The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

 

“Losing is part of living. But some of us live even though we're lost. That's what love does.” - from The Christmas Pig by J.K. Rowling

I initially purchased this book back in 2021 when it was published, with the idea of reading it for Christmas.  I didn't pick it up that year and it's sat on my shelf ever since.  After reading it yesterday (yes, in one sitting), I regret that I waited so long to dive into it.

Who doesn't love a bit of enchantment for the holidays?  J.K. Rowling, author of the magical and wonderful Harry Potter series, delivers another winner for both kids and adults alike in this heartwarming tale of a boy in search of a lost toy (in this case, a stuffed pig).  Along to help Jack on his journey to Land of the Lost, where lost items - everything from toys to keys to jewelry to notes - reside, either temporarily or permanently, is Christmas Pig, the stuffed pig that was bought to replace DP, Jack's original (and lost) stuffed pig.  As it is Christmas, miracles happen and a living boy is allowed to journey to Land of the Lost in search of his best friend.  Along the way, Jack visits the lands of Disposable (where the unmissed reside), Bother-It's-Gone (where the items have a chance to return to Land of the Living), The City of the Missed (where traits like pride, beauty, optimism, hope, and ambition reside), and The Island of the Beloved (where those things that are most loved in Land of the Living have eternal residence).  There is also the terrible The Wastes of the Unlamented (where the unwanted and unloved are doomed) and the Loser's Lair, home to the monster who snatches and devours items from the wasteland.  

I thoroughly enjoyed my journey with Jack and Christmas Pig to Land of the Lost.  It's a fun and exciting Christmas read with strong underlying themes of love, hope, and loyalty (although the bits about the Loser eating items may be a bit dark for younger children) and is brimming with holiday spirit.  If you're expecting another Harry Potter, don't.  You will likely be disappointed.  This isn't that.  And truth be told, I found it started a bit slow.  If you can get through the first handful of chapters (which are relatively short) that provide backstory, you will get to the "good stuff" and The Christmas Pig will be worth your while.  As an added bonus, the illustrations by Jim Field are excellent.

Put on your Christmas jammies, grab a mug of hot cocoa and pick up The Christmas Pig to get into the Christmas spirit and awaken your inner child.

Disclosure:  This book was purchased by me with my own funds.  My views and opinions are my own.  I was neither paid nor compensated for this review.