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The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas

Book Synopsis

Dive in to this funny and debut heart-warming magical (and musical!) adventure from star of stage and screen, Matt Lucas – a festive modern classic for young readers of 8-12!

‘Nearly as good as one of my books’ – David Walliams

Leo LOVES Christmas.
And this Christmas needs to be absolutely perfect, because it’s the first one without Mum. Only it all keeps going wrong!

The fairylights are in a tangle
The Christmas cards aren’t finished
The tree isn’t decorated
And the Christmas cakes have all been destroyed!

Soon Leo decides he’s had enough – he makes a heartfelt wish that it would all GO AWAY.

Then Leo wakes up on what SHOULD be Christmas Day – and it’s gone!! All of Christmas! But Leo isn’t going to let it escape that easily . . .

Join Leo as he sets out on a mission to undo his wish and get Christmas back in the brand-new festive classic by bestselling author Matt Lucas.

Home Alone meets A Christmas Carol in a hilarious adventure with a big dollop of festive magic. Funny, sensitive and emotional in all the best ways, this warm and seasonal family story touches ever so gently on childhood grief but is wrapped up in a chaotic and heart-warming adventure.

Listen to over 20 original songs, written and recorded by Matt to accompany the story, bringing the joy of a musical to book form!

Our Review Panel says...

The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas is a delightful tale that blends the enchantment of the festive season with the joy of music, and one that will appeal to the many children who love both. What sets this book apart is the clever addition of QR codes sprinkled throughout the narrative, linking to a musical soundtrack of songs that enhance the reading experience. Readers can fully immerse themselves in Leo’s world, with printed lyrics encouraging them to join in the musical adventure.

The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas recounts the heartwarming story of Leo, a big fan of all things Christmas, as he navigates the challenges of planning the perfect Christmas while his grieving family is coming to terms with the recent loss of his mother. Leo’s journey to create a magical Christmas for his family unfolds with unexpected twists and challenges, but with a sprinkle of Christmas magic, a happy ending is just around the corner. This story captures the hope that Christmas has to offer even in bleaker seasons of life, and a time to reflect on what truly matters amid busy Christmas preparations.

As an aside, fans of a certain Baked Potato may notice a little cameo in the catchy song “Chips”, which adds a playful touch that both children and adults may appreciate.

Drawing on his background in comedy and musical theatre, Matt Lucas injects a whimsical charm and a touch of originality into the crowded market of Christmas chapter books this year. The story has earned a spot on our Christmas Booklist for KS2, and the songs and additional activities are available via the author’s website

This book is available on these booklists:

The Boy Who Slept Through Christmas

the boy who slept through christmas

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