The Christmas Thingy
F. Paul Wilson
Cemetery Dance, Dec 2005, $15.00
ISBN: 1587671352

Jessica came from America to England because her parents have to work there for one year. There are no children where she lives, and the leg brace that she needs if she is to walk limits her activities. She tells the housekeeper Mrs. Murgatroyd that she wants a friendly monster for a friend as a Christmas present. The housekeeper tells her that the last monster that was in the house a century ago THE CHRISTMAS THINGY stole the presents of the little boy and took them to Thingyland.

Still Jessica wishes for the monster and Mr. Thingy show up. The two have lots of fun together, and he promises he won't steal her presents on Christmas Eve. Of course Thingy's have to steal because it is instinctual for them, but on Christmas Eve he sees a gift under the tree from Jessica to him. He is very touched, but he has to steal something before returning home, and when Jessica discovers what he took and why he took it she is very happy girl.

Children will love this fantasy story that is meant by the author to be read out loud. It teaches the reader that the magic of friendship combined with the spirit of Christmas makes all things possible. Allan M. Clark illustrated the beautiful pictures that add an extra dimension to the wonderful story. F. Paul Wilson, famous for his Repairman Jack thrillers, enchants children just as much as he thrills adults.