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Letters from Father Christmas  By  cover art

Letters from Father Christmas

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi, John Moffatt, Christian Rodska
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Publisher's summary

Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply?

Every year, the children of J.R.R. Tolkien would write to Father Christmas, and the letters they received told wonderful stories of his adventures at the North Pole.

These humorous tales are brought to life by Derek Jacobi as Father Christmas, John Moffatt as Polar Bear, and Christian Rodska as Ilbereth the Elf, complete with specially composed music.

©1997, 200 4 (P)1997 HarperCollins UK

Featured Article: Sauron—A Lord of the Rings Character Guide


Mairon, Annatar, the Necromancer—the evil Dark Lord Sauron has gone by many names. But who is he, really, and what is his impact on J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth? Sauron is the trilogy's primary antagonist and the one who forged the One Ring to Rule Them All in the fires of Mount Doom. Sauron is storied throughout Tolkien’s lore and mythos. Here's what we know about the powerful and evil Sauron—his character, his history, his powers, and more.

Continue Your Journey Through Middle earth

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What listeners say about Letters from Father Christmas

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Sweet letters but repetitive musical interludes

I loved the adventures of the polar bear (and all his interjections). i wish the producers hadn't felt the need to insert music between the letters - it got very repetitive. even so, the letters were very cute.

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Love this! Sweet, adorable amusing stories

This is such a unique, creative perspective. I can picture the children every year receiving these letters. I would love to have my own children young again to listen with them. Perfect for ages K to 5th grade. Sweet Sweet stories along with a little scare in a few. Age appropriate. Highly recommend!

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Charming

Tolkien was clearly a very dedicated father, probably why he never put together most of his work to completion 😉. I wish I would have been able to do this for my kids. The one time we did write them a letter from Santa they didn’t ever bother to read it!

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So well written

Such a great book of short letters written in the Great Tolkien way. It’s so amazing to see how he spoilt his kids with these great letters that were so well thought out. A master story teller always.

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Super fun!

My kids and I listened to this in the car during December and we all really enjoyed it. More characters than just Father Christmas and such great stories of the North Pole. Highly recommend to families with children of all ages but my 9 year old liked it better than the 6 year old.

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A new Christmas tradition

What a treat for the ears! This treasure has become an annual tradition in our home each Christmas. There’s no one quite like Derek Jacobi. When you add the late, great John Moffat, delightful things are bound to happen. Of course, you’ll want to get a hard copy of Tolkien’s classic to see the illustrations. Even the interstitial music here warms the heart. Enjoy!

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For the wonder of a child

What a delight to hear the stories JRR wrote to his children under the guise of Father Christmas. Wonderful memories to share with a little one.

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A Delightful Time Expenditure

You can get a few hints and portents of future ideas as well as some simple kid fun. well presented. My only criticism is the overuse of transitional music. It is cloying and overwhelming, but still a delightful listen.

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Magical storytelling

Magical storytelling,with a personal look on one of the greatest authors private life through his thoughtful and innovative letters from Father Christmas to his children. Absolutely inspiring.

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Insights into Christmas during the war.

I totally enjoyed it. It is a wonderful thing for a parent to do. I especially liked the part where Father. Christmas was giving copies of the Hobbit.

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