Picture a British storyteller who swapped pop stardom for whimsical tales of dinosaurs and Christmas magic—meet Tom Fletcher! Best known as a founding member of the chart-topping band McFly, Fletcher has won hearts worldwide with his enchanting children’s books, selling over 6 million copies in the UK alone. His imaginative stories, like the beloved Christmasaurus series, blend humor, heart, and a sprinkle of festive cheer, captivating readers of all ages.
From crafting catchy tunes to penning bestselling novels, Fletcher’s creative journey is a testament to his boundless storytelling passion. Let’s dive into the life and works of this musical prodigy turned literary sensation!
The Making of Tom Fletcher
Born on July 17, 1985, in Harrow, London, Tom Fletcher showed early signs of a creative spark. At age nine, he starred as Oliver in the West End’s Oliver!, and by 13, he was honing his craft at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School, where he met his future wife, Giovanna Falcone. Music soon took center stage when Fletcher co-founded McFly in 2003, penning ten UK number-one singles and selling over 10 million records worldwide. His songwriting prowess laid the foundation for his literary leap, as storytelling through lyrics naturally evolved into crafting children’s books.
Tom Fletcher’s Unforgettable Stories
Fletcher’s writing career kicked off in 2012 with The Dinosaur That Pooped Christmas, co-authored with McFly bandmate Dougie Poynter. This hilarious picture book, selling over 72,000 copies in its debut year, became the UK’s top children’s novel of 2012. Its cheeky humor and rhyming text set the tone for Fletcher’s playful style, resonating with kids and parents alike. The series grew, with titles like The Dinosaur That Pooped a Planet!, amassing over 1.5 million copies sold.
In 2016, Fletcher debuted his solo novel, The Christmasaurus, a heartwarming middle-grade tale of a dinosaur-obsessed boy named William Trundle and a magical Christmas dinosaur. Shortlisted for a British Book Award, it became the biggest debut middle-grade novel of that year. Sequels like The Christmasaurus and the Winter Witch and The Christmasaurus and the Naughty List further cemented its status as a modern classic, blending festive magic with themes of friendship and belief. Fletcher’s Who’s in Your Book? series, with interactive stories like There’s a Monster in Your Book, delights younger readers with its engaging, hands-on approach. For older audiences, he co-wrote the dystopian Eve of Man trilogy with Giovanna, showcasing his versatility across genres.
Fletcher’s style is a joyful mix of humor, imagination, and relatability, often inspired by his love for Christmas, dinosaurs, and his own children. His stories are accessible yet profound, weaving life lessons into whimsical narratives that spark wonder.
Why Tom Fletcher Matters
Tom Fletcher’s impact transcends his books’ impressive sales. His stories inspire children to embrace imagination and resilience, with characters like William Trundle encouraging readers to believe in the impossible. His partnership with McDonald’s Happy Meals, distributing over 93 million books since 2014, has boosted children’s literacy across the UK. Adapted into a musical and optioned for an animated film, The Christmasaurus continues to spread joy beyond the page. Fletcher’s ability to connect with readers, paired with his infectious enthusiasm, has made him a cherished figure in children’s literature.
- Born: July 17, 1985, Harrow, London
- Key Works: The Christmasaurus, The Dinosaur That Pooped series, The Creakers, Eve of Man
- Awards: Shortlisted for British Book Award (The Christmasaurus)
- Fun Fact: Fletcher holds a Guinness World Record with McFly for the youngest band with a debut album at number one!
Snag The Christmasaurus and dive into Tom Fletcher’s magical world of dinosaurs and festive cheer!