I am handing over the reins for this review to my 9 year old daughter...

It was a very enjoyable book with many twists. The main character Blanche is an inspiration to both young and old girls. Along the way she meets many friends and a few enemies...
This is a brilliant book to read on the build up to Christmas, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Tinsel by Sibeal Pounder is a middle grade fantasy story about friendship and found family with a sprinkle of festive magic. We follow Blanche clause and her best friend Rinki as they discover the magic of Christmas together while creating a new beginning for the Santa Clause story we all know and love.
I had such high hopes for this book but unfortunately it fell flat for me. The characters were fun and festive making the story come to life but ended with the same traits as they started, no one seemed to grow all the much and I would have like to see more character development for at least Blanche and Rinki.
The relationship between the girls was inspiring, I loved how they instantly became friends with their mince pie picnics and how they always had big dreams for the themselves without doubting foe a second the other could achieve them. The Mr Krampus character felt deliberately over the top which I didn't mind too much as he made a good background villain.
This book went above and beyond to show young girls that they can do anything they dream and that they don't have to listen to a man when they tell them its impossible.  From the very beginning Blanche works as a carter, a job girls aren't allowed to do by pretending to be a boy. This is made a point off on several occasions as we see how she is underestimated as a female but proves herself to be just as good as the male carters, if not better.
Ultimately, I think the pacing and rather meandering narrative is what let this book down for me, I felt like nothing really happened in the first half of the book and didn't pick up much throughout to the end.
A lot of plot points and characters weren't relevent to the 'current' timeline and were only used only as a nod to the Santa Clause origin story making them feel flat. I would have liked if it felt more like more a self contained story than a set up for a character we already know.
Overall in no way did I dislike this book it just wasn't right for me. I think it would be the perfect story for younger children, who want something magical to read around the holidays.

If you think you know who Santa Claus is then you need to read this story.  It is a brilliant take on the legend of Father Christmas and perhaps we need to re-think and talk about Mother Christmas.  this is one of those stories that will go straight into everyone's collection of classic tales to tell during the festive season.  So great I have had to buy a hardback copy to keep.

Tinsel, from Sibéal Pounder, is warm, wintery festive treat populated with strong girls, friendship and adventures.

Turning the legend of Father Christmas on its head, in a most delightful manner, there's much to be enjoyed in this one... I've been telling everyone about it!

Emma Perry
Picture book author & founder of MyBookCorner.

Well I can’t even begin to tell you how absolutely wonderful and beautiful and magical this book is. As a huge Christmas fan anyway I was always going to enjoy it, but I loved it even more than I expected. I adore Blanche and Rinki, and the Carols are hilarious. But really the whole cast of characters is written perfectly, the imagery you get from the setting descriptions is amazing and there are so many exciting moments you’re always on the edge of your seat. I just loved it, what more can I say? Gorgeous.

Sibéal Pounder's 𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭 is a Christmas tale with a wonderful twist and one that I personally feel, is one that is long overdue.

𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭 is a Christmas story that puts girls firmly at the centre of it and for that I truly believe Sibéal Pounder deserves a massive thank you.

I loved 𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭 so much, it had everything you could want in a book that could be read with everything you love about Christmas all around you. The friendship between Blanche Claus and Rinki Garland begins when everything is so bleak and wrong for the two of them and grows into something that all of would wish for ourselves, and the children in our lives. They have a friendship that will be long and unbreakable.

There is magic, adventure, true friendship, love, Carol, Carol, and Carol, oh and another Carol, (and about another thousand Carols who are incredibly interesting). What Else? Well, there is a giant dancing Christmas tree called Eggnog who dances and longs for a family of his own as well as Rudy the horse who needs some love (and carrots) of her own and so much more for you to discover in this wonderful Christmas tale.

I would recommend it for everyone who loves the magic that is found at this time of the year. It's the perfect bedtime story for your favourite bedbugs as they dream of sleighbells, elves and Father Christmas.

𝘛𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘭 is wonderful and I'm so glad Netgalley and Bloomsbury gave me a chance to read it.

Tinsel is a beautiful, magical, bonkers story that retells the story of Father Christmas because we got it wrong.
I loved the unpredictability of Tinsel, how magical things just happened but also didn't get in the way of our heroes, Blanche and Rinki, working to fulfil their dreams. Starting with a simple gift from a mysterious strange, Blanche discovers great joy and hope in her life. She is already a determined young woman, surviving the best ways she can on the streets, and she doesn't give up her dreams when offered an easier life.
While Tinsel does push the girls can do anything better than boys, it was satisfying because our heroes work hard for their dreams. It's not just handed to them, though there may have been an element of elf magic involved.
The way things happen is mad, but in a very satisfying way. Magical things happen, but in context of the tale, it makes sense. The explorers wanting to find the magic of the North Pole is very much of the time period, when science ruled and everything needed to be explained. I did enjoy the supporting characters onboard the Jolly Holly, and how they accepted that some things were better left alone but were never bitter about it.
The mixing up of the legends of Father Christmas, giving things we know and love an origin, was very cleverly done. I did like the elves very much, especially Carol!
Having Krampus as the villain of the piece is brilliant. He's suitable horrible.
And I loved the chapter headings. Just enough to tell you what to look out for, but never too much to spoil the plot.
Tinsel has a lot going on in it, fighting stereotypes, explaining myths and legends, dealing with darkness and jealously, and of course magic and the promise of hope. It's a beautiful story which deserves to become a favourite on the Christmas bookcase. I've already got a copy for our school library and I can't wait to share it with our students.
Perfectly Christmassy.

We love seasonal reading! And, having thoroughly enjoyed the fabulous array of 'spooky' stories on offer this year, we are preparing to move on to-dare I say it-Christmas. There are some utterly magical Christmas corkers around but when we saw this release from Bloomsbury on Netgalley, we knew, just from the front cover, that we instantly wanted to read it. I'm so glad that we did, because this has to be one of the best Christmas books we've ever read...

When destitute Blanche Claus meets Rinki on a street corner on Christmas Day, a magical and unbreakable bond forms between the two girls. With a love of Christmas and mince pie picnics in the snow, they dream up a plan big enough to change the whole future of Christmas. But when an unexpected and magical turn of events cause the girls to be separated, can they find a way to make their dream come true? And can they find a way back to each other?

This mesmerising novel is everything you hope a Christmas story will be; sparkly, glittery, magical, cosy and uplifting. But it is also SO much more. This is a story so full of heart that it will undoubtedly steal yours. It is a tale of deep friendship, feminism and magic so cleverly plotted that it twists the traditional story of 'Santa' as we know it into a new but empowering explanation of how it really came about...through the dreams and actions of two girls.

Blanche and Rinki's friendship is the heart of the story, as solid and beautiful as the ice in the North Pole. It is in the North Pole that we meet the elves- characters who provide familiarity, humour and bags of fun and energy. The frolicking Christmas tree is hilarious whereas Mr. Krampus makes for a sinister, vindictive baddy- a shadow on Blanche's glittering horizon.

We loved that the origins of the girls' story was anchored in a London from the past. This instantly conjured echoes of A Christmas Carol and Oliver and gave the tale familiar roots. We adored Rinki's story as much as Blanche's and thought it was lovely that Sibéal Pounder explored the generosity of the rich and how it changed the future of both Rinki and Blanche. Mr. Krampus was the antithesis of Captain Garland and Teddy with his cruel and miserly attitude - incapable of allowing the the girls to prevail in their talent and ambition - and then there is the brilliant and genius appearance of Santa himself...although not as we know him. 

And if the above isn't enough, there is a shipwreck, a sleigh and the clever purpose of tinsel thrown in for good measure. 

This novel is simply glorious - a wintry delight. It is Christmassy without Christmas taking centre stage. What does take centre stage is Blanche's determination and tenacity, her love for the people around her and her generosity of spirit; strong enough to change the entire future of the world. Oh, and of course the mince pie picnics in the snow are ABSOLUTELY central to the plot, for you're not going to be forgetting the magic of those in a hurry! In fact, I think mince pie picnics have changed my life forever...all I need is the snow! 

Tinsel is available to buy now. A big thankyou to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for allowing me the chance to review.

If you thought you knew the origins of Santa Claus, think again!  Bursting with warmth, humour, friendship and adventure, Tinsel is an absolute joyous story, and one I’ll be reading aloud to my class to get us all in the mood for Christmas!  

Blanche Claus lives a lonely existence on the streets of London when one day she is given a magical red bauble by a kind old woman which allows her to see a magical new world that changes her life forever.  Filled with a sense of adventure and hope, she makes two new friends:  a horse called Rudy and an orphan called Rinki.  Blanche feels the magic of Christmas for the first time in her life, but then Rinki disappears from her life …

Five years later, and Blanche is making a living as a carter, transporting cargo from the ships arriving at the docks into town.  She is dressed as a boy as girls are not allowed to work as carters.  Her life changes for the second time when she is given a small iron box to deliver to the home of Captain Garland.  Imagine her surprise when she is reunited with Rinki who has been adopted by Captain Garland and dress-designer Teddy.  

Blanche makes a wish to give every child in the world a present on Christmas Day to remind them that the world is magical, but how can she possibly make this wish come true?  Now, that would be telling, and you’ll have to read her incredible adventure to find out more …  preferably with a mince-pie or hot chocolate! 
 
What I can tell you is that this story completely entranced me, wrapping me in a cosy blanket of warmth and joy as I adventured with Blanche to a magical and snowy North Pole.  I met wonderful new friends (the many Carols and Eggnog the fir tree are joyous – and they gave me so many laughs!).  I discovered just how easily the truth of Santa’s origins have been misunderstood:  a mean-spirited villain with a penchant for controlling the news, tinsel-mail, and just a little completely unintentional elfish error …

I loved the heart-warming friendship between Blanche and Rinki.  Despite being separated, they never forget each other, and work together to fulfil their dreams.  I also loved Blanche’s friendship with Santa, who works on Captain Garland’s ship.  He is kind-hearted, sensitive and incredibly supportive of her.  Blanche is a gloriously feminist role model:  feisty, resilient, resourceful and quick-witted, determined to make her way in a world that does not give girls the equality they deserve.  

Tinsel is a perfect read to snuggle up with in the run-up to Christmas and I have no doubt will fill every reader with festive cheer:  heart-warming friendships, exciting adventure, wonderfully funny, and a brilliantly imagined origin story with such inventive twists on many Christmas traditions.  Bliss!

Tinsel is a festive delight for the soul.
Christmas is full of traditions and stories and Tinsel is the perfect addition to any Wintertime read and I'm sure we'd all love to attend a Mince Pie picnic! 
The magic of this book sparkles instantly. The story follows Blanche Claus, an orphan. Living on the streets of London is a sad, lonely and desolute place. Blanche is counting down Christmas Day, a day that doesn't bring her warmth and cheer when an old lady presents her with a magical bauble and before you can say 'mince pie picnics' the adventure begins. Blanche meets the most extraordinary characters as she embarks on her mission to make Christmas a time for all: a horse that loves to eat Christmas pudding, the Carols - elves with personalities of their own, a fir tree called Eggnog and Rinki, the inventor of Mince Pie picnics.  
This is a glorious tale of friendship and how determination can make the most wonderful things happen. 
The imagination behind this festive tale is ingenious. 
This will definitely be the novel to start the Christmas countdown in my classroom. 
Now off to find a magical Christmas bauble.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Children's Books for the eARC.

Orphans
Girl Power
Mince Pie Picnics.
Christmas Tree Hugs.
Villainous neighbours and fabulous friends.
Tinsel has it all, a wonderful, magical, festive, adventure for all to enjoy. 
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the free ebook arc - raising a mince pie to you!

The best kind of escapist and magical middle grade novel you need to read this Christmas!

Blanche Claus has big ideas for what she wants Christmas to be, and along with Rinki, Santa and a whole slew of elves named Carol, she might be able to make Christmas magical for every child in the world.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this (even if it was during October and I should have been focusing on the spooky reads). The character of Blanche and her friendship with Rinki is so heartfelt and empowering, showing girls across the globe that they can do ANYTHING! I enjoyed so many aspects of the characters, from Carol and Carol, oh and the other Carol, and Carol, and EGGNOG!!! And Carol...

So many humourous moments really made this a fast and easy read as I wanted to fly through it and see if Blanche succeeds in her Christmas mission. I enjoyed the many nods to Christmas traditions and how we may have got the whole Christmas story wrong. This is by no means historically accurate, but it shouldn't have to be because it spins a truly wonderful festive tale that will definitely provide you with that warm Christmas feeling.

I have bought this book as an Xmas present for my grand-daughter.  Cracking story to encourage young girls to think they can do it all - feminism rocks!

This is now one of my favourite middle grades! The writing style was fantastic and really engaging, the characters are well developed and I just love the idea that it was girls who started Christmas!

I love Sibeal's work, and have often shared her previous series with children in my school.
This book is going to be incredibly well received I am sure!
It's about Christmas, but feels current and modern, with enough homage to classic Christmas tales to entertain older readers. The characters felt believable, and I loved the humour which developed between them.
As the nights set in, and children start to get excited about the festive period, this will be the perfect book for them to settle in with, and to read an exciting and magical Christmas adventure!

It is Victorian London (but not one you would recognise) and two orphans, Blanche Claus and her friend Rinki meet each Christmas to share a mince pie picnic. Together they dream of how they can change the world by delivering a present to every child in the world on Christmas Eve. No one believes however that girls can do anything, yet alone something this big. When Blanche finds herself shipwrecked near the North Pole and meets the elves who live there it seems like her idea might actually be able to become reality.

This is a really clever story with a huge dollop of magic which explains how Santa Claus came to be. 

“When you really think about it, it’s the non-magic moments that really changed things... It’s the tiny, ordinary things that snowball to make a life truly magical.”

This is the ultimate feel good, girl power story for all young readers and those not so young who hold the magic of Christmas tight. This is an utterly enchanting story of Blanche and Rinki - the two girls who created Christmas and whose friendship is a joy to read. Everything about this book is done well, the challenging of gender stereotypes, the natural introduction of a two dad family, the awareness of social inequality, and even its eco- aware ending are all wrapped up in the magic of Christmas. There is so much hope, joy and love in this book and isn't that what everyone needs? I can't wait to read it again, read it aloud and buy it as presents. The author, who was new to me, has written a modern classic and this would make the most perfect Christmas film.  A must for every bookshelf and under every tree and perfect to be read at every mince pie picnic...

With thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for a truly magical read.

I picked this book because it looked like it would be Christmassy fun, and it was! 

I love the idea that “Santa Claus” is not actually an old man, but in fact an idea dreamed up by two young girls, and brought into reality by them. The tale of how it came to be is funny, exciting and adventurous. Definitely worth a read if you’d like a different take on the Santa story. 

I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.

Date reviewed: October 5, 2020

When life for the entire universe and planet turns on its end and like everyone else you "have nothing to do" while your place of work is closed and you are continuing to be in #COVID19 #socialisolation as the second wave is upon us,  superspeed readers like me can read 300+ pages/hour, so yes, I have read the book … and many more today.

I requested and received a temporary digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from #NetGalley, the publisher and the author in exchange for an honest review.  

From the publisher, as I do not repeat the contents or story of books in reviews, I let them do it as they do it better than I do 😸.

How did the world come to believe Santa Claus is a man? It’s all just a big misunderstanding! This tale of friendship, sleigh rides and two formidable girls is THE Christmas book of the year - a gloriously funny, festive adventure that will delight even the biggest Grinch.

Join Blanche Claus and her best friend Rinki for a funny festive sleigh ride you'll never forget!

From Sibéal Pounder, bestselling author of the Witch Wars and Bad Mermaids series, this tale of friendship and mince-pie feasts is the perfect book to curl up with this winter. Funny, feminist and with a huge heart.

An adorable book that made me want mince-pie in September. The friendship in this book between Blanche and Rinki is well portrayed and even though I am not a huge Christmas fan, as the description promised this Grinch liked it as it was not too "feminist". for me  I actually finished my Christmas shopping while on vacation in Quebec last month so now I can relax and enjoy the season!

As always, I try to find a reason to not rate with stars as I love emojis (outside of their incessant use by "🙏-ed Social Influencer Millennials/#BachelorNation survivors/Tik-Tok and YouTube  Millionaires/etc. " on Instagram and Twitter... Get a real job, people!) so let's give it 🎅🎅🎅🎅
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Tinsel is a truly magical book that turns the Christmas story on its head and makes girls the hero's of our world. Blanche Claus is a young orphan girl who hates Christmas as it only serves to remind her how alone she is. But one snowy Christmas day, an old woman hands her a red bauble that contains magic. She finds a horse Rudy, who leads her to Rinki, another orphan girl who is to become her best friend, and someone she will share a mince pie picnic with every Christmas Eve.

And so begins the story of Christmas. A kindness, a friend and some food are the tiny magical ingredients that change how Blanche feels about Christmas forever. She is determined that she will one day provide gifts for every child in the world.

A mysterious iron box, elves all named Carol, a ship lost at sea, Santa, the North Pole and a dancing Christmas tree called Eggnog are all essential players in this wonderful tale. And of course, there wouldn't be a true adventure without a villain, who comes in the form of Mr Krampus, a mean-spirited humbug who Blanche and Rinki must outwit if they are to succeed in their mission.

A tale of the kindness of strangers, the power of friendship and a wonderfully reimagined tale, putting girls at the forefront where they so deserve to be.