The Best of Twisty Christmas Tales: Edited by Peter Friend, Eileen Mueller & A.J.Ponder. Includes stories by Joy Cowley, David Hill, Dave Freer & Lyn McConchie: Volume 2

I wanted to read this book after hearing that there was a Christmas revisit to the magical world of "The Magician's House" in it. I really enjoyed the interactive ebook based there (by D.M. Potter), and thought it would be a wonderful place to return to for a Christmas story. As I expected, this unusual world did result in a wonderful Christmas short story by Potter. Full of the unexpected, as well as the warm kindness and joy that we all hope to see, and love to read about at this time of year. What I didn't expect was the amazing storytelling talent evident throughout this entire collection. I've only read 4 of the stories so far, but look forward to slowly savouring the rest throughout the Christmas period. So far I've read about princesses and dragons, an alternative modern New Zealand nativity (set in mid summer, of course), a new tale from the mysterious Magician's House, and a cat burglar with a difference. What all these stories have in common, apart from that they are extremely well written, is that they are imaginative, and that they each left me with a warm, hopeful Christmassy glow inside me. Perhaps what I hadn't realised was that these "Twisty Tales" (which I had somehow thought, from the title, might be a bit disturbing) were so full of positivity and hope. I very highly recommend this collection, both for kids from 8+ (or younger, if it is to be read out to them), and for big kids like me, who will never outgrow loving the Christmas holiday season. There are lots of short stories in here - great for kids to pick and chose their way through during the holidays. I read at the end of the book that proceeds from its sale will go to a Muscular Dystrophy charity in NZ - so purchasing it will be a great Christmas gift both for the recipient, and for this worthy charity.

A truly magical and zany collection of around 30 Christmas tales that are full of fun and adventure and perfect for this time of year. Some of the tales are truly twisted and has already made me question the sanity of some of these Kiwi authors. Rest assured though that there's something for every child here. 5 stars! (And the cover's cute).

Fast delivery. Granddaughter loved it.

This is a fun book with a Christmas theme. I really like the story by D.M Potter.

Very fun little Christmas book.

Bought book to contribute to charity and to try out new authors. Did not find anyone or any stories that I loved or hated. Kindle book when I read it on my Kindle appeared to have formatting problems since it had occasional missing lines. This was not a big deal but was annoying.

I hadn't a clue how to entertain my visiting nephew so being a patriotic New Zealander went searching for children's books by kiwi writers. I had seen the paperback version of The Best of Twisty Christmas Tales in the window of a local Kilbirnie bookshop, but then was so happy to discover it on Kindle. I am enjoying reading the stories to my nephew and he has been all wide-eyed listening to them. He especially liked 'Bells' by Lee Murray - and for a couple of hours I had to contend with him rushing about yelling "I'm Reindeer Rudolph!" (he'd acquired my headband torch as his costume!). I was recruited to play Reindeer Comet which mainly consisted of my falling down in a sorry heap. Thanks, Lee Murray! All in all, an entertaining book. I would say wee children like my nephew would love having the shorter simpler stories read to them and older youngsters will just curl up somewhere quiet and enjoy reading the stories themselves. A good hearty mixture of Christmas stories for the holiday season, and at a sensible price. Like in any anthology, some stories didn't appeal to me but then I'm not a kiddie. Funny thing was that the stories I felt luke-warm about were the ones that appealed to my nephew. Go figure.