Sally's Lament: A Twisted Tale

By Mari Mancusi

Book Overview

Disney's New York Times best-selling A Twisted Tale series meets perennial fan-favorite The Nightmare Before Christmas, asking
"What if Sally discovered Christmas Town instead of Jack?"

Sally has mostly loved her creepy hometown of Halloween Town. But lately, she can't help but want something more. In a place full of the frightening, you'd think living in the shadows wouldn't feel so . . . isolating. She knows she could do so much more if she wasn't always stuck in the lab of her creator, Dr. Finkelstein. Soon Sally is surprised to learn that the Pumpkin King, Jack, is longing for a change of his own. Determined to find a solution for them both, Sally follows a vision that could be the key to changing their fates.

But the more time Sally spends in the strange, jolly land of Christmas Town, the more suspicious she grows of the seemingly idyllic winter wonderland. What is lurking behind those dancing sugar plums? And what exactly does it mean to be put on the Naughty List? Will Sally be able to save the best of both towns--before it's too late?

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1368104509
• ISBN13: 9781368104500
• Release Date: October 2024
• Publisher: Random House/Disney
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 5.8" x 8.6"
• Age Range: 12 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 7 and higher

Customer Reviews

Sally’s Lament: A Twisted Tale (What if Sally discovered Christmas Town?)

The Nightmare Before Christmas is a phenomenal film with an original story. Book authors have been paying homage to the movie by creating written masterpieces, and Mari Mancusi’s Sally’s Lament is no exception. Sally’s Lament begins with the same introduction as The Nightmare Before Christmas; however, it quickly becomes a new narrative. Sally accidentally falls over a tombstone in the cemetery and meets Jack face-to-face, discussing their longing for an adventure. Sally and Zero discover that adventure in Christmas Town. But there’s just one question they need to ask themselves. What if Christmas Town was even scarier than Halloween Town? Threatened with the fear of being placed on the naughty list or taken away in a sack, the Christmas Town inhabitants must be nice—or else. The story can be wrapped up in one quote from Tammy the doll, “But nightmares can lie in the dreamiest of places” (p. 165). Knowing Sally will need help freeing the prisoners of Santa Claus’ judge, Mr. Jingles’ grip, she enlists Jack’s help. Sally gives Jack credit for being ingenious, but this story shows how her intellect equals, if not surpasses, Jack’s. Her ability to solve tricky situations and problems is exceptional. She’s resourceful when it comes to crafting potions and sewing. “Patterns and Potions by Sally” is a fantastic name for Sally’s shop at the end of the book. There are many life lessons to be learned throughout this twisted tale. Here are a couple of powerful quotes that I love. Jack’s quote: “If you want people to believe in you, you have to know your own worth” (p. 220). Sally’s quote: “You never have to apologize for having your own dreams” (p. 300). Mari Mancusi does a fantastic job with Sally’s personality change. I think her bravery is shown more in this novel than it is in the movie because she has a larger role to play here, but that’s my personal opinion. The new cast of characters is interesting, like Abigail and Sootfang. I highly recommend checking this book out if you enjoy the movie, and especially if you love Sally the Rag Doll. This novel portrays her struggles with her insecurities. Despite her best intentions, she ends up being added to Mr. Jingles’ naughty list. (Read the book to see what I mean.) Lastly, the cover is mysterious and cool.