I Killed Father Christmas
Little gems Series
What’s inside...
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.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Jo-Jo feel when he thought he killed Father Christmas? Can you describe a time when you felt similarly?
What does this story teach us about understanding and dealing with big emotions?
Why is it important to be honest, like Jo-Jo was with his mom and dad?
What did Jo-Jo learn by the end of the story? Have you learned something similar?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening. Gently encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, mirroring their emotions with understanding responses.
Relate the story to personal experiences. Discuss similar situations where they or someone they know had to navigate a big misunderstanding.
Highlight the resolution. Discuss how Jo-Jo and his family resolved their issues, emphasizing communication and honesty.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the consequences of actions
Explanation: In 'I Killed Father Christmas', the protagonist, Jo-Jo, blames himself for his parents' argument and feels he’s responsible for ruining Christmas. This depiction shows the weight of consequences that one's actions or beliefs can have.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking about the impact of their words and actions on others and the situations around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Jo-Jo expresses empathy by trying to fix the situation and by stepping into the role of Father Christmas. This part of the story helps children understand the feelings of others and the virtue of trying to make things right.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider other people's feelings and situations, teaching them to be sensitive and caring towards the needs and struggles of others.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and problem-solving
Explanation: Faced with the belief that he ruined Christmas, Jo-Jo takes it upon himself to deliver gifts, demonstrating initiative and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their actions and think creatively to solve problems both big and small in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Impact of family dynamics on children
Explanation: The initial family conflict in the story illustrates how familial tension can affect children, making them feel responsible or guilty.
Real-World Application: This can help parents understand the importance of maintaining a positive and supportive environment at home and being mindful of how their actions and conflicts might be perceived by their children.
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: Jo-Jo's journey throughout the book shows the importance of being truthful, both to oneself and others, about feelings and mistakes.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of honesty in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships with family and peers.