Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve? (Hardcover)

~ (Author, Illustrator) "High above the Arctic Circle in the land of ice and snow, the northern lights shimmer in the night like a curtain of color hanging..." (more)
Key Phrases: knockety knock, Christmas Eve

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Knock knock. Who's there? More trolls to add to Brett's (Christmas Trolls; Trouble with Trolls) canon. Apparently, the trouble with trolls is that they're always making trouble. Luckily, they never get any smarter. In this Arctic story, a shy Finnmark girl fends off lurking trolls with help from a traveling boy and his pet polar bear. An icy landscape shimmers under the northern lights while bright Scandinavian frocks and household items give the scenery a kicky dash of color. Brett simultaneously reveals another angle of her tale via intricately designed side panels that frame the main event. The lifelike polar bear, both hulking and docile, is a scene-stealer. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2-In this story based on a traditional Norwegian folktale, a boy traveling from Finnmark to Oslo with his pet polar bear stops by Kyri's hut on Christmas Eve. The guests help to frighten away the trolls who come to wreak havoc and steal all of the holiday treats. The pleasure here lies mostly in the lush, richly textured illustrations, with Brett's distinctive borders that incorporate Norwegian folk motifs and trolls romping through skies lit by the Northern lights. Scenery aside, the children are rather one-dimensional, but the bear is handsome and heroic and the trolls satisfyingly ugly and naughty.-V. W.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (September 23, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399238735
• ISBN-13: 978-0399238734
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 10.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,820 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #4 in	Books > Children's Books > Literature > Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths > Norse
  #4 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > Mythology > Children's Books > Norse
  #8 in	Books > Children's Books > Authors & Illustrators, A-Z > ( B ) > Brett, Jan

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gift from Jan Brett before Christmas Eve!, October 19, 2002

By	Jeff Renner (Sammamish, WA USA) - See all my reviews

Jan Brett has again combined a charming story with delightful characters and her usual stunning artwork. Each page is a visual treat; casual readers will miss the subtle clues and detail skilfully blended into the borders. The story invites lingering on each and every page. Although the story is aimed at children aged 4 through 8...readers of all ages will love this treasure. It adds Brett's usual magic to story time...and for readers without children of that age-buy it...you'll enjoy it yourself!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Amazing illustrations, weak story., October 15, 2003

By	One Strong Opinion (Austin, TX USA) - See all my reviews

The illustrations in this book are beautiful and amazing. Unfortunately, this book isn't merely a picture book. It is also a story book, and the story doesn't have a lot to it. Essentially, a boy with a polar bear comes to a girl's house in the snow, and his bear scares away the trolls that steal Christmas supper. No part of the story is very well developed, and it really is kind of boring. At least I think it is, as do the kids in my life. However, the illustrations are magical. So, what to do? Check it out at the library. Not worth a purchase.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Winter Bloom, May 24, 2004

By	Rebecca Whiting (Beautiful Bell Gardens, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What a marvel of a book! Jan Brett has an incredibly detailed and colorful style a la Michael Hague. In this book, each illustration is presented as a triptych: the middle panel represents the text, and the side panels present what is happening meanwhile with the other characters. Very neat trick.

I like that there is not TOO much text on each page, and there is a lovely repetitive cadence to the storytelling.

Although this is a good book to use in initiating learning about Scandinavia, it evokes the Arctic in general. As someone who lived in Alaska for many years and had the good fortune to see the Northern Lights and breathe the crisp frigid air until my nose hairs froze, I endorse Brett's artistic expression of the Far North completely.

This is a good family read for mixed-age children if the older ones liked "The Golden Compass" or "Julie of the Wolves". Children who like this book may also enjoy the gigantic "Gnomes" books full of Scandinavian lore.