I Killed Father Christmas

by Anthony McGowan, Chris Riddell (Illustrator)

Jo-Jo is convinced that Christmas is cancelled - and it's all his fault. To make amends, he decides he must become Father Christmas. An old coat of his mum's, a sack of outgrown toys and a sudden snowfall are all he needs - along with a little help from some very Christmassy magic. High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.

Genres: Christmas, Childrens

96 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2017

About the author

Anthony John McGowan is an English author of books for children, teenagers and adults. He is the winner of the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal for Lark. In addition to his 2020 win, he has been twice longlisted (for The Knife That Killed Me in 2008 and Brock in 2014) and once shortlisted (for Rook in 2018) for the CILIP Carnegie Medal, and is the winner of the 2006 Booktrust Teenage Prize for Henry Tumour.

Reviews

[Gabby]

Short but really shows the processes that can go through a child's mind when faced with arguing adults and what almost at the beginning seems like a collapsing family. I love the representation of the Christmas magic in this one and Chris Riddell's artwork really brings a greater life to the story. A new imagining of the tale but also one of determination, love and a giving heart!

[I _teach_muggles]

Jo-Jo should be excited. But it is Christmas eve and his mum and dad are arguing. And from what he can make out it is all his fault. He has asked for too many presents and worse still, he has killed Father Christmas. With responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders and armed with his mum’s red coat, a sack full of no-longer-needed toys, a fresh sprinkling of snow and some Christmas spirit, Jo-Jo sets out to save Christmas.

A warm-hearted and witty story full of the magic of Christmas and a big dose of love that is the perfect fit for smaller hands. The chapters are short, there are plenty of colourful illustrations and there are delightful extras in the form of Christmas themed jokes (inside the front cover) and a maze (inside the back cover).

Recommended for 6+.

[Melisande]

https://accrocdeslivres.blogspot.com/...

[Zoë]

A little bit traumatised by this one.

[whatbooknext]

When Jo-jo’s parents have the biggest argument on Christmas Eve, he hears the words – “You’ve killed Christmas.”

Instantly believing it’s all his fault, he thinks of all those who will miss out on their presents if Father Christmas is dead. It’s up to him to fix the situation, and so he gets to work. But no matter how good his intentions are, he doesn’t have the best plan and things quickly go wrong.

It just so happens that Christmas isn’t dead and it arrives just in time to save Jojo in the most unexpected way!

Another in the Little Gems series, this is a lovely story about greed, family, and the magic of Christmas.

[Sean Harding]

An Ok read not overly memorable but decent enough.

[Cassandra]

picked it up cos Chris Riddell. Was fine until it went twee. Which is expected for the age group, I suppose.

[MackzLaflem]

je m'étais fait scam je pensais que ça allait être un récit dur mais enfaite non

mais ça reste ultra mims ;!

[Gordon]

Firstly, it's not as dark and depressing as the title would have you believe. it's actually a funny little festive story.