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Santa & Son: A book by David Walliams
Santa & Son, from Children's author David Walliams.
It’s the night of Christmas Eve.
In the most famous toy shop in the world, a robbery is underway. The shop’s Santa and his son are locked inside with the baddies.
Can our heroes stop them using just the toys in the shop as weapons? Pogo sticks! Bouncy balls! Remote-controlled helicopters! Bubble guns! Slime! Slinkies! Stink bombs!
It’s the night of Christmas Eve.
In the most famous toy shop in the world, a robbery is underway. The shop’s Santa and his son are locked inside with the baddies.
Can our heroes stop them using just the toys in the shop as weapons? Pogo sticks! Bouncy balls! Remote-controlled helicopters! Bubble guns! Slime! Slinkies! Stink bombs!
- GenresChristmas
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 23, 2025
60 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
David Walliams
238 books3,424 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
David Walliams is an actor and writer best known for his work with Matt Lucas in the multi-award-winning sketch show Little Britain. His debut children's novel, The Boy in the Dress, was published in 2008 to unanimous critical acclaim and he has since developed a reputation as a natural successor to Roald Dahl.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 19, 2025
advance copy from David's book tour
Very funny 🤣 & was really good 👍. David is my favourite author and I love his books 📚
Thomas (9)
Very funny 🤣 & was really good 👍. David is my favourite author and I love his books 📚
Thomas (9)
November 3, 2025
Heard about this on an episode of This Morning on YouTube where David was talking about it, found a bargain for £8.27 in ASDA. I was looking forward to seeing what this involves and how good David has made this book.
A Christmas themed book in October, yes crazy but something I was intrigued to read. The main character is called Elvis, Named after Elvis Presley – a Legend!
The book begins on Christmas Eve. Going to Londinium, which we discover is a toy shop, which I can only relate to Hamleys.
Elvis’s mum surprises him with a golden ticket to see Santa. They arrive at the toy shop and join the queue, as it reaches the time where the shops about to close Santa invites him into the grotto. Elvis and Santa talk about jailhouse rock, which at this moment I could only think about a childhood rock hamster I had which used to sing the song. Elvis becomes suspicious of Santa, and I got the sense that Santa was his dad.
As the shops about to close Elvis’s time with Santa isn't very long, describing the security as a Pomeranian upper lip had me giggling.
Very late on Christmas Eve, Elvis returns to the toy shop, to find Santa who he might be his dad, upon his return he discovers the elves who were going to blow up the toy shop, steal money.
Can they manage to rescue the toy shop and will Elvis see his dad again. The book gave me Hamleys mixed with Home Alone vibes.
A Christmas themed book in October, yes crazy but something I was intrigued to read. The main character is called Elvis, Named after Elvis Presley – a Legend!
The book begins on Christmas Eve. Going to Londinium, which we discover is a toy shop, which I can only relate to Hamleys.
Elvis’s mum surprises him with a golden ticket to see Santa. They arrive at the toy shop and join the queue, as it reaches the time where the shops about to close Santa invites him into the grotto. Elvis and Santa talk about jailhouse rock, which at this moment I could only think about a childhood rock hamster I had which used to sing the song. Elvis becomes suspicious of Santa, and I got the sense that Santa was his dad.
As the shops about to close Elvis’s time with Santa isn't very long, describing the security as a Pomeranian upper lip had me giggling.
Very late on Christmas Eve, Elvis returns to the toy shop, to find Santa who he might be his dad, upon his return he discovers the elves who were going to blow up the toy shop, steal money.
Can they manage to rescue the toy shop and will Elvis see his dad again. The book gave me Hamleys mixed with Home Alone vibes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
I bought this for a festive read at bedtimes with my 6 year old. The illustrations throughout are fantastic and really help to set the scene.
The story sees Elvis being taken to Londinium, the largest toy store, by his mum as his only Christmas wish is to go to Santa's grotto and meet the big guy. Tickets are scarce but his hard working mum manages to grab a ticket for him. Things, however, don't go to plan and their visit is spoilt by a nasty elf and Santa feels awfully familiar to them both.
Determined to find out more, Milo sneaks back at night determined to break in and see Santa again. He isn't the only one up to no good in the store and the nasty elf and his two accomplices are wanting to rob the store.
Much chaos occurs as Elvis, “Santa” and the store security guard try to stop them and escape before a bomb goes off - brought in to cover the tracks of their robbery.
There are themes of kindness, doing the right thing, bravery, resilience, the nuances of adult relationships and impacts on children and loneliness that can be brought out of the story and discussed with children.
The story sees Elvis being taken to Londinium, the largest toy store, by his mum as his only Christmas wish is to go to Santa's grotto and meet the big guy. Tickets are scarce but his hard working mum manages to grab a ticket for him. Things, however, don't go to plan and their visit is spoilt by a nasty elf and Santa feels awfully familiar to them both.
Determined to find out more, Milo sneaks back at night determined to break in and see Santa again. He isn't the only one up to no good in the store and the nasty elf and his two accomplices are wanting to rob the store.
Much chaos occurs as Elvis, “Santa” and the store security guard try to stop them and escape before a bomb goes off - brought in to cover the tracks of their robbery.
There are themes of kindness, doing the right thing, bravery, resilience, the nuances of adult relationships and impacts on children and loneliness that can be brought out of the story and discussed with children.
December 3, 2025
Don't get me wrong, the storyline was great but there were a few things that put me off giving it 5 stars:
1 . I found it annoying that there were sound effects all through the book and there were lots of writers notes. To me, it just took my mind off of the story and I would have enjoyed it more if there was less of it.
2 . DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA (he is real.)
Even though Santa appeared in the book there were still some hints towards Santa not being real with the Santa at the toy shop being fake and the elf that worked at the shop's remarks towards the guy that was acting as Santa. Isn't this meant to be a kids book. I just would not want to go reading this to a kid and him to have suspicions about Santa not being real.
Over all I quite liked the story and the characters apart of the story, but if a few things would have changed, which would have made it a whole lot better.
1 . I found it annoying that there were sound effects all through the book and there were lots of writers notes. To me, it just took my mind off of the story and I would have enjoyed it more if there was less of it.
2 . DO NOT READ THIS IF YOU BELIEVE IN SANTA (he is real.)
Even though Santa appeared in the book there were still some hints towards Santa not being real with the Santa at the toy shop being fake and the elf that worked at the shop's remarks towards the guy that was acting as Santa. Isn't this meant to be a kids book. I just would not want to go reading this to a kid and him to have suspicions about Santa not being real.
Over all I quite liked the story and the characters apart of the story, but if a few things would have changed, which would have made it a whole lot better.
January 10, 2026
This book was an interesting story for me. The interesting part was when the elves destroyed the factory in London with guns, and then they filled the whole factory with whirlpool. After they fought, they went to deliver some presents for very good children and then on the next day the good children got their presents .
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November 4, 2025I don’t rate these kinds of books as these are just fun reads to read with my daughter, really enjoyed this one and the Elvis references!
November 27, 2025
Good festive book. set in the 80s.
December 28, 2025
The girls loved it and couldn't wait to hear more each night 💗
January 9, 2026
It was amazingly awesome
December 22, 2025
santa and son
so 1good recommend to kids or adults who like xlChirstmas.
. A boy named Elvis You can read him yourself what happened in the book, because that would spoil the fun. all i can tell you is that a lot happens in one night.
so 1good recommend to kids or adults who like xlChirstmas.
. A boy named Elvis You can read him yourself what happened in the book, because that would spoil the fun. all i can tell you is that a lot happens in one night.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2026
"Santa & Son" by David Walliams is a delightful and whimsical holiday story that captures the magic and mischief of Christmas. Known for his trademark humor and heart, Walliams crafts an entertaining tale that appeals to children and families alike.
The story centers on Santa and his adventurous son as they navigate a series of festive mishaps and heartwarming moments. The dynamic between the two is both charming and amusing, providing plenty of laughs while also touching on themes of family, tradition, and the true spirit of giving.
Walliams’ engaging writing style, paired with lively illustrations (if present, as is common in his books), makes for a fast-paced and visually appealing read. Young readers will enjoy the imaginative plot twists, while parents will appreciate the gentle lessons woven throughout the narrative.
"Santa & Son" is a perfect addition to holiday reading lists, delivering joy, laughter, and a reminder of what makes Christmas truly special. Highly recommended for fans of David Walliams and anyone looking for a festive, feel-good story.
The story centers on Santa and his adventurous son as they navigate a series of festive mishaps and heartwarming moments. The dynamic between the two is both charming and amusing, providing plenty of laughs while also touching on themes of family, tradition, and the true spirit of giving.
Walliams’ engaging writing style, paired with lively illustrations (if present, as is common in his books), makes for a fast-paced and visually appealing read. Young readers will enjoy the imaginative plot twists, while parents will appreciate the gentle lessons woven throughout the narrative.
"Santa & Son" is a perfect addition to holiday reading lists, delivering joy, laughter, and a reminder of what makes Christmas truly special. Highly recommended for fans of David Walliams and anyone looking for a festive, feel-good story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews