Archive | December 2014

The Little Drummer Boy

Dec15
The Little Drummer Boy

The Little Drummer Boy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Little Drummer Boy

Ezra Jack Keats

Macmillan 1968

978-0140567434

This is the text version of the traditional Christmas song which tells the story of  a poor boy who wants to see the baby Jesus, but has nothing to offer that would be worthy of royalty. Or so he thinks. Originally written by the American classical music composer and teacher Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941 and called Carol of the Drum, this version features illustrations by Ezra Jack Keats that capture the spirit of the song and the message that while Christmas is about giving it is not necessarily the biggest, brightest, store-bought that is the best.

The Little Drummer Boy

The Little Drummer Boy

 

This is my all-time favourite Christmas song and this is my all-time favourite rendition.

Slinky Malinki’s Christmas Crackers

Dec14
Slinky Malinki's Christmas Crackers

Slinky Malinki’s Christmas Crackers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Slinky Malinki’s Christmas Crackers

Lynley Dodd

Penguin, 2007

pbk., 32pp., $A14.99

9780141501093

Christmas was coming. Out came the tree, dressed up in finery, splendid to see. Trinkets and tinsel with baubles and bows, a mouse with a hat and a very red nose.’

It’s Christmas in Slinky Malinki’s house and the rapscallion, mischievous cat is most curious about the Christmas tree. With its reindeer, ribbons, baubles and bells, it’s too tempting a treat for Slinky not to investigate. So Slinky Malinki, with mischievous glee, creeps out from the shadows to climb up the tree . . .

There have been many photos online about what happens when a cat and a Christmas tree come together and this lovely story epitomises what can happen.  From the author of Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy (the first book ever reviewed for this blog) comes this delightful rhyming story of a cat who is determined that it will not be displaced by a fairy!  Even though it was published some years ago, Slinky Malinki is so much fun and so popular with little ones that this title is still in print and stocked by booksellers. And such is the appeal and quality of Dame Lynley Dodd’s work, there is an exhibition of it at the State Library of NSW running till March 15, 2015.

Slinky Malinki  is one of my all-time favourite characters (even though I’m not a “cat person”) and to have a Christmas tale about him to share with my grandchildren is just going to be so much fun. And then we will meet the rest of the friends

Wombat Divine

Dec13
Wombat Divine

Wombat Divine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wombat Divine

Mem Fox

Kerry Argent

Omnibus, 1996

pbk., 30pp

9781862918412

 

For as long as he could remember, Wombat wanted to be in the Nativity play at Christmas.  Now, at last he was old enough and so he hurried off to the auditions.  But getting a part was not easy.  He was too heavy to be the Archangel Gabriel.  He was too big to be Mary and too short to be a king.   Perhaps he could be Joseph.  But that didn’t work either and neither did being the innkeeper or one of the shepherds.  Soon there were no parts left and Wombat didn’t have any of them.  Then, suddenly, Bilby has an idea…

Wombat Divine is one of Australia’s most-loved Christmas stories written by one of Australia’s most-loved authors for little people.  Mem Fox’s words always have a magic about them and this story is no different.  As you read it to yourself, you can hear yourself reading it aloud – the true indicator of a master writer at work.  Superb illustrations by Kerry Argent capture the action perfectly with just a touch of humour so that we can empathise with Wombat but you just know something will work itself out.

This is such an iconic Australian story that every child should know it as an integral part of their growing up. It was the first in the pile that I sent to a family in Wales as part of a special Australian Christmas collection.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

The Watchmaker who saved Christmas

Dec12

 

The Watchmaker who saved Christmas

The Watchmaker who saved Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Watchmaker who saved Christmas

Bruce Whatley

Random House, 2009

hbk., 32pp., RRP $A9.99

9781864719567

The watchmaker is a master craftsman, mending those “old-fashioned” watches and clocks that still rely on tiny cogs and wheels to make them go and which have hands that move inexorably around a beautiful face,  not “digital displays and flashing numbers”.  Like many craftsmen of his time , he lived behind his shop and rented the top two floors to a young mother and her son Peter who is almost totally deaf.  

Three days before Christmas an unkempt old man with a bushy heard, rosy red cheeks, long silvery-white hair and twinkling eyes came into the shop.  He had a very special pocket watch that he needed mended urgently .  But it was a watch like no other the watchmaker had seen and he wasn’t sure if he could.  But he set to work on the tiny jewelled pivots, the elaborate cogs with their delicate teeth, hair springs connected to complicated ratchets  and miniature chains.   Even though he worked late into the night, all was going well until he came to a broken wheel that was made from something he’d never seen before.  He fashioned one in brass but that didn’t work and he was very concerned.

But then Peter comes up with an amazing solution that gets the unusual watch going again, and when the old man comes back, the watchmaker gets the surprise of his life when he discovers what the watch is used for. And it answers all those questions about how Santa does it – gets to all those places around the world in a single night.  No wonder this is called The Watchmaker who saved Christmas.  What a pickle the world would be in if he hadn’t!

I think this has become my new favourite Christmas story.  Told in such a loving, gentle way paying tribute to the author’s own father who was a watchmaker, it has none of the brashness and hoo-haa of so many Christmas tales.   It is rich in text and image with a real story about friendship, unselfishness and perseverance that lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.  There’s a real sense of satisfaction at having read a good story.

So glad this was recommended to me.

The Night Before Christmas

Dec11
The Night Before Christmas

The Night Before Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Night before Christmas

Clement Clarke Moore

Richard Johnson

Random House 2014

pbk., 32pp., RRP $A16.99

9780552569880

 

 

“Twas the night before Christmas

When all through the house

Not a creature was stirring

Not even a mouse…”

Are there any more recognisable words than these at this time of the year?  This poem, written by Clement Clarke Moore 192 years ago, stirs the imagination of generation after generation and every child should have at least one copy in their library.  This one, beautifully illustrated by Richard Johnson in a very traditional way, is perfect to introduce children to the story of Santa Claus and his reindeer. The gentle colours and timeless imagery will make it a favourite version.

At this time of the year there are many books published that have a Christmas theme but this one has proven its popularity and if your library doesn’t have a copy then this is the one to get.

Christmas Wombat

Dec10
Christmas Wombat

Christmas Wombat

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Wombat

Jackie French

Bruce Whatley

HarperCollins, 2014

pbk., 32pp., RRP $A14.99

9780732291723

 

It’s Christmas and it’s Mothball’s time to celebrate in Mothball’s unique way.  After getting rid of the dangly things on the tree which are in her way, she not only smells carrots but finds strange creatures eating them!  And so begins a carrot-eating journey that takes her far from home and back again. Just how does Santa get back up the chimney?

From the author of Diary of a Wombat comes this new Mothball adventure that will delight every young reader. Written in just a few words that express her thoughts and perfectly illustrated by Bruce Whatley this is the newest addition to my Christmas collection and it will be one that is shared with Miss 2 and Miss 3 just as soon as they get here.  Both are already familiar with Mothball from the other titles in the series, so Grandma will be top of Santa’s Nice list for having this one.  It’s just perfect.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

A Chick ‘n’ Pug Christmas

Dec8
A Chick 'n' Pug Christmas

A Chick ‘n’ Pug Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Chick ‘n’ Pug Christmas

Jennifer Sattler

Bloomsbury, 2014

hbk., 32 professional practice., RRP $A19.99

9787599906027

 

It’s the night before Christmas and Pug the dog is fast asleep, snug and warm in his Santa suit.  But his little mate Chick is chilly – feathers aren’t much protection in the snow!  Chick is fascinated by Pug’s outfit and so Pug tells him about Santa and how he brings presents and spreads joy to everyone.

“Wow,” whispered Chick.  “Does he have big muscles? How does he deliver everything in one night?”

“He flies through the sky”, said Pug with a yawn.

“So he’s a superhero!  Does he have a sidekick?”

And so Pug and Chick set off to spread a bit of their own Christmas joy to their friends and not-so friends on this special night.  But it’s not as easy as they think – especially with their nemesis, Mr Snuggles.  The final picture of a joy spread unknowingly is perfect.

Beautifully illustrated with much of the story and humour embedded in the pictures, this is another adventure of these two unlikely buddies that will appeal to young readers. The juxtaposition of the energetic Chick and the lethargic Pug contrast perfectly, driving the story and young readers will empathise with both of them. 

Of the many Christmas-oriented stories which appear at this time of the year, this is one that will have great appeal to those who are still enthralled by the season and its promise of magic. 

Jesus’ Christmas Party

Dec7
Jesus' Christmas Party

Jesus’ Christmas Party

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus’ Christmas Party

Nicholas Allan

Red Fox 2008

9780099724919

This is the story of the Nativity, with a twist.  It is told from the perspective of the innkeeper who liked nothing more than a good night’s sleep.  But this night, just as he got into bed there was a knock at the door. After showing travellers who turn out to be Mary and Joseph to the stable, he shuts the door, climbs the stairs, gets into bed and goes to sleep.  Only to be woken by another knock … And so the pattern of his night is established. 

This is a quirky view of a traditional tale that could be used in lots of ways in the classroom to investigate the events which underpin Christmas.  It’s also an opportunity to help students learn about viewpoint and how circumstances can be perceived differently, depending on our relationship within the context, either as participant or observer.  Younger children will enjoy the repetitive text and empathise with the innkeeper’s frustration. 

The book has been adapted to a musical, perhaps an alternative to the traditional school Nativity play. Here’s a sneak peek

The Christmas Book

Dec5
The Christmas Book

The Christmas Book

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Christmas Book

Dick Bruna

Hardie Grant Egmont, 2011

hbk, RRP $19.95

9781921288814

This re-issue of the 1964 original by Dick Bruna (of Miffy fame) tells the story of the Nativity in a simple, uncomplicated way that ensures children learn about the events that underpin this important celebration and help them understand that there is more to it than a fat man in a red suit and bulging stockings.

This is my all-time favourite Christmas book sparking one of the most enduring activities that I did with the re-telling of the Christmas story.  Inspired by Bruna’s signature illustrations of simple lines and colour blocks, students would cut out silhouette shapes of the characters, paste them onto bright sheets of paper and as a class we would reconstruct and retell the story of the story behind the celebrations.

There were few children in my teaching career who were not exposed to this book and it’s great to know that it is on the market again.  If it is not in your collection, it should be.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

Lulu Bell and the Christmas Elf

Dec3
Lulu Bell and the Christmas Elf

Lulu Bell and the Christmas Elf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lulu Bell and the Christmas Elf

Belinda Murrell

Selina Geddes

Random House, 2014

pbk., 110pp., RRP $A12.99

978857982254

Christmas starts in many families with the decorating of the tree, and it’s the same in the Bell household.  The smell of pine resin mingled with that of the mangoes in a bowl as together they enjoy this family tradition which Rosie completes when she puts the angel at the top. Then it’s time to make the costumes for the school’s Christmas concert, angels for the little ones and elves for Lulu’s class.  She’s just trying on her costume when her neighbours come in to visit and it’s not long before Lulu picks up that something is wrong.  Bonnie, the twins’ cat, has been missing since the day before.

And so begins another charming story of Lulu Bell helping others against a backdrop of all that is familiar with Australian children.  Making and baking, writing letters to Santa (with a twist in the request), worrying about next year’s teacher, the excitement of the end-of-year performance, even a beach party on Christmas Eve.  And to top it off, instructions for some of the crafts and food featured in the story, including Lulu’s elf costume and hat.  There is even a downloadable Christmas kit with instructions and activities guaranteed to delight as well as teachers’ resources for the series which I’ve reviewed here

Lulu’s fans will be thrilled that she’s back with another story, perfect for this time of year and as a present under the tree. For those unfamiliar with Lulu, it’s a lovely introduction to a series about a family that includes eight-year-old Lulu, her six-year-old sister Rosie, who loves wearing angel wings and sparkly shoes; her three-year-old brother Gus who always wears his superhero suit; her dad, a busy vet and her mum, an artist- not to mention a menagerie of pets. Miss 8 really enjoys this refreshing series of stories about characters she can relate to, particularly Lulu as the strong, sensible level-headed lead. 

Belinda Murrell has crafted a series of stories that really appeal to those who are newly-independent readers, ready to venture into the world of “chapter books”.  Miss 8 is going to be delighted when she opens this on Christmas morning.