Father Christmas
By Raymond Briggs
The Story
A thoroughly grumpy Father Christmas grumbles his way through the busiest night of the year, braving cold chimneys and bad weather to deliver presents to every house on his list.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves finding out that even the most magical grown-ups complain about the weather, Father Christmas turns a beloved icon into someone delightfully, believably human.
- Big idea: Even the people doing the most magical jobs are allowed to grumble about the cold and still get the job done.
- Vibes: Wry, cosy, and dry-witted, with a comic-strip rhythm and a very British kind of grumbling.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy comic-strip panels with lots to look at
- like grown-up characters who grumble and joke
- respond well to a cosy, familiar Christmas Eve setting
- are working on noticing humor in everyday complaints
Ask Your Little Reader
- Character & humor: Why do you think Father Christmas grumbles so much about his job?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think Father Christmas feels by the end of his long night?
- Real-life connection: Have you ever had to do something important even when you were tired or cranky?
- Imagination: What would you grumble about if you had to deliver presents to every house in one night?
- Story details: What parts of Father Christmas's night looked the coldest or hardest to you?
