Tuesday Reviews-- The Book of Kringle: Legend of the North Pole by Derek Velez Partridge

It's Christmas in July!

Title: The Book of Kringle: Legend of the North

Author: Derek Velez Partridge

Publisher: Vista Clara Productions

Release Date: August 11, 2015

Format Read: Hardback

Rating: Four and a half

Description from Goodreads: In a magical land on top of the world, an epic struggle between light and darkness was waged between two brothers. King Kringle riled with a harsh hand over the elves of the North Pole, allowing no laughter, no play, and no Christmas celebration. There was only one, truly kindhearted soul who could make a difference and change the course of the world. Would the elves be able to find Santa and bring joy and laughter to the land. Manusol the Elf knows the answer, for it is written in the Book of Kringle.

I read this description and the first thing I'm thinking is that I have way too many questions running around in my head. Is the King one of the brothers? Is Santa? So I went into this picture book with pre-determined skepticism, and I find myself pleasantly surprised at what I found instead.

All of my questions were answered on page five, and the story itself was actually pretty cute. You get to learn what the North Pole really is (Hint: it's not really a pole!) and follow Manusol on his journey to save his friends and family from a future of King Kringle's rule. The pictures that accompany the story add to the experience, because they are so detailed and they are full-page, full-color illustrations.

THE BOOK OF KRINGLE is not the same Santa Claus origin story that we all know and love-- it's a retelling, one that shows you a brand-new perspective on the history of the North Pole, and those who live there. It's a s fresh story of good versus evil in relation to Santa and his realm of characters, narrated by an elf who stands up for what he believes in, and does what he can to set things right.

The story was 30 pages, and each one of them included gorgeous pictures on quality paper that would take a pretty hard rip to do damage. One of the things I loved most about this book was the cover, and how thick and sturdy it is. It has that special, old-leather-book feel to it, and I can set it on my shelf and I know it's going to last.

I give THE BOOK OF KRINGLE four and a half stars. It's a perfect bedtime story for any child during the Christmas season, and I recommend it to anyone who celebrates the holiday season! This is a picture book that will quickly become a favorite in your family.

Happily,

Stephanie