Book details
The Christmas Mystery
Description
As Joachim opens, day by day, the windows in an old Advent calendar, a story emerges about a little girl called Elisabet who, fifty years ago, disappeared from Norway and travelled across Europe and back through time to be present at the birth of Christ in BethlehemThis beautiful, mysterious story has been a huge success, both for the children it was originally written for, and as an enduring Christmas seller on the adult list. It now appears in a new form designed to appeal to a younger age group. Much shorter than the original, it loses nothing of the plot, and is enhanced by delightful halftone illustrations that dance through the text, showing angels, shepherds, children, kings and all the many characters who join Elisabet on her journey to Bethlehem.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
221 pages
Why to read
- The novel blends the magical with the real, as it takes readers on a journey through time and space. This element of magical realism adds a layer of wonder and enchantment to the reading experience, making it a delightful read for both young adults and adults.
- Jostein Gaarder is known for weaving philosophical and theological questions into his narratives. This book invites readers to ponder the nature of time, history, and the interconnectedness of human experiences across different eras.
- The Christmas Mystery unfolds through a unique advent calendar format, with each chapter representing a day leading up to Christmas. This structure keeps readers engaged, eager to uncover the next piece of the story as the countdown progresses.
- As the characters in the book travel back in time to the birth of Jesus, readers gain insights into various historical periods and cultures. This not only enriches the story but also provides an educational aspect that can be both informative and fascinating.