Stepfather Christmas

Harper, Will and mum have always managed on their own, with mum going as ‘full-on for Christmas as her budget will allow’. So when mum announces that this year her boyfriend, Nick, will be joining them, it’s a bit of a shock. He seems nice, but Harper can’t help noticing that Christmassy things happen whenever he’s around. Convinced he’s actually Father Christmas, she is determined to uncover the truth…

Subtitled ‘A Festive Countdown in 25 Chapters’, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a wonderfully charming and humorous festive treat, perfect for sharing a chapter a night in the run up to Christmas Day. The idea of a family read each day of Advent is a joy - when my son was little, we used to read a festive picture book each day- and a lovely way to bring everyone together. The chapters are the perfect length and the characters are wonderfully engaging.

Jovial and kindly, Nick works with the reindeer at the petting zoo, makes the perfect hot chocolate and seems to receive an awful lot of post. As the clues mount up. Harper becomes increasingly suspicious that he is indeed Father Christmas in spite of Will’s scepticism when she tries to discuss it with him. Her doubts and anxieties about Nick becoming part of their tight-knit little family will resonate with many children in a similar situation whilst the mystery about his identity brings plenty of festive fun!

Whether read day-by-day or consumed in one sitting, ‘Stepfather Christmas’ is a delightful, thoroughly engaging read!

Stepfather Christmas L P Lapinski

Orion ISBN: 978-1510112698