Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin. Dieser Artikel ist nicht verfügbar.Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin

A thrilling battle of wits between girl and goblin in snow covered Athens...

‘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.

This touching story weaves together Greek customs, music, food and history to bring alive a fascinating culture and a rather creepy festive folktale.

A great story for 8-12 year olds or any lover of a scary story with heart.

R.G. Fraser-Green works as a computer programmer in Buckinghamshire, England. One holiday in Athens, looking out across the city from the Acropolis, he realised there was a young girl sitting by his side on the wall that circled the hilltop. He was keen to practice his Greek - to him it was the most beautiful language in the world - so he decided to try talking to her. Two people from different countries and of different ages might not usually have much to say but they soon found themselves chatting away, ignoring the tourists passing behind them. Their conversation turned to the Christmas that had just passed. Her English was good and, after a little hesitation, she told him a story in his own language. Sometimes if she didn't know a word she would swap back to Greek. By the time she had finished, the shadow of the Parthenon had fallen over them and they were the only two left on the summit. 'I've never heard a story like that before,' he said. 'I knew you wouldn't believe me.' 'I didn't say that. But I can understand why some people would find it hard.' 'That's my problem,' she said. 'How can I get anyone to listen - so they know of the danger?' Lights flickered on in the buildings and streets beneath them. 'From what you've said, it seems to me your grandfather had the right idea.' 'You mean - write it down?' He nodded. 'Then people would at least have the chance to make up their own minds.' They chatted until the floodlights snapped on and lit up the Parthenon. She waved goodbye and skipped away down the hill. The girl was called Fotinoula and her story is told in 'Fotinoula and the Christmas Goblin.'