Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge

The Sequel to A Christmas Carol

Christian - Romance - Historical
100 Pages
Reviewed on 03/25/2019
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Norman Whaler is a multi-award winner from Grosse Pointe, MI, USA. With over 120 awards for his children's books, Norman focuses on positive messages, some on serious subjects and some that are just about fun. He is a member of SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), IAN, and IBPA. His website is normanwhaler.com.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

It’s been fourteen years since Ebenezer Scrooge was visited by the three ghosts of Christmas. He was forever a changed man after those epic visits, changed for the better. He and Tiny Tim became steadfast friends, Scrooge being like a second father to the young boy. Now, all grown up, Tim is no longer lame and he works at the same desk his father once occupied; his father is now a full partner with Scrooge’s nephew taking the old blighter’s former office. You see, Scrooge has just died. But he’s not done influencing the land of the living. He has an important message to share with Tim, a message that Scrooge had to learn from the three ghosts that visited him fourteen years ago.

Norman Whaler’s novella, Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge: The Sequel to A Christmas Carol, is very cleverly done. Written in the classic style of Charles Dickens, the reader steps back in time to the original story of Scrooge and his ghosts. Making Tim, now a young man, into the main character, the author has woven a similar tale of disappointment, sorrow and mounting anger that only a ghost from the past can address and hopefully correct. Scrooge’s message to Tim is similar to the message he received from his ghosts: “Real faith isn’t about the belief that He will fix everything when things go wrong because you have been a good person. ... Our faith is especially tested at those times that are the bleakest in our lives and nothing seems to make sense. But in this, we are not without choices, and we are not alone.” Like Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Norman Whaler’s sequel has a profound message to share and, like Dickens, this author uses compelling narrative and great attention to detail to make this message clear. A wonderful sequel.

Lisa McCombs

When Ebenezer Scrooge dies days before Christmas, the Cratchit family, especially Tiny Tim, is devastated. After Scrooge’s spiritual transformation in Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, the crotchety old man has become an extended member of the Cratchit family. Tiny Tim views Scrooge as his best friend, his mentor, and a second father. Residents across the town loved old Scrooge. He was thoughtful, generous, and revered for his charitable deeds. But Tiny Tim cannot imagine a life without his dear friend. Life hasn’t held much joy for Tim after losing his beloved Becky and he is not certain a life without both his love and his friend is worth living. In a standard tale of unrequited love and classic good will, the plot takes an unexpected turn. In a final act of kindness, Ebenezer Scrooge returns in Tim’s dreams on Christmas Eve to issue one last gift of kindness.

Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge by Norman Whaler is a delightful follow-up to the original story of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. The characterization of familiar childhood memories is tightly woven and perfectly aligned with the original tale. I loved the way Whaler brought Ebenezer Scrooge back to life (after death) in an inspiring positive light, proving that people CAN and DO change. Whaler brings a clearer biblical theme to this story of redemption, making it a wonderful addition to Christmas-themed fiction. Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge is even appropriately designed in Dickens's stave format. Thank you, Norman Whaler. You made my day!

Stacie Haas

Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge by Norman Whaler is a sequel to Charles Dickens’ 1843 classic tale. Tiny Tim Cratchit is all grown up, apprenticing in the same counting house his father once did. Despite benefiting from Mr. Scrooge’s love and devotion throughout his life, Tim has struggled to find meaning since losing his Becky, the woman he wanted to marry. When Scrooge himself dies, Tim cannot muster the Christmas joy that his second father had embodied. It appears that Mr. Scrooge has one good deed left in him, as his ghost appears to Tim and attempts to impart one final lesson about God’s love and mercy—and second chances.

I read A Christmas Carol every Christmas season and so was intrigued by the premise of this sequel by Norman Whaler. I was immediately drawn to its premise—that Tiny Tim of “God Bless Us Everyone” fame—would require a visit from the ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge during Christmastime. I was also fearful that writing a sequel to a literary classic was too daunting a task for any author. However, I truly enjoyed my reading of Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge. While it is clear this is not written by Charles Dickens himself, fans of Dickens will recognize Whaler’s writing style and its familiarity will comfort and delight them. Moreover, the themes of Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge will transport you back to your first reading of A Christmas Carol. Certainly, the “spirit” of A Christmas Carol has been carried on to a delightful and satisfying conclusion in Whaler’s book. Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge also includes beautiful illustrations and Christmas carols written by the author. Highly recommended for lovers of A Christmas Carol!

Lesley Jones

In Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge by Norman Whaler, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge is well known, but whatever happened to him and Tiny Tim Cratchit? It is December 1857 in London. Tim Cratchit has reached adulthood and is mourning the passing of his beloved friend and mentor, Scrooge. Tim is struggling to cope not only with the death of Scrooge, but is also haunted by the memories of his soulmate, Becky, who disappeared out of his life many years ago under pressure by her family to marry for status, not love. Scrooge visits him on Christmas Eve to teach him a life lesson of gratitude and faith; that in times of despair it is crucial to remain optimistic and faithful. Meanwhile, life for Becky has become extremely tough, and she also has to keep her faith in God that all will be well.

I feel it was very brave of the author to take a classic by Dickens and write a sequel. The author absolutely nailed the writing style and the story flowed beautifully. The characters were portrayed realistically and their emotional reactions to the events throughout the story were completely authentic. The sub-plot with Becky and her son was quite hard to read, but this is a testament to the superb writing skill of the author. Although the Christian message is stronger than in the Dickens novel, this is still a story that can be enjoyed by everyone. I loved the message of remaining faithful and grateful through the hard times in our lives and the belief that God always has our best interests at heart. This book covers all manner of emotions - depression, anger, gratitude, generosity and belief in the unknown. Tiny Tim and The Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge by Norman Whaler is a perfect stocking filler for anyone who loves the spirit and message of Christmas.