'Are you an adventurer looking to explore the far reaches of the Hinterlands? You've come to the right place!'
We're here, at my 1300th book review.
There comes a point where you've written so many reviews over the years that no number shocks you anymore.
Less shocking now is the fact that I've been rambling online about books for over thirteen years.
I reckon, for me, such a milestone review should be of a book that combines a myriad of the things I love, like the favourite ingredients to a meticulously, majestically brewed potion - witchcraft, Halloween, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', Pumpkin Queen Sally the ragdoll, and other strong female characters and presences, and messages of love, community, equality, and building bridges.
And 'Disney's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Sally's Journal: Notes from Halloween Town and Beyond' contains these in spades (and hearts). And it is such a fun, funny, creative, colourful, cute and engaging Halloween and holiday book, that can be devoured like trick-or-treat candy in one afternoon, at any day of the year, not just autumn.
The basic premise is: Sally is writing a journal and record of Halloween Town, and other Towns, such as Christmas Town, Valentine's Town, Easter Town, St. Patrick's Day Town, Time Town, Fable Town, and Dream Town, and each of their cultures, people and creatures, that she's discovered and explored so far. It's an adventurer's guide, for everyone to read and learn from, and be instructed on the various constructive crafts, potion recipes, and other fun activities included.
Those, and newspaper articles, and job advertisements.
Sally is a kind, friendly, benevolent, dedicated, determined, diplomatic, hardworking, responsible explorer queen, who wants to bring about peace, community and camaraderie between the holiday realms, and other realms hidden further in the mysterious Hinterlands.
'Sally's Journal' expands on the lore of the 1993 animated film, 'The Nightmare Before Christmas', that has been established in 'The Pumpkin Queen' novel series and 'Sally's Lament' (also written by Mari Mancusi!). I admit to only having read 'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen' by Shea Ernshaw, as well as its graphic novel adaptation, but that's not a problem; 'Sally's Journal' is very accessible to all sorts of readers, of all ages, with the additional lore and characters from other reading material explained simply therein.
I love all the contents, but I especially adore the section on Dream Town, and getting to know Luna Slumberly, Sally's apprentice.
Luna is another ragdoll, who made her debut in 'Hour of the Pumpkin Queen' by Megan Shepherd, the sequel to 'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen'. She was a volunteer at the Lullaby Library, and currently runs Dream Town. She is Sally's adventure buddy, bookworm best friend, and little sister figure (I'm going light on spoiler territory, here).
Luna sounds like a delight, anything but slumber-ly; a girl after my own heart! Also she has one of my favourite names, is a lilac girl, and strong female leads forever!
Sally's husband, Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, receives special and important mention and praise as well, of course.
The couple are adorable together. Well, Sally gets along with nearly everyone, and forms bonds with the many people she encounters on her travels.
She is a queen, but most importantly, she is a friend to all.
Great fun, creative and hilarious info is contained in the pages of 'Sally's Journal'. The illustrations by Andre Ducci are gorgeous, creative and brilliant, and fit 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' wonderfully, like a perfectly-sewed-and-coloured patchwork ragdoll.
'Disney's Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Sally's Journal: Notes from Halloween Town and Beyond' - an enjoyable, magical, otherworldly Halloween treat for 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' fans and beyond.
As delicious and irresistible as real candy.
Consider it an early Halloween present recommendation from Artemis Crescent, on her 1300th review.
'No matter what corner of the Hinterlands you decide to visit, I'm confident you can make you dreams (or, if you prefer, nightmares!) a reality.
Frightfully yours,
Sally (blurb)
And as Sally would say, '[...] we are much more alike than different. And with a little patience, respect, and understanding, we can gain so much from one another and enrich all our lives.' (page 14)
'Good or bad, whatever the challenges may be, I know we'll conquer them all. Because we'll do it together.
Clearly it was meant to be.
Yours in fright,
Sally' (page 207) ('Conclusion')
Connected book reviews:
'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen'
'Long Live the Pumpkin Queen (Graphic Novel)'
Final Score: 5/5
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