On Thursday 6th October 2016, Tom Fletcher’s first novel The Christmasaurus was released. On the same day, he kicked off his book tour with a signing at Manchester’s Trafford Centre, one which I was lucky enough to attend.
Tom’s novel is one aimed at a younger audience, so you may be wondering why I am so interested in it. Well, if you don’t already know, Tom Fletcher is not only an author, not only a vlogger (famous for Wedding Speech and baby videos), but one quarter of my favourite band McFly. So although I may not quite be the target audience for his book, I support him in all projects he does and plus, everyone loves a bit of festive spirit right? This book is full of it!
The signing began at 5pm in Waterstones, so I managed to get there by about half four and queued in the shop for a bit. I went to meet Tom along with Dougie last year for their signing of ‘The Dinosaur that Pooped The Bed’ at Manchester Arndale and it was heaving with fans because that event wasn’t ticketed. This time round, it was ticketed and the event went so much better. Tickets were free, but it meant I didn’t feel as rushed and it was certain we would meet him.
After an hour of Tom being in the shop, my turn to meet him finally arrived about 6pm. My little brother met him first. Tom was very excited about the fact is name was a ‘double McFly name’ – Harry Thomas – as he signed the book for him.
It was then my turn to meet Tom. I first of all hugged him since I didn’t get to last time I met him. As he signed my book ‘To Erin’, he said “No McFly names here!” and I replied “No sorry!”
I then chatted to him about how much I enjoyed their concert at Manchester academy last month. I somehow managed to tell him I loved Walk In The Sun, a song sang by Danny, his fellow band mate solo, rather than She Falls Asleep, the song Tom plays solo and was very nervous about playing! So Tom, if by some stroke of luck you’re reading this, I meant to tell you how much I was in awe of the beautiful performance of She Falls Asleep, but the wrong song came out of my mouth!
We then had photos taken and said goodbye. I was so happy after meeting him and it was definitely my favourite meet I’ve ever done. I think this was because I didn’t at all feel rushed and had a good amount of time with him.
As soon as I got home I was ready to get into Christmas spirit and read the book itself. To say this is a novel targetted at younger readers, I absolutely loved it. Maybe that’s because it made me feel like a kid again, I’m not sure, but I did find myself laughing away throughout.
I love the way Tom’s written it, in a fairly conversational style like he was writing to a friend. “Well I was about to say when you interrupted!” I fell in love with the characters of William and Bob, I really felt for them both. I especially loved the part where William realises what he truly desires, it’s such a heartfelt moment.
The book has it’s plot twists and had me gasping at one point – that’s how shocking it was! The Christmausaurus is full of Christmas wisdom, Tom really has thought of everything! It was a really fun read and I think I’ll have to re-read it underneath my Christmas tree when the appropriate time comes!
“That’s why believing is so important. It keeps the magic alive.”
Read my review of McFly’s Anthology Tour: HERE
