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The latest hilarious caper from author Tom McLaughlin. Funny by name. Funny by nature. Ben has one important thing on his Christmas list, and it's the same thing every year. He wants his dad to be at home for Christmas. But his wish never comes true. And Ben's starting to get a bit sceptical about Father Christmas's existence, he needs proof. So, on Christmas Eve, he sets up an elaborate booby trap to capture the jolly bearded fella as he comes sliding down the chimney. Kicking off a sequence of hilarious events that makes this Christmas the most bonkers ever!
234 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2017
18 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Tom McLaughlin
106 books26 followersI write pictures and doodle words for Bloomsbury, Puffin, Oxford University Press, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, The Guardian, Disney, Nickelodeon. After leaving art college in ’97, I spent nearly 10 years as a political cartoonist for The Western Morning News before going freelance.
I’ve been published both as a writer and an illustrator for a number of publishers, had my books translated across Europe and South America. Apart from publishing, I’ve also spent time script writer and a character designer for several animation channels.
I live in Devon, spend most of my days drinking tea and dreaming up new stories.
I’ve been published both as a writer and an illustrator for a number of publishers, had my books translated across Europe and South America. Apart from publishing, I’ve also spent time script writer and a character designer for several animation channels.
I live in Devon, spend most of my days drinking tea and dreaming up new stories.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 1, 2017
My children both loved, “The Accidental Prime Minister,” “The Accidental Secret Agent,” and “The Accidental Billionaire.” Now, just in time for Christmas, author Tom McLaughlin is back with a great follow up book, aimed at 9-12 year olds.
Ben is thirteen (although he acts as a younger child and primary school children will certainly relate to him). He goes to a department store, hoping to ask Santa for his wish to be granted; to have his father home for the holidays. However, the department store Santa doesn’t seem able to grant his wish – or even know what it is. Then, magically, Ben comes across the REAL Santa, but he doesn’t even seem to remember who he is… Ben is in trouble. Frankly, he feels Santa has been quite remiss in not addressing his wishes and not it is up to him to put matters right.
As in the previous books, we have a main character suddenly thrust into a situation that they do not really understand and which becomes delightfully out of control. Can Ben help a slightly concussed Santa deliver all those presents and will he be reunited with his father for Christmas? This is a funny book, which will have your children giggling. I just hope that the author does more in the series (one with a girl main character would be appreciated by my daughter!).
Ben is thirteen (although he acts as a younger child and primary school children will certainly relate to him). He goes to a department store, hoping to ask Santa for his wish to be granted; to have his father home for the holidays. However, the department store Santa doesn’t seem able to grant his wish – or even know what it is. Then, magically, Ben comes across the REAL Santa, but he doesn’t even seem to remember who he is… Ben is in trouble. Frankly, he feels Santa has been quite remiss in not addressing his wishes and not it is up to him to put matters right.
As in the previous books, we have a main character suddenly thrust into a situation that they do not really understand and which becomes delightfully out of control. Can Ben help a slightly concussed Santa deliver all those presents and will he be reunited with his father for Christmas? This is a funny book, which will have your children giggling. I just hope that the author does more in the series (one with a girl main character would be appreciated by my daughter!).
December 13, 2021
O carte foarte drăgălașă care mi-a adus aminte ce înseamnă să fii copil. Doar 3 steluțe fiindcă personajul principal, Ben, are 13 ani, dar se comportă mai degrabă ca un băiețel de 8-10 ani. Nu mi s-a părut credibil... În plus, povestea e puțin cam trasă de păr, dar presupun că prin ochii unui copil nu e chiar atât de greu de crezut. :)) Nu e o carte wow, dar cu siguranță mi-a indus atmosfera aia magică de Crăciun pe care o așteptam cu nerăbdare când eram mică. Pentru copii ar fi un cadou bun, zic eu. ^_^
December 16, 2017
A very funny seasonal story with heart
Part of McLaughlin's 'Accidental' series (though each is a stand-alone), this may be my favourite. And one I intend to buy for my son (aged 7, almost), after borrowing it from the library first.
As ever, a child finds himself unexpectedly taking on a grown-up role, in this case one that has a lot of 'baggage' so to speak! Ben isn't sure if he believes in Father Christmas anymore - after all, he's never listened to his dearest wish in every letter and brought his dad back home from work for Christmas. So, one December 24th, he sets a trap to catch the big man... all will NOT go as planned!
Very amusing story, though the premise has been seen before, this time the child has to take on the role of Santa and 'see behind the curtain'. Ben is a smart young hero, Father Christmas given the sidekick role.
We have 'bad guys' - the men in black chasing the UFO they seem to come across every December, and elves play a vital role (though are a little stereotyped).
It all ends warmly and with a great family feel. For believers or un-believers alike (don't worry - there are no 'spoilers' for young children) it's a perfect story to read in the run-up to the Big Day.
One for ages 6-10. And look out for the rest in the series.
Part of McLaughlin's 'Accidental' series (though each is a stand-alone), this may be my favourite. And one I intend to buy for my son (aged 7, almost), after borrowing it from the library first.
As ever, a child finds himself unexpectedly taking on a grown-up role, in this case one that has a lot of 'baggage' so to speak! Ben isn't sure if he believes in Father Christmas anymore - after all, he's never listened to his dearest wish in every letter and brought his dad back home from work for Christmas. So, one December 24th, he sets a trap to catch the big man... all will NOT go as planned!
Very amusing story, though the premise has been seen before, this time the child has to take on the role of Santa and 'see behind the curtain'. Ben is a smart young hero, Father Christmas given the sidekick role.
We have 'bad guys' - the men in black chasing the UFO they seem to come across every December, and elves play a vital role (though are a little stereotyped).
It all ends warmly and with a great family feel. For believers or un-believers alike (don't worry - there are no 'spoilers' for young children) it's a perfect story to read in the run-up to the Big Day.
One for ages 6-10. And look out for the rest in the series.
January 24, 2021
O carte in care Mos Craciun nu stie nimic!
December 15, 2017
This is the first book I've read from Tom McLaughlin and it won't be the last!!! Although aimed at 9-12 year olds my 7 year old granddaughter loved it and I enjoyed reading it myself!!
The main character Ben wants more than anything to have his dad home for Christmas and goes on a quest to see if Santa can make this happen.
When Ben finds Santa they join forces to help deliver all his presents but will Bens wish come true?
This is a brilliant festive read , action packed and full of giggles I throughly recommend this book!! Brilliant very up to date and appealing to all fun loving children (and adults)
The main character Ben wants more than anything to have his dad home for Christmas and goes on a quest to see if Santa can make this happen.
When Ben finds Santa they join forces to help deliver all his presents but will Bens wish come true?
This is a brilliant festive read , action packed and full of giggles I throughly recommend this book!! Brilliant very up to date and appealing to all fun loving children (and adults)
January 1, 2018
Festive, if a little predictable, Christmas adventure story. Funny for kids, and a few little references thrown in for adults. Would be a good one to be read by a class teacher in the weeks leading to Christmas.
June 8, 2021
I loved this book! It was awesome. Ben just wanted to see his Dad and was desperate, desperate enough to do anything so when he found out that his Dad was a UFO worker but he was going to come home now, he was so happy. His Dad may have been a little strict at the first place but that was all because of a silly reason, that he didn't get a UFO toy for Christmas and so now hated the event. He became jolly and cheerful at the end when he did receive that UFO toy that he wanted ever since he was litte
January 6, 2018
I read this with my 7 year old daughter and though it made us laugh there were too many references to violence (guns and fighting).
January 6, 2020
Daughter wanted me to read this and it was quite entertaining!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews