'Never forget how devious a Kallikantzaros can be. It will try to snatch Mirtoula. It will keep trying until it has her. And if it succeeds you'll never see your sister again.'
11-year old Fotinoula doesn't believe her grandfather when he warns her about the Christmas goblins. After all, the Kallikantzaroi were just an old Greek myth. Creatures with blood-red eyes didn't really climb up from the underworld during the Twelve Days of Christmas to steal little children, and certainly not in a busy city like Athens.
But Fotinoula soon discovers that some folktales have more truth to them than others. With her father away at sea and only an old book for guidance, she must summon up all her courage and problem-solving skills to save her little sister from one of these hideous creatures. In the process she comes to realise just how much her sister means to her.
A thrilling battle of wits between girl and goblin in snow covered Athens, this touching story will delight fans of Neil Gaiman's Coraline and Tracey Baptiste's The Jumbies. Greek customs, music, food and history are woven together to bring alive a fascinating culture and a rather creepy festive folktale.
A great Christmas gift for 9-12 year olds or any lover of a scary story with heart.