A Christmas Tale Book Review: Geronimo Stilton's Festive Story

A Christmas Tale book review: the story

It is Christmastime on Mouse Island, and Geronimo Stilton is excited to celebrate with his friends and family.

Then he learns they are all travelling out of town for the holidays, and he will be spending Christmas alone.

Geronimo feels low, but a surprise encounter teaches him the true meaning of Christmas.

Why children enjoy it

It is a warm story about what Christmas really means. Children learn about the importance of family, friendship and giving.

It is also a fun, exciting story that keeps children turning the pages.

The characters

Geronimo Stilton

Geronimo is a mouse and the editor of The Rodent's Gazette. He is kind and gentle and loves his family and friends.

He is also a bit of a worrier, but he always finds a way to overcome his challenges.

His family and friends

Thea Stilton, Benjamin Stilton, Trap Stilton and Nicky Stilton are all in the story. They are kind, supportive friends who help Geronimo through tough times.

Illustrations and book type

The illustrations are colourful and detailed, and capture Geronimo's adventures well. They also show children the different parts of Christmas.

A Christmas Tale is a picture book, with illustrations alongside the text, the kind of book often used to help children learn new ideas.

A Christmas Tale book for kids: what they learn

• Values: the importance of family, friendship and giving.
• Emotional intelligence: children learn to empathise with how Geronimo feels when he thinks he will be alone.
• Imagination: they can think about the different ways Geronimo might have spent Christmas.

Talk-about-it tip When Geronimo finds out he will be alone, pause and ask your child how they would cheer him up. It is a gentle way into talking about loneliness and kindness.

About the author

Geronimo Stilton is the pen name of Elisabetta Dami, an Italian author and illustrator. She has written over 500 books in the Geronimo Stilton series, which has been translated into over 40 languages and sold over 200 million copies worldwide.

Similar Christmas stories for children

• The Mouse Who Saved Christmas by Jan Brett
• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss
• The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore
• The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg

Gift it right: A Christmas Tale as a Christmas or birthday gift

A story about giving makes a fitting gift, at Christmas or among books as birthday gifts for kids who already love Geronimo. Add a name label inside the cover so it stays theirs, and a name sticker on the wrapping.

See all personalised book labels, or browse our gifts for kids to pair the book with something more.

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• The Spirit of Christmas book review
• The Christmas Selfie Contest story book review
• The Polar Bear Who Saved Christmas book review
• Best personalised gifts for kids in India