Sally's Lament: A Twisted Tale

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91ADrJ0cA7L
Author(s)
Age Range
12+
Release Date
October 08, 2024
ISBN
978-1368104500
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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?

Editor review

1 review
Endearing Twist to a Beloved Movie
(Updated: June 04, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
N/A
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS has joined the ranks of Disney Twisted Tales, with SALLY’S LAMENT, which asks, “What if Sally had discovered Christmas Town instead of Jack?” The answer is we would miss some great musical numbers from the movie, but gain a completely endearing new tale with these characters to enjoy.
Sally’s intrinsic sweet nature works perfectly in Christmas Town. Seeing the wonder of Christmas through her new eyes would make the worst cynic reach for a cup of warm hot chocolate and get cozy in front of the Christmas tree. Sally realizes that not everything is sugar and spice and that a ruthless, power-hungry judge, Mister Jingles, is out of control and terrorizing the nice people of Christmas Town. Jack and Sally endeavor to save the residents of Christmas Town, which also allows for sweet moments to grow their relationship. Jack is a major “green flag” boyfriend material because he supports Sally when she can handle things on her own and is there to help when she needs it. This plot allows Sally to grow her independence naturally, which works perfectly with the character's yearning to be free from the doctor in the movie.
I enjoyed this story, but one aspect I particularly appreciated was how my imagination took off with all the possibilities for future stories that could unfold. What if Sally and Jack went to investigate the other holidays? What if the friends they made in Christmas Town were to come to Halloween Town? While many of the other Disney Tales feel finished, this world is ripe with possible future stories.
Spoiler Alert:
Sally helped Santa and all of Christmas Town reevaluate what it means to be nice and the spirit of the holiday. Santa is used to a naughty and nice list, but maybe that’s an outdated way of thinking. His realization that only perfect toys can go to children is also given some thought.
I really enjoyed the unexpected, deeply touching moment with the China doll, Abigail. Abigail’s leg was cracked when Mister Jingle arrested her for helping Sally. She was depressed that she was never going to get a child and a forever home now that she wasn’t perfect. However, Sally helped her see that she was more than her cracked leg, and after a good talk with Santa, she was sent to the home of a little girl who was ecstatic to receive a doll that looked just like her, including her leg brace. I love the visibility this brings to how important it is for children to have toys and books that reflect themselves.
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