Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve?
By Jan Brett
The Story
Every Christmas Eve, hungry trolls knock down Kyri's door and gobble up her family's feast, but this year a boy traveling to Oslo with his pet ice bear might finally put a stop to it.
Why It's Special
For families who love a snowy Nordic Christmas tale with a bit of bite, this one turns a yearly threat into a scene worth cheering for.
- Big idea: Sometimes the scariest problem just needs the right unexpected ally to show up.
- Vibes: Frosty, folkloric, and warmly triumphant, with a wintry Nordic hush running through it.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy Christmas stories with a folktale feel
- like to pore over richly bordered illustrations
- are drawn to animals who save the day
- love cozy winter settings with a bit of suspense
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What do you think happened when the ice bear finally met the trolls?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Kyri felt every year when the trolls knocked down her door?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever had someone unexpected show up and help you with a problem?
- Imagination: If you had a pet ice bear like the boy from Finnmark, where would you travel together?
- Look closer: What did you notice about the Northern Lights and the borders on each page?
