Juniper's Christmas, by Eoin Colfer

     It has been a very hot summer, don't you think? And I know when it's hot outside, we all do things to stay cool, like go swimming, or go to a movie theater, or...read about Christmas! I admit it's an odd time to pick up a book called Juniper's Christmas, in the throes of a hot summer, but why not, right? And when it's written by the wonderful Irish author Eoin Colfer, even better. Colfer is the author of many books, and of one of the only series I have read in its entirity, Artemis Fowl. And I loved loved Artemis Fowl - a 12-year-old bent on taking over the world. But it was Colfer's use of fairies and trolls and other underground characters that made the Fowl series so fun. And he does it again with Juniper's Christmas!

    Juniper is a young girl whose mom has suddenly and mysteriously disappeared, and Juniper is focused on finding her. Along the way she meets Nico, who has his own mysterious past, and sure does seem a lot like Santa Claus. In fact, it's been ten years since Santa has worked his holiday magic on the world - he found kids just weren't interested anymore in toys and gifts - so he quit! He quit being the Santa you and I know, and was helping people in other ways instead. But if ten years pass without a Santa, the magic that is part of Christmas will disappear forever. Can Juniper find her mom and at the same time save Christmas?

    Juniper is a wonderful, strong main character, and her supporting cast in this book is equally as good. The best way to describe this book is joyful - Colfer writes such clever plot twists and characters that you can't help but smile and keep turning pages! Finishing this made me want to go back and re-read the Artemis Fowl books again! 

    Even though it's August, go ahead and jump ahead to the holidays with this fun story - you'll be happy you did! 5 paws!