The Accidental Father Christmas
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
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!
Why read this book
- Humorous journey of a boy becoming Father Christmas accidentally.
- Encourages creativity and belief in one’s abilities.
- Highlights values of responsibility and perseverance.
- Ideal for family shared reading moments.
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you accidentally became Father Christmas for a day? What would you do differently?
Why do you think Ben made the decisions he did when he became Father Christmas?
What does this story teach us about the true spirit of Christmas?
How do you think Ben’s life changed after his adventure? What would you learn from such an experience?
If you could give any gift to someone, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts or a funny anecdote about a mix-up similar to Ben's to make the discussion feel more relatable.
Encourage your child to think creatively and empathetically by asking them to imagine themselves in Ben's shoes.
Discuss the importance of generosity and kindness during Christmas, linking them to the actions and decisions of the characters in the book.
Use examples from the book to talk about the outcomes of actions and choices, guiding your child to understand cause and effect.
Ask your child to think about what gifts they consider valuable and why, emphasizing that the best gifts often aren't material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Ben, accidentally knocks out Father Christmas and takes on the responsibility of delivering gifts.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and the consequences that follow.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Ben faces various challenges in delivering the presents and must think on his feet to solve them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills which are applicable in school and social situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By stepping into Father Christmas' shoes, Ben understands the joy of giving and the happiness it brings to others.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider others' feelings and perspectives, fostering a more empathetic and understanding approach to relationships.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the challenges, Ben continues his mission to deliver all the gifts, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of persistence and hard work in achieving goals, relevant in educational pursuits and personal growth.