Father Christmas (book) facts for kids
Father Christmas is a popular British picture book created by Raymond Briggs. It was first published in 1973. This book is special because it shows Father Christmas in a very different and funny way. Raymond Briggs even won a big award called the Kate Greenaway Medal for his amazing illustrations in this book. It was chosen as one of the top ten favorite books for this award's 50th anniversary!
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| Author | Raymond Briggs |
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| Illustrator | Raymond Briggs |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's graphic novel |
| Publisher | Hamish Hamilton |
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Publication date
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1973 |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | 32pp |
| ISBN | 978-0-241-02260-3 |
| OCLC | 788505364 |
| LC Class | LCC PZ7.B7646 Fat3 |
| Followed by | Father Christmas Goes on Holiday |
Meet This Father Christmas
This book gives us a fresh look at Father Christmas. He might look like the jolly, bearded man in a red suit we all know. But this Father Christmas is actually a regular working guy! He lives in a normal house and has the usual job of delivering presents on Christmas Eve. He often seems a bit grumpy and complains a lot. However, it's clear he has a very kind heart underneath.
In this story, there's no Mrs. Claus or elves helping him. He lives with his cat, dog, and two reindeer. Even though he grumbles about his work and life, he really loves his animals. He even gives them their own presents! He complains about everything, but deep down, he truly enjoys what he does.
The book shows Father Christmas making his deliveries. He visits all sorts of unusual homes. He also takes nice breaks to enjoy the food and drinks people leave out for him. On his journey, he only talks to one person: a milkman. This milkman is meant to be like Raymond Briggs' own father, Ernest Briggs. Even with all the challenges, Father Christmas finishes his route. His very last stop is at Buckingham Palace!
When he gets back home, Father Christmas opens his own presents. He grumbles about most of them. But he does like a bottle of brandy from his friend Fred. A more cheerful side of him starts to show. He sings carols in the shower and calls his Christmas dinner "Lovely grub!" After his long travels, he goes to bed. But not before giving his cat and dog their presents and wishing everyone a "Happy Blooming Christmas!"
Raymond Briggs said that this Father Christmas character was partly based on his own father. This is because both were delivery men. Briggs also mentioned that someone from America once complained about a funny scene. In this scene, Father Christmas is shown sitting in the bathroom.
More Adventures and a Movie
Raymond Briggs wrote a second book about this character. It's called Father Christmas Goes on Holiday. This sequel was published in 1975.
Both books were later made into a 25-minute animated film. The movie is called Father Christmas and came out in 1991. Dave Unwin directed the film. The famous actor Mel Smith was the voice of Father Christmas.
