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Farshore The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas.
Dive in to this funny and heart-warming debut magical adventure from star of stage and screen, Matt Lucas – a festive modern classic for young readers of 8-12!
Leo LOVES Christmas. And this Christmas needs to be absolutely perfect, because it’s the first one without Mum. Only it all keeps going wrong!
🧚💡 The fairylights are in a tangle🎅✏️ The Christmas cards aren’t finished🎄 The tree isn’t decorated🍰 And the Christmas cakes have all been destroyed!
Soon Leo decides he’s had enough – he makes a heartfelt wish that it would all GO AWAY.
Then Leo wakes up on what SHOULD be Christmas Day – and it’s gone!! All of Christmas! But Leo isn’t going to let it escape that easily . . .
Join Leo as he sets out on a mission to undo his wish and get Christmas back in the brand-new festive classic by bestselling author Matt Lucas.
Home Alone meets A Christmas Carol in a hilarious adventure with a big dollop of festive magic. Funny, sensitive and emotional in all the best ways, this warm and seasonal family story touches ever so gently on childhood grief but is wrapped up in a chaotic and heart-warming adventure.
Listen to over 20 original songs, written and recorded by Matt to accompany the story, bringing the joy of a musical to book form!
Leo LOVES Christmas. And this Christmas needs to be absolutely perfect, because it’s the first one without Mum. Only it all keeps going wrong!
🧚💡 The fairylights are in a tangle🎅✏️ The Christmas cards aren’t finished🎄 The tree isn’t decorated🍰 And the Christmas cakes have all been destroyed!
Soon Leo decides he’s had enough – he makes a heartfelt wish that it would all GO AWAY.
Then Leo wakes up on what SHOULD be Christmas Day – and it’s gone!! All of Christmas! But Leo isn’t going to let it escape that easily . . .
Join Leo as he sets out on a mission to undo his wish and get Christmas back in the brand-new festive classic by bestselling author Matt Lucas.
Home Alone meets A Christmas Carol in a hilarious adventure with a big dollop of festive magic. Funny, sensitive and emotional in all the best ways, this warm and seasonal family story touches ever so gently on childhood grief but is wrapped up in a chaotic and heart-warming adventure.
Listen to over 20 original songs, written and recorded by Matt to accompany the story, bringing the joy of a musical to book form!
288 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2023
28 people are currently reading
127 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
December 30, 2024
A musical novel is honestly such a brilliant concept & I’m surprised it’s never been done before — Matt Lucas has created a brilliantly warm & funny novel (that is utterly random & totally bonkers at times) for children, & the songs are only part of what makes it such a lovely, fun read. The underlying grief that runs throughout the story isn’t overwhelming or painfully sad but is still very obviously grief & I think it’s great that Matt has taken on such a heavy topic within such a joyful book; I’m sure it will bring comfort to many people, children & adults alike. I love books for children that allow parents to have hard conversations with their little ones & this book is certainly one that will help start difficult, & sometimes awkward, chats within families.
I think Matt is fab, especially in Doctor Who; I bought Thank You Baked Potato when it first came out (& loved the cameo in this novel), & when I heard about the musical element of his first fiction novel I had to buy it, despite not being the biggest fan of Christmas. I’m very much looking forward to learning more about his upcoming 2025 novel & really hope Nardole may one day return to the TARDIS.
(The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas is also infinitely better than anything Walliams has written).
I think Matt is fab, especially in Doctor Who; I bought Thank You Baked Potato when it first came out (& loved the cameo in this novel), & when I heard about the musical element of his first fiction novel I had to buy it, despite not being the biggest fan of Christmas. I’m very much looking forward to learning more about his upcoming 2025 novel & really hope Nardole may one day return to the TARDIS.
(The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas is also infinitely better than anything Walliams has written).
November 13, 2023
Heartfelt story with the unusual but absolutely brilliant addition of musical numbers!
Now how on earth, one wonders, does an author add full-on songs with harmonies and instruments to a children's book? Well I got the best option - the audiobook! So every so often the characters break into song. But I understand that the written/Kindle versions have QR codes throughout so readers can (technology allowing) access the same songs (with lyrics at the back of the book) as they go along.
Any dubiousness should be put aside, for Matt Lucas is an EXCELLENT lyricist and composer. I haven't even got on to the story yet, but the songs were so varied, funny, with such a great range - big power numbers, rock ballads, ensembles, soft and sweet ones, even the Potato ditty from lockdown makes an appearance (and had me laughing aloud in the library when it came on - thanks for making me look insane, Mr Lucas). And the songs fit and suit the story.
The story then. Goodness, as a parent this hit home. Leo is facing his first Christmas without Mum, who has died months before. His father is busy working to keep them all going, elder brother is... well, a teenager locked in his room, and younger sister too obsessed with chips and too young to help. So it's up to Leo to make this Christmas special for them all. He knows what he has to do, but can he get through everything in time?
A story of two halves, almost literally, as the first half sees Leo struggling to prepare for the big day, and the second half what happens when things don't go to plan and an 'It's a Wonderful Life' plot manoeuvre sees Leo on a more madcap adventure to save his own Christmas Day (see the title).
I had a lump in my throat a few times. Leo is such a lovely young man, almost a carer for his sister with Dad at work, trying to keep his family together, and missing his Mum. The songs too, had me tearing up sometimes, but also laughing at the well-pastiched (may not be a word) tropes from musical theatre and well-scripted lyrics.
I listened to this alone (as it's only November) but intend to get my two boys listening to this next month, it's a great Christmas read and the addition of songs makes this a 'novel novel' for children. And may even get them interested in musicals in time for the ones ITV will screen on the 25th!
My estimate is that 6-12 year olds will be the target market for this, with older children better able to process the clever lyrics.
Great job, Mr Lucas.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
Now how on earth, one wonders, does an author add full-on songs with harmonies and instruments to a children's book? Well I got the best option - the audiobook! So every so often the characters break into song. But I understand that the written/Kindle versions have QR codes throughout so readers can (technology allowing) access the same songs (with lyrics at the back of the book) as they go along.
Any dubiousness should be put aside, for Matt Lucas is an EXCELLENT lyricist and composer. I haven't even got on to the story yet, but the songs were so varied, funny, with such a great range - big power numbers, rock ballads, ensembles, soft and sweet ones, even the Potato ditty from lockdown makes an appearance (and had me laughing aloud in the library when it came on - thanks for making me look insane, Mr Lucas). And the songs fit and suit the story.
The story then. Goodness, as a parent this hit home. Leo is facing his first Christmas without Mum, who has died months before. His father is busy working to keep them all going, elder brother is... well, a teenager locked in his room, and younger sister too obsessed with chips and too young to help. So it's up to Leo to make this Christmas special for them all. He knows what he has to do, but can he get through everything in time?
A story of two halves, almost literally, as the first half sees Leo struggling to prepare for the big day, and the second half what happens when things don't go to plan and an 'It's a Wonderful Life' plot manoeuvre sees Leo on a more madcap adventure to save his own Christmas Day (see the title).
I had a lump in my throat a few times. Leo is such a lovely young man, almost a carer for his sister with Dad at work, trying to keep his family together, and missing his Mum. The songs too, had me tearing up sometimes, but also laughing at the well-pastiched (may not be a word) tropes from musical theatre and well-scripted lyrics.
I listened to this alone (as it's only November) but intend to get my two boys listening to this next month, it's a great Christmas read and the addition of songs makes this a 'novel novel' for children. And may even get them interested in musicals in time for the ones ITV will screen on the 25th!
My estimate is that 6-12 year olds will be the target market for this, with older children better able to process the clever lyrics.
Great job, Mr Lucas.
With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample audio copy.
November 14, 2023
I knew right away I would enjoy this (audio)book because I really love Matt Lucas from his hosting work on GBBO. His silliness shone through in this delightful holiday story for kids of all ages.
The whole musical novel concept is so fun too! I’ve never read or listened to anything like it before and I really hope that it catches on and becomes a thing because it really added to my enjoyment of the book. The songs ran the gamut from silly songs about picky eaters and baked potatoes that had me in stitches to heartfelt ballads about a recently passed mother and her son that had me in tears. While the story centres around Leo trying to put together the best Christmas ever after having recently lost his mum, Matt Lucas managed to handle the heavy subjects of loss and grief quite well and manages a perfect balance of humour to lighten some hard moments.
The author’s love of musicals is clear while listening to the songs. They have different sounds but there are some repeated elements that tie them back together. His love of creating quirky characters also shines through as Leo meets neighbours and friends along the way that all have different voices or characteristics.
The story itself stumbles in a few places but overall is heartfelt and full of magic and the wonder of the season. I can’t wait to see what Matt Lucas comes up with next!
I received an audiobook copy of this book through Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.
The whole musical novel concept is so fun too! I’ve never read or listened to anything like it before and I really hope that it catches on and becomes a thing because it really added to my enjoyment of the book. The songs ran the gamut from silly songs about picky eaters and baked potatoes that had me in stitches to heartfelt ballads about a recently passed mother and her son that had me in tears. While the story centres around Leo trying to put together the best Christmas ever after having recently lost his mum, Matt Lucas managed to handle the heavy subjects of loss and grief quite well and manages a perfect balance of humour to lighten some hard moments.
The author’s love of musicals is clear while listening to the songs. They have different sounds but there are some repeated elements that tie them back together. His love of creating quirky characters also shines through as Leo meets neighbours and friends along the way that all have different voices or characteristics.
The story itself stumbles in a few places but overall is heartfelt and full of magic and the wonder of the season. I can’t wait to see what Matt Lucas comes up with next!
I received an audiobook copy of this book through Netgalley and the publishers in exchange for my honest review.
December 18, 2023
Really good, want more books like this
December 5, 2023
A clever and sweet Christmas tale from comedy star Matt Lucas, “The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas” adds an extra layer thanks to an amusing collection of narrative songs making it the closest a book can come to a West End experience. Lucas has penned an amusing story with an appropriately poignant message at its core; the songs are well written and performed (thanks to QR code links) showing that Lucas definitely has the chops to pen something for the stage. Overall, though, it feels like a lot of other Christmas stories and, at times, struggles to offer anything original or unique (outside of the aforementioned tunes). A decent effort from Lucas, though, and hopefully an indicator of more to come.
December 18, 2025
3.5 I enjoyed the story overall but had a few niggles with Leo's family
December 13, 2023
Stupendous!
Bring your tissues! - I sobbed at song Meltdown.
Having actually met him a couple of weeks ago at the Hay on Wye winter fair, I suspected I’d like the book but I actually loved it! So beautiful! Well done Matt!
Bring your tissues! - I sobbed at song Meltdown.
Having actually met him a couple of weeks ago at the Hay on Wye winter fair, I suspected I’d like the book but I actually loved it! So beautiful! Well done Matt!
January 27, 2024
An amazing Christmas book! A great book for kids and very funny indeed!
December 25, 2023
4.5
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas by Matt Lucas is a delightful and heartwarming musical novel that will make you appreciate and rediscover the joy of Christmas. Written by the comedian and actor Matt Lucas, who also narrates the audiobook, this book is a modern classic that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and the power of hope.
The story follows Leo, a young boy who loves Christmas more than anything but is facing his first one without his mum, who passed away earlier that year. His dad is busy working, his brother is a moody teenager, and his sister is a chip-loving toddler. Leo decides to take charge and make this Christmas the best one ever for his family. He has a list of things to do, from buying a tree to baking a cake, but things don't go as smoothly as he hopes.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect Christmas, Leo. There’s only your Christmas. And it’s up to you to make it as wonderful as you can.”
The book is full of humour, emotion, and imagination, as well as more than 20 original songs that range from hilarious to touching. The songs are cleverly written and performed, and they add a unique dimension to the story. They capture the mood and personality of the characters, as well as the themes of loss, grief, and hope.
“You can’t sleep through Christmas, Leo. Christmas is in your heart. It’s always there, waiting for you to wake up and celebrate it.”
The audiobook is a treat to listen to, as Matt Lucas brings the story to life with his voice. He does a great job of conveying the different emotions and tones of the story, from the sadness of Leo missing his mum, to the silliness of the potato song, to the wonder of the final scene.
“Christmas is not a day, it’s a feeling. It’s a feeling of love and joy and peace. And you can have that feeling any day of the year, if you just believe.”
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for sharing the audiobook version of this book with me!
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas by Matt Lucas is a delightful and heartwarming musical novel that will make you appreciate and rediscover the joy of Christmas. Written by the comedian and actor Matt Lucas, who also narrates the audiobook, this book is a modern classic that celebrates the spirit of Christmas and the power of hope.
The story follows Leo, a young boy who loves Christmas more than anything but is facing his first one without his mum, who passed away earlier that year. His dad is busy working, his brother is a moody teenager, and his sister is a chip-loving toddler. Leo decides to take charge and make this Christmas the best one ever for his family. He has a list of things to do, from buying a tree to baking a cake, but things don't go as smoothly as he hopes.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect Christmas, Leo. There’s only your Christmas. And it’s up to you to make it as wonderful as you can.”
The book is full of humour, emotion, and imagination, as well as more than 20 original songs that range from hilarious to touching. The songs are cleverly written and performed, and they add a unique dimension to the story. They capture the mood and personality of the characters, as well as the themes of loss, grief, and hope.
“You can’t sleep through Christmas, Leo. Christmas is in your heart. It’s always there, waiting for you to wake up and celebrate it.”
The audiobook is a treat to listen to, as Matt Lucas brings the story to life with his voice. He does a great job of conveying the different emotions and tones of the story, from the sadness of Leo missing his mum, to the silliness of the potato song, to the wonder of the final scene.
“Christmas is not a day, it’s a feeling. It’s a feeling of love and joy and peace. And you can have that feeling any day of the year, if you just believe.”
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK Audio for sharing the audiobook version of this book with me!
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December 14, 2025OPOWIEŚCI MUZYCZNEJ - przyznaję - że jeszcze nie czytałam. CHŁOPIEC, KTÓRY PRZESPAŁ ŚWIĘTA jest moim pierwszy takim doświadczeniem i uznaję je za naprawdę ciekawe i oryginalne. Matt Lucas umieścił w swojej opowieści kody QR, które transportują czytelnika do świata pełnego świątecznych dźwięków - bardzo udany zabieg i czytelnik ma wrażenie, jakby trochę uczestniczył w musicalu... taka interaktywna zabawa ze śpiewnikiem z tyłu książki, dzięki czemu możemy śpiewać wszyscy razem, głośno i wesoło.
Koniecznie trzeba jednak zaznaczyć, że autor wziął na warsztat bardzo poważny temat śmierci mamy - chyba poważniej się nie dało... w książce dla dzieci. Zrobił to delikatnie i czule jednocześnie zwracając uwagę na sposoby przepracowania traumy. To dobrze napisana historia, która trafia zarówno do dziecka, jak i do dorosłego. Uczy, wzrusza, angażuje...
Forrest Burdett zaś wykonał pracę ilustratora, a jego rysunki ocieplają całość. Artysta ładnie zaprojektował - graficznie - na stronach swoje obrazy, które podkreślają unikatowy charakter książki, jako opowieści muzycznej. Podoba mi się także sposób przedstawienia postaci, miła, miękka i urocza kreska, na te ilustracje zwyczajnie dobrze się patrzy.
Podsumowując POLECAM. Książka o trudnej drodze pełnej smutku i tęsknoty, o tym, że żałobę należy przepracować niezależnie od wieku i, że życie jest krótkie, dlatego należy się nim cieszyć, póki trwa. Przy dźwiękach muzyki zdecydowanie lepiej się w tym temacie odnaleźć - zwłaszcza w Boże Narodzenie. Myślę, że to CHŁOPIEC, KTÓRY PRZESPAŁ ŚWIĘTA jest bardzo dobrym pomysłem na świąteczny prezent "podchoinkowy".
gdy kogoś nie ma - a Boże Narodzenie jest
Wydawnictwo Kropka
egzemplarz recenzencki
Koniecznie trzeba jednak zaznaczyć, że autor wziął na warsztat bardzo poważny temat śmierci mamy - chyba poważniej się nie dało... w książce dla dzieci. Zrobił to delikatnie i czule jednocześnie zwracając uwagę na sposoby przepracowania traumy. To dobrze napisana historia, która trafia zarówno do dziecka, jak i do dorosłego. Uczy, wzrusza, angażuje...
Forrest Burdett zaś wykonał pracę ilustratora, a jego rysunki ocieplają całość. Artysta ładnie zaprojektował - graficznie - na stronach swoje obrazy, które podkreślają unikatowy charakter książki, jako opowieści muzycznej. Podoba mi się także sposób przedstawienia postaci, miła, miękka i urocza kreska, na te ilustracje zwyczajnie dobrze się patrzy.
Podsumowując POLECAM. Książka o trudnej drodze pełnej smutku i tęsknoty, o tym, że żałobę należy przepracować niezależnie od wieku i, że życie jest krótkie, dlatego należy się nim cieszyć, póki trwa. Przy dźwiękach muzyki zdecydowanie lepiej się w tym temacie odnaleźć - zwłaszcza w Boże Narodzenie. Myślę, że to CHŁOPIEC, KTÓRY PRZESPAŁ ŚWIĘTA jest bardzo dobrym pomysłem na świąteczny prezent "podchoinkowy".
gdy kogoś nie ma - a Boże Narodzenie jest
Wydawnictwo Kropka
egzemplarz recenzencki
November 17, 2023
I was intrigued by the concept of this book which includes 20 original songs which are also written by Matt Lucas.
The story follows Leo who is facing his first Christmas without his mum. The story provides a good mix of humour and more serious/sensitive moments following Leo, his friends and family in the run-up to the big day. Leo puts so much effort into trying to make sure everyone has the best Christmas that he ends up sleeping through it!
I listened to the audio book which seemed like the obvious choice given the addition of the songs. It is narrated by Matt Lucas and I thought he did a great job. Overall, I really enjoyed the songs being interspersed between the regular story telling. I did sometimes feel the songs lasted a bit long where I was keen to return to the written chapters. However, in saying this I could completely picture in my mind the performance of them on stage or in a TV musical which is definitely a good sign!
While the plot of the story itself was probably the weakest aspect for me, the whole experience was great fun and I really like that Matt Lucas has brought something different to children’s storytelling. I will definitely be interested to see what he comes up with next. I am now listening to the book again with my primary aged children who think it is very funny and love the songs too.
I am rating the book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars)
Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK Audio, Farshore for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The story follows Leo who is facing his first Christmas without his mum. The story provides a good mix of humour and more serious/sensitive moments following Leo, his friends and family in the run-up to the big day. Leo puts so much effort into trying to make sure everyone has the best Christmas that he ends up sleeping through it!
I listened to the audio book which seemed like the obvious choice given the addition of the songs. It is narrated by Matt Lucas and I thought he did a great job. Overall, I really enjoyed the songs being interspersed between the regular story telling. I did sometimes feel the songs lasted a bit long where I was keen to return to the written chapters. However, in saying this I could completely picture in my mind the performance of them on stage or in a TV musical which is definitely a good sign!
While the plot of the story itself was probably the weakest aspect for me, the whole experience was great fun and I really like that Matt Lucas has brought something different to children’s storytelling. I will definitely be interested to see what he comes up with next. I am now listening to the book again with my primary aged children who think it is very funny and love the songs too.
I am rating the book 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4 stars)
Thank you to the publisher, HarperCollins UK Audio, Farshore for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2024
Leo doesn’t want anything for Christmas. His mum died during the year and he is determined to keep the festive spirit in her honour. However, things don’t go to plan and time is running out…
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas is a children’s book written by Matt Lucas. I think it is probably aimed at children aged 8-10 but think families would enjoy sharing this together.
Poor Leo is grieving for his mum and it is his first Christmas without her. He wants everything to be perfect but nothing goes right and he despairs. There are some big emotions featured in this book but I think it is important for children to see that Christmas goes beyond the presents and celebrations.
To contrast and soften the emotion, there are lots of funny moments as well as references to Bake Off, plus Baked Potato songs! Personally, the musical interludes didn’t really work for me as I was listening to the main narration at 2.5x speed which made the songs almost incomprehensible! The writing is warm and easy to read/listen to, so I'm sure it will be a family favourite.
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas is an enjoyable children's book with a careful balance of emotion and humour.
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas is a children’s book written by Matt Lucas. I think it is probably aimed at children aged 8-10 but think families would enjoy sharing this together.
Poor Leo is grieving for his mum and it is his first Christmas without her. He wants everything to be perfect but nothing goes right and he despairs. There are some big emotions featured in this book but I think it is important for children to see that Christmas goes beyond the presents and celebrations.
To contrast and soften the emotion, there are lots of funny moments as well as references to Bake Off, plus Baked Potato songs! Personally, the musical interludes didn’t really work for me as I was listening to the main narration at 2.5x speed which made the songs almost incomprehensible! The writing is warm and easy to read/listen to, so I'm sure it will be a family favourite.
The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas is an enjoyable children's book with a careful balance of emotion and humour.
December 1, 2023
*Contains slight song spoilers, but not enough to put an official spoiler warning*
So as a 38 year old woman I’m sure I’m not the target audience for this book, but as soon as I heard of it I HAD to get it as I’m a massive fan of musicals and Christmas. I’m so glad I did as it’s amazing! The story in itself is brilliant with a suitably silly yet emotive storyline and the songs add a fantastic extra layer. They are ear worms though and they will be stuck in your head after just one listen! (I was literally singing along on the train at one point without realising I was doing so!) A great read and listen for all ages and I hope there is a stage musical at some point.
⚠️ Here comes the slight song spoilers!! ⚠️
Our friend Baked Potato of NHS fundraising and shooting stars fame makes an appearance and, as a fan of George Dawes in Shooting Stars I appreciated, what I’m sure was a deliberate, throwaway “peanuts” in one of the songs too!
So as a 38 year old woman I’m sure I’m not the target audience for this book, but as soon as I heard of it I HAD to get it as I’m a massive fan of musicals and Christmas. I’m so glad I did as it’s amazing! The story in itself is brilliant with a suitably silly yet emotive storyline and the songs add a fantastic extra layer. They are ear worms though and they will be stuck in your head after just one listen! (I was literally singing along on the train at one point without realising I was doing so!) A great read and listen for all ages and I hope there is a stage musical at some point.
⚠️ Here comes the slight song spoilers!! ⚠️
Our friend Baked Potato of NHS fundraising and shooting stars fame makes an appearance and, as a fan of George Dawes in Shooting Stars I appreciated, what I’m sure was a deliberate, throwaway “peanuts” in one of the songs too!
December 2, 2025
Matt Lucas (2023) THE BOY WHO SLEPT THROUGH CHRISTMAS: A MUSICAL NOVEL (AUDIOBOOK)
BorrowBox - Farshore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
BorrowBox writes, "Leo LOVES Christmas. And this Christmas needs to be absolutely perfect, because it’s the first one without Mum. Only it all keeps going wrong! The fairylights are in a tangle. The Christmas cards aren’t finished. The tree isn’t decorated And the Christmas cakes have all been destroyed! Soon Leo decides he’s had enough – he makes a heartfelt wish that it would all GO AWAY. Then Leo wakes up on what SHOULD be Christmas Day – and it’s gone!! All of Christmas! But Leo isn’t going to let it escape that easily . . ."
=====
The full experience of this as an audiobook makes you think of the Christmas plays we did as kids. Good memories to be fair.
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#MattLucas #TheBoyWhoSleptThroughChristmas #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox
BorrowBox - Farshore
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 out of 5 stars
BorrowBox writes, "Leo LOVES Christmas. And this Christmas needs to be absolutely perfect, because it’s the first one without Mum. Only it all keeps going wrong! The fairylights are in a tangle. The Christmas cards aren’t finished. The tree isn’t decorated And the Christmas cakes have all been destroyed! Soon Leo decides he’s had enough – he makes a heartfelt wish that it would all GO AWAY. Then Leo wakes up on what SHOULD be Christmas Day – and it’s gone!! All of Christmas! But Leo isn’t going to let it escape that easily . . ."
=====
The full experience of this as an audiobook makes you think of the Christmas plays we did as kids. Good memories to be fair.
=====
#MattLucas #TheBoyWhoSleptThroughChristmas #Book #Books #Read #Reads #Reading #Review #Reviews #BookReview #BookReviews #GoodReads #Audiobook #Audiobooks #BorrowBox
November 26, 2025
This book was recommended by Pollyann, upon reading the title it makes you really think about what would happen if you slept through Christmas.
There were parts of the book I found very relatable including seagulls stealing your sandwich on a beach.
There were parts of the book that made me smile including Leo encouraging Jesse to eat a jacket potato, but there were also some rather sad parts of the book especially when they go and visit the mum's grave.
I found the book really interesting and it made me think about how I would feel if I fell asleep for the whole of Christmas Day but for me the light at the end of the tunnel was where they have Christmas Day on the Boxing Day for Leo.
Cannot wait to listen to the songs included within the book via QR code.
There were parts of the book I found very relatable including seagulls stealing your sandwich on a beach.
There were parts of the book that made me smile including Leo encouraging Jesse to eat a jacket potato, but there were also some rather sad parts of the book especially when they go and visit the mum's grave.
I found the book really interesting and it made me think about how I would feel if I fell asleep for the whole of Christmas Day but for me the light at the end of the tunnel was where they have Christmas Day on the Boxing Day for Leo.
Cannot wait to listen to the songs included within the book via QR code.
October 29, 2023
An innovative idea from Matt Lucas in making this a musical novel. Scan the QR codes which are scattered through the book and enjoy the songs as you read. The songs for me were a bit hit & miss, some much better than others. The story centres on Leo, a boy whose Mum died recently and through his grief is still determined to have the best Christmas ever. But then everything starts to go wrong…. The story was ok, if a bit weak. I’m still not properly sure why he slept through Christmas Day and wasn’t able to be woken up. But the story has a warm heart and a lovely ending.
November 17, 2023
AUDIO REVIEW
Wow wow wow I love this audio. It’s the perfect hug of an audio for Christmas so a big thank you to Matt Lucas for bringing this book to us. Not only is it a really heartwarming story about a poor boy who has lost his Mum and is so determined to make Christmas perfect that it all goes wrong and he misses it but it’s also full of Matts amazing funny and poignant songs (including the baked potato song) that just make your hear smile. I loved this book and bonus it’s narrated by Matt as well.
Wow wow wow I love this audio. It’s the perfect hug of an audio for Christmas so a big thank you to Matt Lucas for bringing this book to us. Not only is it a really heartwarming story about a poor boy who has lost his Mum and is so determined to make Christmas perfect that it all goes wrong and he misses it but it’s also full of Matts amazing funny and poignant songs (including the baked potato song) that just make your hear smile. I loved this book and bonus it’s narrated by Matt as well.
December 17, 2023
It was okay. Exactly what I expected from Mr Lucas. Bit disappointed that he actually really did just sleep through Christmas and that it didn't have a magical fantasy element to it like I'd imagined it would. Good story for young readers and liked the addition of songs. As he put in his in acknowledgements about the idea of creating the songs incase it became a theatre adaptation in the future, it definitely has potential for that. ☺️
December 21, 2024
In this book, Matt Lucas claims he’s written the world’s first ‘musical novel’, and it might be true. I was fascinated by the idea of QR codes on the page that take you to songs (words and music by Lucas) relating to that part of the story. It works really well, too - what a great idea. The story itself loses its focus halfway through, is overlong, and the ending doesn’t really make sense, but Lucas’s humour is sharp and it’s good fun nevertheless.
October 12, 2023
Not only a Christmas book....but a musical Christmas book!? Of course I had to read this!! A super fun read about a boy and his misadventure of the worst possible fate, sleeping through Christmas Day!! Coupled with QR codes so you can jive your way through this Christmas delight!
The perfect read to get yourself ready for the silly season.
Read by Sage
The perfect read to get yourself ready for the silly season.
Read by Sage
November 26, 2023
This was a joyful little story! I’m a fan of Matt Lucas and saw he had written some stories so I thought this would be fun to read for Christmas and it was. It’s geared for ages 8-12 so it’s written simply with honesty, humor and love. Perhaps adults should spend more time in a world intended for kids.
December 1, 2023
This book was nothing short of incredible. I have read another ‘musical novel’, Space Band, but this took it to a whole new level. I felt so many emotions while reading and I still can’t believe it’s Matt’s debut fiction novel! I completely fell in love with the main character; he was such a delight to read about. I loved all the songs too and also being able to sing along with the songbook.
December 17, 2023
I was a bit apprehensive about listening to a book that was a musical but it was actually very entertaining. Leo is trying to make Christmas the best he can for his family but many things happen to get in the way of this. I didn’t think I would like the songs but I did despite being far away in age from the target audience.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC.
January 14, 2025
My 9 year old really enjoyed this book. We enjoyed the songs that were added into the story, some of them made us laugh although they did sound like someone older then Leo singing.
It was a but sad that his mum had died and was not there at Christmas might be sensitive to some children.
I was going to give it a 3 star but my son said 5 so we settled with 4 🌟
It was a but sad that his mum had died and was not there at Christmas might be sensitive to some children.
I was going to give it a 3 star but my son said 5 so we settled with 4 🌟
December 23, 2023
I finished the book, I didn’t think I would, it made me fall asleep in parts.
I didn’t like the musical bits I found it didn’t really add anything to the book.
The story wasn’t that fascinating or original either.
I didn’t like the musical bits I found it didn’t really add anything to the book.
The story wasn’t that fascinating or original either.
December 25, 2024
I obviously didn't read about this book properly as I didn't realise the audiobook was full of songs , unfortunately this was not what I was looking for so I found it quite off-putting. However the story itself was good.
December 14, 2025
Very sweet and funny, and the songs are a nice addition. I liked that it's casual and unapologetically english, but it could have done with less stereotypes for my taste (school bully turning out ok, everyone coupling up at the end among others.
October 11, 2023
A beautiful Christmas story for children and adults
November 3, 2023
It was fun but not a classic. I could hear Matt Lucas in my head as I read it. Loved the concept of the musical book.
November 14, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5
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