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A City Full of Santas

Dec10

 

 

 

A City Full of Santas

A City Full of Santas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A City Full of Santas

Joanna Ho 

Thai My Phoung

HarperCollins, 2025

32pp., hbk.,  RR{ $A24.99

 9780063287532

For five years the little girl has tried to stay awake to meet Santa face-to-face, and every year she has fallen asleep before he has arrived. But today is the day – her mother is taking her into the city to meet him IRL.  

But when she gets there she discovers the streets are full of Santas – so who is the real Santa?  She knows he “smells like peppermint and chocolate, laughs like the sun clapping its hands and feels like a heart full of glitter” so she figures she will be able to detect him easily despite all the choices.  But can she? Or will she go home disappointed?

Once again, the author of such iconic stories as Eyes that Kiss in the Corners, Eyes that Speak to the Stars and Eyes that Weave the World’s Wonders has crafted a special story for young readers echoing the excitement that is starting to build as they patiently wait in the queue to tell Santa their secret wishes., which in turn, are echoed by illustrations that will look so familiar. Ho has a way with words that just make the story roll off the tongue, and little ones will understand the confusion the little girl feels when she is confronted by so many versions of the most popular man in their lives at this time.  

Given the tight parameters of traditions which seem to enclose Christmas, it amazes me how many quality stories about the time continue to be written, each different and each almost inhaled by our young people as they are shared, but this is another and it is a stand-out. 

 

A Barney Gumnut Christmas

Dec4

 

 

 

A Barney Gumnut Christmas

A Barney Gumnut Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Barney Gumnut Christmas

Tamsin Ainslie

HarperCollins, 2025

32pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99

9781460759721

Traditional images of Christmas show winter landscapes and families gathered around a roaring fire, stockings hanging from the mantelpiece and  with a decorated Christmas tree standing sentinel, waiting to be surrounded by brightly-wrapped presents. 

Australian Christmas images usually show a big blue sky, sun blazing down and people swimming, playing cricket, having a barbecue with a gumtree branch stuck in a bucket, awaiting those brightly-wrapped gifts.

But whatever the visuals, there are some things that are common to this time of the year that evoke those beliefs and values that underpin the Christmas spirit, and in this charming book Barney the koala and his friends Hoppity the kangaroo, Edith the echidna, Charles the cockatoo, Robert the wombat and Wilfred the budgie share their thoughts after Edith asks Barney, “What does Christmas actually mean?”

Each has their own opinion from giving presents to eating pavlova to going camping, but threaded through all the activities is the concept of sharing the time with friends, and enjoying their company and friendship while working together to make the day a special one.

A peek inside...

A peek inside…

Little ones will enjoy seeing the bush animals doing many of the things that they themselves do, offering an opportunity to talk about  some of the things that happen in their own homes, including those that are different, and reflecting on those ties that underpin the celebrations. 

As the hype starts to build and the excitement mounts, this is a gentle story that offers offers a chance to stop, take a breath and think about what this time is really about and why we do what we do.  

A Song for the King

Dec3

 

 

 

A Song for the King

A Song for the King

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Song for the King

Katrina Nannestad

Freya Blackwood

ABC Books, 2025

32pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99

9780733343315

 

While for many of our youngest littlies, Christmas is all about Santa Claus and presents, its real origins are steeped in the story of the birth of Jesus and there will be few who don’t hear the story of Mary, Joseph, the donkey and the birth in the stable under the star by the time they start school.  There are so many books available that retell the story from the Bible that it would seem impossible to successfully craft another one, but this is such a story, this time with a focus on the animals who gathered around the manger to welcome the new baby..  

Netta the donkey loves to sing with her friends, Esther the sheep and Uzi the camel. At first it is just Netta who sang  “from dawn till dusk. In villas and vineyards. In stables and streets. In taverns and tents, In markets and meadows. And from the top of the hill that overlooked the town.” But when she meets Esther the sheep who was also “born with a song in her heart” they form a duo, and then a choir as Uzi the camel joins them.  They frolic around town from dawn till dusk, braying, bleating and gurgling. But sadly, not everyone likes to listen and they are taken to market..

Netta is so scared of being returned to the market after she is bought by Joseph, she falls silent until something so wondrous happens that her song bursts forth once more.

Perfectly illustrated by the mastery of Freya Blackwood who depicts all the emotions of Netta and her friends so sensitively, this is one for everyone to remember who put the Christ in Christmas, even if it is a story they have heard so many times before. 

 

When Santa Got Stuck in a Gum Tree

Dec16

 

 

 

When Santa Got Stuck in a Gum Tree

When Santa Got Stuck in a Gum Tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Santa Got Stuck in a Gum Tree

Jackie Hosking

Nathaniel Eckstrom

Walker Books, 2024

32pp., hbk., RRP $A24.99

9781760657406

There is a popular children’s song that begins…

When Santa got stuck up the chimney,
He began to shout.
You girls and boys, won’t get any toys,
If you don’t pull me out.

But what happens when Santa gets stuck in a gum tree?

He flew too low, and Ho! Ho! Ho! got snagged on the branch of a tree.

While the reindeer and sleigh land safely, there aren’t any children to help out so how is he going to be rescued? Luckily, it’s not long before a group of familiar Australian animals gather to help, and each has a go but it proves a task too hard.  Bilby is too small, as was Wombat, but what about Emu?  While Cockatoo flies off to fetch him, Koala is sure he can can help because he can climb but the tree is tall and there are gum leaves to eat…  Even Kangaroo can’t jump high enough…

Is Santa destined to stay stuck forever – or does Owl have a suggestion?

With its clever rhyming text and hilarious illustrations,  this is a uniquely Australian story that is going to appeal to all ages, especially if they are invited to suggest solutions to Santa’s problem or speculate on how the children will feel if there is nothing special under the tree in the morning because Santa is still stuck in the tree!

While our young ones are quite prepared to accept Christmas in its northern hemisphere guise of snow and ice, hot meals and stories around a blazing fire, and even Santa dressed in a warm furry suit (it does get cold at night despite the daytime temperature),  stories that depict the Australian situation are always welcome and this one is one of the best – right up there with All I want for Christmas is Rain and Christmas Always Comes. 

In the meantime, for you earworm pleasure… You’re welcome.

 

Santa’s New Sleigh

Dec3

 

 

 

Santa's New Sleigh

Santa’s New Sleigh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa’s New Sleigh

Caroline Crowe

Jess Pauwels

Faber, 2024

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

9780571364480

Christmas Eve was here at last,
The countdown clock was ticking fast . . .
But yikes! When Santa turned the key
(The reindeer need some help you see)
The engine didn’t start, it spluttered,
‘That isn’t right’, the elves all muttered . . .

When Santa’s sleigh stops working on Christmas Eve the elves all rally round to help. Maybe they could use a slingshot? Or the owls could help? How about polar bears?  Will they be able to sort the sleigh out before it is too late? Things are not looking good until one small elf has a bright idea!

From the team who gave our young readers Santa’s New Beard and Santa’s New Reindeer, comes another rollicking story in rhyme that not only pose a huge problem for Santa, but also for them. If Santa’s sleigh is not working, how on earth is he going to do his one, and most important. job of the year? Because, just as the elves have all sorts of ideas, each with its own particular issue, so will the young reader.  And they will have fun predicting what might be the answer, while being delighted with the very up-to-date solution.  Especially, as , once again, it is Lizzie who solves the problem.

With its clever rhyme and detailed illustrations that offer something new every read,  this series is definitely one to bring out during your Christmas Countdown

An Aussie Night Before Christmas

Dec24

 

 

 

An Aussie Night Before Christmas

An Aussie Night Before Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Aussie Night Before Christmas (10th Anniversary edition)

Yvonne Morrison

Kilmeny Niland

Scholastic Press, 2015

32pp., hbk., RRP $A18.99

9781760157487

 

Twas the night before Christmas; there wasn’t a sound.

Not a possum was stirring; no-one was around.

We’d left on the table some tucker and beer,

Hoping that Santa Claus soon would be here…

So begins this iconic salute to Christmas in Australia drawing on the familiar sights and sounds of a night that is usually so hot and it’s hard to sleep because it’s still daylight outside, never mind ‘dreams of pavlova’ dancing around heads.  And when there’s a ruckus outside that needs to be investigated, who would be surprised that it’s Santa in a rusty ute pulled by eight mighty kangaroos? Kangaroos called Kylie, Kirsty, Shazza and Shane, Kipper and Skipper, Bazza and Wayne?  

There are many stories that put the Aussie spin on Christmas, but this is such a rollicking good yarn, funny and engaging that it’s still available nearly 20 years since it was first published. 

Accompanied by the distinctive illustrations of Kilmeny Niland, this is the perfect story to read to the little ones before they settle down, and the perfect story to end our Christmas Countdown.

An Aussie Day Before Christmas

Dec23

 

 

 

 

An Aussie Day Before Christmas

An Aussie Day Before Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Aussie Day Before Christmas

Kilmeny Niland

Scholastic, 2008

32pp., hbk., RRP $A15.99

9781741690972

‘Twas the day before Christmas
And in his beach shack,
Santa was snoozing,
Flat out on his back.

‘Shake a leg, love,’
Sheila Claus said.
‘Time to get ready
For the big night ahead.’

There is much to do before Santa makes his once-a-year flight…chooks to feed, breakfast to have, a walk with his missus, the news to read, pressies to wrap and the ‘roos to sort out. “The koalas won’t help me, they’re too flamin’ slow.” 

Putting iconic Australian sayings and slang to the familiar rhythm of the Clement C. Moore poem, Kilmeny Niland uses her artistic talent to portray a DownUnder day before Christmas through stunning illustrations that capture a very different picture of Santa than the traditional one our children are so familiar with.  

Before sharing it, children might like to speculate on what it is that Aussie Santa does in preparation – perhaps a surf, perhaps a nap, perhaps prawns and a beer – whatever they predict they will delight in Niland’s interpretation that might dispel their snowy North Pole images forever. And a must for any collection of Australian Christmas stories you might be sending to children overseas.

 

The Jolly Christmas Postman

Dec22

 

 

 

The Jolly Christmas Postman

The Jolly Christmas Postman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jolly Christmas Postman

Janet & Allan Ahlberg

Puffin, 2021

62pp., hbk., RRP $A29.99

9780141340111

The Jolly Postman has a busy day ahead. It’s Christmas Eve in Fairy-Tale Land and there’s plenty of post for him to deliver! There’s a card for Baby Bear, a game appropriately called ‘Beware’ for Red Riding Hood from Mr Wolf, a get-well jigsaw for Humpty Dumpty and many more! But, can he deliver it all by Christmas?

In 1986 we were introduced to The Jolly Postman, who delivered the mail around Fairy-Tale Land and tucked into tiny envelopes were actual letters like  a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack for the giant, and a solicitor’s letter on behalf of Little Red Riding-Hood for the wolf who ate grandma. Five year later we were treated to the Christmas version and more than 30 years on this is still delighting a new generation as they eagerly await both Christmas and perhaps the postman bringing something special for them.  As well as introducing them to the concept of printed cards and letters and so forth, disappearing so rapidly in these days of digital communication that Australia Post is cutting back to every-other-day delivery, it offers opportunities for them to create something special for their favourite character from the world of stories.  In fact, the book has been so popular, that a quick internet search brings up many suggestions for activities that will keep little ones occupied during those times when parents are so busy.  

A Christmas classic that deserves its place in any collection. 

Family Favourites for Christmas

Dec21

 

 

 

Peter Rabbit Tales: The Christmas Star

Peter Rabbit Tales: The Christmas Star

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Rabbit Tales: The Christmas Star

Beatrix Potter

Puffin, 2023

16pp., board book., RRP $A14.99

9780241606384

Ten Minutes to Bed: Where's Father Christmas?

Ten Minutes to Bed: Where’s Father Christmas?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ten Minutes to Bed: Where’s Father Christmas?

Rhiannon Fielding

Ladybird, 2023

10pp., board book., RRP $A16.99

9780241634127

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar's Christmas Tree

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas Tree

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Christmas Tree

Eric Carle

Puffin, 2023

10pp., board book., RRP $A16.99

 9780241618516

 

Peppa Pig: Peppa's 12 Days of Christmas

Peppa Pig: Peppa’s 12 Days of Christmas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peppa Pig: Peppa’s 12 Days of Christmas

Peppa Pig

Ladybird, 2023

58pp., pbk., RRP $A16.99

9780241606940

Each year as our youngest readers anticipate all the excitement of THE day, there are times when parents just need to sit them down and share a story so they  can all regroup and regather.  And so they are blessed with a plethora of story books featuring favourite and familiar characters.  This year’s selection is stellar with stories from four of the most sought-after series for young children  – Peppa Pig, Peter Rabbit, the Very  Hungry Caterpillar and the wonderful 10 Minutes to Bed series.  Three of them – Peppa Pig, Very Hungry Caterpillar and 10 Minutes are interactive with flaps to lift and surprises to discover while Peter Rabbit is yet another charming story of his adventures.

Those looking for a special gift to engage their little ones and encourage the joy of being able to return to the fun again and again so they can tell themselves the story, are blessed with this superb collection. 

Alice-Miranda and the Christmas Mystery

Dec20

 

 

 

Alice-Miranda and the Christmas Mystery

Alice-Miranda and the Christmas Mystery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alice-Miranda and the Christmas Mystery

Jacqueline Harvey

Puffin, 2023

432pp., pbk., RRP $A16.99

9781761048944

It is more than 10 years since a generation of newly-independent readers, predominantly girls, were introduced to Alice-Miranda Highton-Smith-Kennington-Jones, a highly opinionated independent student as a boarder at Winchesterfield-Downsfordvale Academy for Proper Young Ladies. Since then she has gone on to have so many more adventures in her books, , a movie and even her own web presence.

Now she is back in a new story that focuses on Christmas at the boarding school but with decorations disappearing and the shelves of local stores empty of the usual Christmas treats, clearly there is mischief afoot and a mystery to be solved.  And who better to tackle it than Alice and her friends?

This could be an amazing gift for the young reader because for those who already know Alice-Miranda it’s a seasonal story that will reunite them with their hero, and for those who are reading her story for the first time it opens up a world of new reading for the summer holidays and coming year.  Over the years, Jacquie Harvey has introduced readers to a number of great characters like Clementine Rose, Kensy and Max and, more recently, Willa and her dog Woof, all in series so the reader gets to know the characters, resonate with their adventures and anticipate the next one so if I were starting 2024 in a school library she would be the first in my Focus on Authors feature.  There is something for everyone across the school.