By Anthony McGowan (author) , Chris Riddell (illustrator) Part of the Little Gems series
Paperback Not Available
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November 2017 Book of the Month | Interest Age 5-8
In a nutshell: Ho, ho … oh?
It’s Christmas Eve and Jo-Jo’s parents are arguing again. After a particularly upsetting outburst from his mum, the idea lodges in Jo-Jo’s mind that he is responsible for ‘killing Christmas’ and that it’s therefore his duty to step into Father Christmas’s shoes and distribute presents, at the very least to people in his street.
So far so interesting, touching and festive – Jo-Jo really has discovered the true meaning of Christmas. But this is Anthony McGowan, an author who is always ready to surprise readers and to subvert expectations, and there’s a delicious if dark shock in the final scene. Chris Riddell’s unmistakable illustrations are the perfect match to this witty, original story. Andrea Reece
High quality cream paper and a special easy to read font ensure a smooth read for all.
About the Little Gems series : Little Gems are in a gorgeous new chunky format, with high-spec production including coloured endpapers and jacketed flaps with activities. Additional features include high quality cream paper, Barrington Stoke font and illustrations on every page. They are perfect for 5-8's. These quality stories promote good reading practice for all newly independent readers.
A delightfully witty and tender-hearted Christmas story like none other, introducing a unique author and illustrator collaboration in Anthony McGowan and Chris Riddell.
Read the full description
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.
Anthony McGowan is one of the most widely acclaimed young adult and children’s authors in the UK. His books have won numerous major awards. In 2020, he was awarded the CILIP Carnegie Medal for Lark . He was also shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal with Rook and won the Booktrust Teenage Prize and the Catalyst Award for Henry Tumour . His YA novel The Knife that Killed Me was made into a critically-lauded film in 2014.
Anthony lives in London, with his wife, two children and dog.
Photo credit Michael Thorn
Little Gems - fully illustrated chapter books from Barrington Stoke
the best books for 7-9 year olds
A delightfully witty and tender-hearted Christmas story like none other, introducing a unique author and illustrator collaboration in Anthony McGowan and Chris Riddell. Jo-Jo is convinced that Christmas is cancelled - and it's all his fault.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed I Killed Father Christmas and determined it is suitable for children aged 5-8 years old
I Killed Father Christmas features in the following genres: Books of the Month, Recommendations, Featured Books for 7+ readers, Featured Books for 5+ readers
Paperback. Not Available.
I Killed Father Christmas was written by Anthony McGowan and published by Barrington Stoke Ltd
I Killed Father Christmas has 78 pages
Yes it is part of Little Gems series
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