім, навіть якщо ви дорослий — нам всім треба трошки різдвяного дива
December 12, 2020
Super cute and heartwarming 💙❄️
December 23, 2020
Wow! This was everything & more! I love how the author did this reimagining of A Christmas Carol. She didn’t do what so many others have done before her, but she made it her own while at the same time paying homage to the core of the classic that makes it a classic. I absolutely loved this. I read a few pages before bed yesterday, & then finished the rest in one sitting today. This is so full of heart, magic, believing, & Christmas goodness. William is so great. He is such an amazing kid who just wants LIFE back. Life with all the colors of it. Full of laughter, happiness, friends, love, memories, & FAMILY. He lost his mom 3 years earlier. The person his dad became afterwards..it’s like he lost him too. His dad canceled Christmas, memories & other family. William just wants him to remember how it was before. His Nana Flo is the BEST! She is my favorite. What a great grandma! I also loved Walter, Marley, Tricksie, & Randolph soooo much. Every detail of this was perfection. I’m so happy I got to read it this year before Christmas. A grand adventure full of heart & all the heartwarming feels that does the original proud. HIGHLY recommend! Absolutely stunning cover & illustrations above every chapter heading too by Pedro Riquelme.💜
Want to read
October 1, 2020[Gifted]
A middle grade retelling of A Christmas Carol that is perfect for the season - fun and magical in the best way. Cat writes the best characters, full of wit and personality and dimension.
A middle grade retelling of A Christmas Carol that is perfect for the season - fun and magical in the best way. Cat writes the best characters, full of wit and personality and dimension.
January 11, 2025
Мила, душевна і затишна історія про Різдвяне диво. Мені дуже сподобились головні герої - Джордж, батько Ґʼюґо і бабуня Фло, але найбільше запала в душу ельфка Тріксі 🥰
December 9, 2021
Cute middle-grade Christmas novel for those who love A Christmas Carol :)
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April 7, 2022Zaczyna się smutno. Ojciec, który wykreślił święta ze swojego życia po stracie żony i dziesięcioletni chłopiec, który również cierpi po stracie mamy, ale jednocześnie jest w sytuacji, jakby stracił oboje rodziców. Dużo tutaj o żałobie i o tym, jak inaczej ona wygląda dla każdego.
Rozumiem, że tata George'a jest w żałobie, ale strasznie źle traktuje w tym swojego syna. Nie myśli o nim, tylko o sobie i swoim smutku...
‘Enough, George. You’re just a child, for goodness’ sake! It doesn’t matter what you think.’
There was nothing normal about their house, this strange, hollow place. It felt like a graveyard now, loneliness seeping like damp from its walls.
Na szczęście na pomoc przybywają świąteczne cuda i przygody.
Powiedziałabym, że ten moment zmiany serca był jakby za krótki, ale ogólnie bardzo fajna opowieść.
Moje ulubione postaci to babcia i elf Tricksie.
Rozumiem, że tata George'a jest w żałobie, ale strasznie źle traktuje w tym swojego syna. Nie myśli o nim, tylko o sobie i swoim smutku...
‘Enough, George. You’re just a child, for goodness’ sake! It doesn’t matter what you think.’
There was nothing normal about their house, this strange, hollow place. It felt like a graveyard now, loneliness seeping like damp from its walls.
Na szczęście na pomoc przybywają świąteczne cuda i przygody.
Powiedziałabym, że ten moment zmiany serca był jakby za krótki, ale ogólnie bardzo fajna opowieść.
Moje ulubione postaci to babcia i elf Tricksie.
December 23, 2020
This is so charming and lovely, and I think it’s my favourite version of a Christmas Carol ever. It’s about a boy named George, whose dad cancelled Christmas forever after the death of his mum, and the journey a magical snowglobe that he finds in Marley’s curiosity shop takes him on to Christmas past, present and future. The idea is obviously based on Charles Dickens’ original but it’s definitely very much it’s own story too, as while I loved the nods and winks to the original tale, I also loved the new elements to the story and the characters. I particularly loved Geroge and his Nana Flo, of course, but I have to admit his dad did make me laugh at some points (if you’ve read the book you may know what scene I mean!). It’s such a moving, special story with lots of humour and heart, as well as a good portions of magic, and it’s made me even more excited to finish off the Storm Keeper series once the last book is released in March.
July 4, 2023
3.75/5, rounded up
Am I reading yet another Christmas book in July, when Christmas is still half a year away? Why… yes, yes I am.
I absolutely adored this Christmas retelling of A Christmas Carol. The story of Scrooge is one that never fails to warm my heart, and the Christmas vibes of this story were just immaculate. It was such a heartwarming, fun, lighthearted story, and it was so festive. Looking forward to my next Christmas read!
Am I reading yet another Christmas book in July, when Christmas is still half a year away? Why… yes, yes I am.
I absolutely adored this Christmas retelling of A Christmas Carol. The story of Scrooge is one that never fails to warm my heart, and the Christmas vibes of this story were just immaculate. It was such a heartwarming, fun, lighthearted story, and it was so festive. Looking forward to my next Christmas read!
December 12, 2020
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favourite classics is A Christmas Carol and so I love reading retellings of that story. This is a middlegrade version, in the vein of A Monster Calls. It was magical and heartbreaking at the same time and I think that Catherine Doyle adhered to the main points of the story throughout. As an adult, I picked up on many of the names and hints at the original novella that were included.
I’m not usually a huge fan of middlegrade fiction but this was compelling and kept me hooked throughout. I would highly recommend this one for this time of year.
4 out of 5 stars!
One of my favourite classics is A Christmas Carol and so I love reading retellings of that story. This is a middlegrade version, in the vein of A Monster Calls. It was magical and heartbreaking at the same time and I think that Catherine Doyle adhered to the main points of the story throughout. As an adult, I picked up on many of the names and hints at the original novella that were included.
I’m not usually a huge fan of middlegrade fiction but this was compelling and kept me hooked throughout. I would highly recommend this one for this time of year.
4 out of 5 stars!
December 31, 2020
George's father Hugo is a scrooge.Since his mother died three years before, Hugo refuses to celebrate Christmas. George's grandmother Nana Flo,from Dublin, lives with George and Hugo. She secretly lets George have a bit of Christmas but they have to hide everything from Hugo. Like the Scrooge from Dickens, Hugo encounters three ghosts. This story diverges a lot from Dickens in many fun ways. A book that many middle readers will enjoy.
December 31, 2021
This is a lovely story about the spirit of Christmas and the importance of family.
It's a lovely book with great sentiment but it cut a bit too close to home for me, having lost my mum close to Christmas (albeit 16 years ago) I found myself getting quite emotional at times, it's a very relatable story despite being for children and the actions of George's father had me frustrated but also sympathetic.
George's grandma was my favourite character, jolly, full of festive spirit and a sprinkle of magic.
All in all a wonderfully modern children's retelling of a Christmas classic.
It's a lovely book with great sentiment but it cut a bit too close to home for me, having lost my mum close to Christmas (albeit 16 years ago) I found myself getting quite emotional at times, it's a very relatable story despite being for children and the actions of George's father had me frustrated but also sympathetic.
George's grandma was my favourite character, jolly, full of festive spirit and a sprinkle of magic.
All in all a wonderfully modern children's retelling of a Christmas classic.
December 4, 2021
Tämä oli kyllä aivan ihana. Taianomainen satu joulusta ja sen ihmeistä. Upposi sekä äitiin että eka- ja kolmasluokkalaisiin kuuntelijoihin.
October 3, 2020
"Your heart is a compass. All you have to do is follow it."
December 9, 2022
(4.25⭐)
C'était une excellent livre jeunesse, et une excellente adaptation d'Un Chant de Noël également ! Un livre aussi beau à l'intérieur que ce qu'il l'est à l'extérieur 😍
On retrouve George qui, un soir de Noël il y a trois ans, a perdu sa mère... Et pas que.. Son père s'est depuis enfermé dans son chagrin et a effacé toute mention de sa femme, il a également annulé Noël. C'est dans ce contexte pas super joyeux que George va tout faire pour qu'un miracle arrive...
C'était à la fois touchant et plein d'espoir, les moments d'émotions étaient contrebalancés par de l'humour et c'était plein de magie du début à la fin. Tout ce que j'attends d'un livre jeunesse de Noël, et peut être même un peu plus. 💙
Le côté réécriture est lui aussi parfaitement équilibré, avec des références plus ou moins explicites à l'œuvre originale de Dickens, mais avec la patte personnelle de l'autrice qui en fait une œuvre vraiment à part.
J'ai adoré George, qui est plein d'espoir malgré la tragédie qu'il a vécu, ainsi que sa grand-mère, Flo, qui a vraiment été mon personnage chouchou du roman ❤️ Une mamie au cœur d'enfant, c'est tellement génial. Gros coup de cœur également pour tout le petit monde magique que l'on en vient à rencontrer au fil des pages, et chapeau pour avoir écrit un personnage qui soit encore plus "Scrooge" que Scrooge lui même 😅
C'était une excellent livre jeunesse, et une excellente adaptation d'Un Chant de Noël également ! Un livre aussi beau à l'intérieur que ce qu'il l'est à l'extérieur 😍
On retrouve George qui, un soir de Noël il y a trois ans, a perdu sa mère... Et pas que.. Son père s'est depuis enfermé dans son chagrin et a effacé toute mention de sa femme, il a également annulé Noël. C'est dans ce contexte pas super joyeux que George va tout faire pour qu'un miracle arrive...
C'était à la fois touchant et plein d'espoir, les moments d'émotions étaient contrebalancés par de l'humour et c'était plein de magie du début à la fin. Tout ce que j'attends d'un livre jeunesse de Noël, et peut être même un peu plus. 💙
Le côté réécriture est lui aussi parfaitement équilibré, avec des références plus ou moins explicites à l'œuvre originale de Dickens, mais avec la patte personnelle de l'autrice qui en fait une œuvre vraiment à part.
J'ai adoré George, qui est plein d'espoir malgré la tragédie qu'il a vécu, ainsi que sa grand-mère, Flo, qui a vraiment été mon personnage chouchou du roman ❤️ Une mamie au cœur d'enfant, c'est tellement génial. Gros coup de cœur également pour tout le petit monde magique que l'on en vient à rencontrer au fil des pages, et chapeau pour avoir écrit un personnage qui soit encore plus "Scrooge" que Scrooge lui même 😅
December 9, 2021
This book so was cute!!
I really loved the spin on A Christmas Carol. Nana Flo is the nan everyone dreams of and is by far the best character!
100% recommend!
I really loved the spin on A Christmas Carol. Nana Flo is the nan everyone dreams of and is by far the best character!
100% recommend!
December 28, 2021
My favorite Christmas read of all time!!!
December 27, 2022
Important message and what a nice cover. I especially liked the sassy humour of some characters.
Read
October 30, 2025
Trigger & Content Warnings
Death of a parent in a car accident
Death of a parent in a car accident
April 12, 2021
*I received a free ARC of this book, with thanks to the author, Puffin – Random House UK and NetGalley. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
This is clearly an ideal story to read at Christmas-time, but its messages are actually perfectly applicable all year round.
George is clinging desperately to the magic of childhood, despite the tragic loss of his beloved mother, and with the assistance of his young-at-heart Nan. Unfortunately, his dad is unable to deal with his grief at the loss, other than by shutting down, shutting George out, and banning all kinds of celebrations… including, or especially, Christmas. Can George find his dad’s softer side again and rekindle some Christmas joy for their family? Finding Marley’s shop of magical curiosities might help there!
Loosely inspired by Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol – hence the familiar names – this is a magical adventure for middle grade readers upwards, that deals with some very heavy issues in a sensitive, but light-hearted way. There is nothing maudlin in this story of elves, paintings coming to life, and a very special snow globe. Instead there is an atmosphere of pervasive hope, determination and the innocent, childlike spirit of happy Christmases.
Perfect for middle-grade readers, reading as a family at bedtime, or gifting at Christmas, this book is a magical, fun-filled – but touchingly emotional – festive adventure that will stay with you, leaving you full of warm, fuzzy feelings and hope that there is always a fairylight at the end of the darkest tunnel.
'George’s breath fogged against the snow globe.
This wasn’t just any snowman.
It was George’s snowman.
The three of them had made it together at Nan’s old house on Christmas Eve morning, heaving and stacking and packing and chiselling, their laughter chattering happily through their teeth, while his father’s nose turned red and his mother’s fingers went numb.
He looks like a Fred, doesn’t he darling?
Our perfectly imperfect Fred.'
– Catherine Doyle, The Miracle on Ebenezer Street
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
This is clearly an ideal story to read at Christmas-time, but its messages are actually perfectly applicable all year round.
George is clinging desperately to the magic of childhood, despite the tragic loss of his beloved mother, and with the assistance of his young-at-heart Nan. Unfortunately, his dad is unable to deal with his grief at the loss, other than by shutting down, shutting George out, and banning all kinds of celebrations… including, or especially, Christmas. Can George find his dad’s softer side again and rekindle some Christmas joy for their family? Finding Marley’s shop of magical curiosities might help there!
Loosely inspired by Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol – hence the familiar names – this is a magical adventure for middle grade readers upwards, that deals with some very heavy issues in a sensitive, but light-hearted way. There is nothing maudlin in this story of elves, paintings coming to life, and a very special snow globe. Instead there is an atmosphere of pervasive hope, determination and the innocent, childlike spirit of happy Christmases.
Perfect for middle-grade readers, reading as a family at bedtime, or gifting at Christmas, this book is a magical, fun-filled – but touchingly emotional – festive adventure that will stay with you, leaving you full of warm, fuzzy feelings and hope that there is always a fairylight at the end of the darkest tunnel.
'George’s breath fogged against the snow globe.
This wasn’t just any snowman.
It was George’s snowman.
The three of them had made it together at Nan’s old house on Christmas Eve morning, heaving and stacking and packing and chiselling, their laughter chattering happily through their teeth, while his father’s nose turned red and his mother’s fingers went numb.
He looks like a Fred, doesn’t he darling?
Our perfectly imperfect Fred.'
– Catherine Doyle, The Miracle on Ebenezer Street
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
September 29, 2020
The miracle on Ebenezer street by Catherine Doyle
Release date 1/10/2020
Stars: ****
Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinbooks for the earc
Synopsis
George is about to spend his third Christmas without his mum. Since she died, George's life has felt dull and grey; his dad has thrown himself into his work and has no time for family, and definitely no time for Christmas.
Then, George stumbles across Marley's Curiosity Shop. There he finds a mysterious snow globe, which - though George can't quite understand how - appears to show a scene from George's past. A Christmas in which he and his family were together, and happy...
That night, George and his dad are swept on an adventure to three Christmases - past, present, and future. With help from new friends, and just a touch of magic, can they begin living life in full colour again?
Review:
This book had such a magical book with a retelling of Christmas carol it teaches about people trying to come to terms with the fact that they do not have a family member and how do you cope with not having you then how you can find happiness at Christmas I know how that is felt. I also loved the whimsy with the reindeer and the elf was a scream and the idea of changing and the disbelief the adult {George’s dad} is. I loved how it was whismy and how it was turned on it head you could see parts of Christmas carol without it being away to find out new things. It had such a Christmasy vibe and it was something that the atmosphere was great. Fantastic journey of trying to find happiness in the face of upset especially for adult through a children’s eyes and how they deal with grief and the child not fully understanding.
Release date 1/10/2020
Stars: ****
Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinbooks for the earc
Synopsis
George is about to spend his third Christmas without his mum. Since she died, George's life has felt dull and grey; his dad has thrown himself into his work and has no time for family, and definitely no time for Christmas.
Then, George stumbles across Marley's Curiosity Shop. There he finds a mysterious snow globe, which - though George can't quite understand how - appears to show a scene from George's past. A Christmas in which he and his family were together, and happy...
That night, George and his dad are swept on an adventure to three Christmases - past, present, and future. With help from new friends, and just a touch of magic, can they begin living life in full colour again?
Review:
This book had such a magical book with a retelling of Christmas carol it teaches about people trying to come to terms with the fact that they do not have a family member and how do you cope with not having you then how you can find happiness at Christmas I know how that is felt. I also loved the whimsy with the reindeer and the elf was a scream and the idea of changing and the disbelief the adult {George’s dad} is. I loved how it was whismy and how it was turned on it head you could see parts of Christmas carol without it being away to find out new things. It had such a Christmasy vibe and it was something that the atmosphere was great. Fantastic journey of trying to find happiness in the face of upset especially for adult through a children’s eyes and how they deal with grief and the child not fully understanding.
September 25, 2020
I thought this book was really cute! There were so many characters that you just had to love, like Tricksie, the Elf on the Shelf, and Randolph, Rudolph's (better, and purple!) brother. The story was heartwarming, even heartbreaking at times.
I wished there was a bit more of a 'teaching moment' in this. Even though they did visit different Christmases, we never really got a deep look into the memories and what happened, so it didn't entirely feel like there was a huge learning curve for Hugo Bishop.
Still, lots of Dickensian references for the adults to take note of, and lots of funny moments for kids of around 7+ to enjoy!
Thank you to Netgalley, Catherine Doyle and Puffin Books for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I wished there was a bit more of a 'teaching moment' in this. Even though they did visit different Christmases, we never really got a deep look into the memories and what happened, so it didn't entirely feel like there was a huge learning curve for Hugo Bishop.
Still, lots of Dickensian references for the adults to take note of, and lots of funny moments for kids of around 7+ to enjoy!
Thank you to Netgalley, Catherine Doyle and Puffin Books for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
December 1, 2020
I don't think I've ever read a Christmas novel before, but this called to me. Maybe it was the cheeky, modern magicalness wrapped up in the traditional nostalgia of A Christmas Carol. Maybe it's the beautiful cover or the perfect opening chapter. Either way, the descriptions fizzle, the feelings are strong, and I shed tears by the epilogue. This is beautiful and would make a wonderful film. But since it's a novel, I'm thrilled it was my first.
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