Title: I Killed Father Christmas
Author: Anthony McGowan
Illustrator: Chris Riddell
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
Publication date: 15 October 2017
Genre: Children’s fiction
Pages: 96
December is finally here! Time to turn on the fairy lights, snuggle under a blanket and dive into a festive story.
I Killed Father Christmas is perfect stocking-stuffer for children aged 5 – 8. In just under 100 pages, it tells the story of Jo-Jo who hears his parents arguing (yet again!) on Christmas Eve. This time Jo-Jo is convinced that it’s his fault. He has been selfish – putting far too many toys on his Christmas list – and his greediness has caused a real problem… he has killed Father Christmas! Jo-Jo is convinced that it’s his responsibility to fill the hole that Father Christmas has left, delivering presents to all the children on his street.
This book celebrates what Christmas is all about – putting love, rather than physical gifts, at the forefront. It also manages to tackle lightly some very real issues and helps children to understand that whilst their parents and family may argue thanks to the stresses of the festive period, it’s not their fault.
I Killed Father Christmas is a joyful read and Chris Riddell’s illustrations, including a very traditional, larger-than-life, rosy-faced Father Christmas, bring the story to life. The small format and cracker-style jokes and puzzles in the front and back of the book make it a perfect stocking-stuffer or secret santa gift. As with all of Barrington Stoke’s books, it also has a dyslexia-friendly layout, typeface and paperstock, making it ideal for the widest possible range of young readers.
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