The jolly Christmas postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg
Puffin, 2021. ISBN: 9780141340111. (Age:3+)
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.
Themes Christmas, Letters, Postmen.
Barbara Braxton
Here comes a Merry Christmas by Justine Clarke, Arthur Baysting and Peter Dasent. Illus. by Heath McKenzie
Co authored by Arthur Basting and Peter Dassent, the text in this Christmas book is one by Justine Clarke, which can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKcUVaL7k7s (be warned it easily becomes an ear worm, but a nice one).
It is a zippy, easily learnt and absorbed song and music, so kids will readily sing along.
The newly published book contains the song as text, teamed with Heath McKenzie’s wonderful illustrations.
The text has all the icons of Christmas, including a star, Christmas tree, jungle bells, reindeer, angel on top of the tree and most importantly family and the love that surrounds them.
The family is waiting for Christmas after a long year, and see a bright new star in the sky. They know that Christmas means Santa is on his way with presents for them all. They bring a tree inside and decorate it with lights and streamers, ribbons and an angel on top. The whole family helps with this and McKenzie shows them getting all these things together from a box which has probably been untouched for twelve months, and cooking special treats for Christmas. They are all singing the many songs sung at Christmas, welcoming other members of their family to their house.
This is a wonderfully infectious song which we will all hear at Christmas, as it reiterates the basic tenets of Christmas, family love and togetherness.
McKenzie’s illustrations reprise these values of Christmas. Each page shows a loving inclusive family, doing things together: cooking, singing, laughing, welcoming visitors, watching the night sky, decorating the tree, supporting each other before the events of Christmas Day.
The faces are smiling and full of fun, and kids will recognise the tangle of the Christmas lights, the dusty box brought up from the cellar, the anticipation on every face. I loved the elegant endpaper with its deep, deep blue, a single star suspended above the earth and the moon, trails of cosmic dust sweeping across space. Its simplicity is outstanding and I can imagine many kids poring over this page, thinking lots of thoughts about life, family and Christmas.
Ever since Dasher left the travelling circus and went to live with Santa at the North Pole, Christmas has been her favourite time of the year. Impatiently she waits for the big night to come, counting down the sleeps, but one night, when she hears the sound of Christmas carols she can wait no longer and she takes off on her own. 'I'll be back before they even know I'm gone,' she says with confidence before flying off.
Knowing that the North Star will always guide her home she is not afraid, but when the clouds build and it starts to snow, she loses the sound of the music and the sight of the star and before she knows it she is lost, hungry and tired. Until she sees a little house with a tree covered in lights in the garden...
Young readers will be familiar with the legend of Santa's sleigh being pulled by magical reindeer and may even be able to recite their names first given to them by Clement C. Moore in 'Twas the night before Christmas. In the original story, they learn the backstory of these creatures and how they came to be Santa's helpers, and this is a delightful sequel. The digital illustrations that feature all that you would expect of a northern hemisphere Christmas scene have a lifelike feel to them adding to the magic and consolidating it for just a little bit longer..
The Christmas Train is a new picture book written by multi-talented South Australian children’s author and poet Mike Lucas. This is an enchanting story with stunning illustrations that will bring joy and the magic of a northern hemisphere Christmas to young and old. The striking front cover showcasing a Christmas train in the snow is bright and bold and with the shiny gold lettering will instantly appeal to all. The red and white knitted style of the endpapers will remind older readers of long forgotten Christmas jumpers and scarves and feature in the story on some very special characters.
This engaging rhyming story is about a brother and sister who join other children on the Christmas Train to the North Pole. Throughout their journey are references to Christmas traditions such as choral singers, gingerbread houses, snowmen and sleighs, frozen lakes and skaters, and beautiful Christmas lights in the night sky.
Above the dark forest, the sky is alight with pinks, greens and blues and a star shining bright.
Closer to the North Pole, the Christmas star appears and there are polar bears, candy canes, reindeers, elves, and Santa with his sleigh packed full of Christmas presents. With a little bit of Christmas magic the children find themselves back in bed waiting for Santa. Was it all a dream?
The Christmas Train will be a wonderful and much-loved addition to your home, school or public library Christmas book collection. The colourful illustrations by Sofya Karmazina are captivating and full of life - the elves and reindeers are particularly delightful. Merry Christmas!
It is Christmas Eve and the other animals are putting their presents under the tree. Kookaburra calls out to Echidna waking her, and asking what she has for Roo. Echidna is saddened as she has nothing to offer, so goes into the bush to see what she can find. She gathers some colourful flowers and makes a crown but realises it is too small for Roo. Kookaburra suggest that she make another, but she falls asleep while doing it. The other animals wake her and she puts his present for Roo under the tree. The next day it is Christmas Day, and the animals gather to open their presents. Roo eagerly opens her present, and as she does, Echidna sees that she has made it too big. Roo is enthusiastic for her lovely present and places it over her shoulder and around her neck as she thanks Echidna for her beautiful necklace.
A lovely story for the coming Christmas season, this story showcases Australian animals as they work out what to put under the Christmas tree. Readers will love recognising them all, and seeing how they prepare for Christmas thinking about what sort of present to give their friends. The story will encourage readers to think about the role of the present at Christmas and what is appropriate. The twist gives the story a lift as each animals sees the present from a different perspective.
Lots of the symbols of Christmas are used in the illustrations, giving readers the opportunity to talk about what Christmas means to them. And the front cover with its touches of glitter over the wreath makes it very tactile for little hands.
Themes Christmas, Australian animals, Gift giving, Friendship.
Fran Knight
You choose Christmas by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt
Puffin, 2023. ISBN: 9780241556016. (Age:3+)
For many, Christmas brings to mind images of decorated trees twinkling with lights; a jolly, fat man in a red suit bringing gifts; family seated around a table eating turkey and trimmings and...
But there are as many choices to make about how Christmas can be celebrated as there are families in the world, and this amazing book brings together many of them in a unique way that encourages the young reader to pick and choose their own adventure through this time.
Written in rhyme, each double spread has a different focus on the general commonalities of the season such as the advent calendar, decorating the tree, Santa's workshop, or choosing gifts and then there are a multitude of things that the child can choose, either those that are familiar or maybe making up a different story. For example, would they send a Christmas card with a picture of La Befana or a pohutukawa tree, a "snowman" made of sand or 13 mischievous "Yule Lads"? Similarly, what might be on their Christmas menu? Indeed, when would they have it?
Apart from being an entertaining way to get the child to engage with the book, it is also an opportunity to show them that there are many ways to celebrate, and that what might be familiar to them may be foreign to the family next-door. But there is no right way or only way. They might even like to think about the things that other families do that they would like to try, and consider which of the things their family does that they will share with their own children in years to come.
This is the latest in this series which is celebrating its 21st birthday, one that has endured because the young reader can return to it time and time again and have a new, unique experience each time as they not only learn to make choices and decisions but have the power to do so.
Themes Christmas.
Barbara Braxton
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam: Santa's stolen sleigh by Tracey Corderoy. Illus. by Steven Lenton
Nosy Crow, 2021. ISBN: 9781788007764. (Age:3+)
Shifty McGifty and Slippery Sam are two dogs who used to be robbers, but, having seen the error of their ways, now bake delicious treats and solve mysteries and sniff out crimes! In this new adventure, they are off to Lapland to bake a festive feast for Santa and his elves. But there's a Christmas crisis - the elves are unwell and can't finish the toys! Does mysterious stranger and gadget queen, Flo Frost, really want to help? Or could she have her eyes on the most magical gadget of all . . . Santa's flying sleigh?! It's up to Shifty and Sam to race across the snowy slopes and save Christmas for everyone!
Written in rhyme, this is a story that will delight young readers with its sense of fun made even better because they can scan a QR code and have it read to them if they can't manage it for themselves yet. It is one of the latest in this series which has endured for 10 years, and so, those who are already familiar with Shifty and Sam will delight in seeing them again and putting all they know about them already into continuing their friendship.
Themes Santa Claus.
Barbara Braxton
How does Santa go down the chimney? by Mac Barnett. Illus. by Jon Klassen
Spatial awareness will be encouraged as readers think about how Santa fits down the chimney. Does he need to make himself small, or stretch or slim down by pulling in his belt? All attempts are before our eyes as the book is read, but the problem remains. The inscrutable reindeer watch on, offering to carry his jacket or giving him a cup of coffee. Should he turn himself into fire, perhaps not? Does he go head first, or feet first, perhaps he goes sideways? But he may get stuck half way down needing the reindeer to give him a kick to move him on.
Then what happens when finally gets down the chimney? A very sooty Santa peers out and goes to the laundry where he sits while his clothes are washed. And what if there is no chimney? Suggestions about how he can work without a chimney are now asked for.
More questions come up. How does Santa deal with dogs he finds in the house, how does he see in the dark, find the spare key.
Solutions are offered which invite readers to think of their own solutions to the problems raised. Should they leave out carrots not biscuits to help Santa with his weight. Many solutions are suggested leading the author to ask a final question, how does Santa get back onto the roof?
A very funny look at something we all know about, supported by hilarious illustrations showing a quizzical Santa and bemused reindeer pondering the questions raised in the story. Klassen presents an unfussy set of illustrations, often turning expected ideas on their head: Santa in the laundry, or reindeer that stand up on their back legs, drinking coffee, Klassen always makes me laugh out loud at his surprising images and I am always susceptible to his minimalist use of colour and background.
Kids will love thinking about how Santa can do this activity and brainstorm possible solutions with others in the group. The illustrations show a range of Christmas images, those things associated with Christmas: snow, Christmas tree, leaving food out for Santa, Christmas lights and so on. A great introduction to that time of the year and a funny book to ponder and discuss, How does Santa go down the chimney? is a book to be savoured, a real stand out amongst all the banal Christmas book offerings.
Themes Santa Claus, Christmas, Chimneys, Snow, Humour.
Fran Knight
Santa's trip by Mia Cassany and Susie Hammer
Allen & Unwin, 2023. ISBN: 9781914519444. (Age:0+)
Welcome to the most magical night of the year! Santa's house is a hive of activity As the elves prepare for all the festivity.
Reading the letters is a very big task. Have you been good? Santa will ask.
Santa's workshop is bursting with toys All sorts of treasures for girls and for boys.
This is a magical book for young children as it unwraps like a present to form a large mat picture that takes the reader on a journey from Santa's workshop to their own living room! Each fold reveals more of the story and builds the anticipation making it something special that they will return to again and again because even without the words they will be able to tell themselves the story.
Delightful.
Themes Santa Claus, Christmas.
Barbara Braxton
Where's Bluey? At Christmas by Bluey
Puffin, 2023. ISBN: 9781761046278. (Age:3+)
Bluey and Christmas - can there be a better combination to put together into an interactive book for a surefire winner for a Christmas gift that will not only entertain but will educate at the same time?
Christmas in Australia is very different to the Christmas so often featured in children's books and other entertainment at this time of the year, and so all the things that are familiar to our kids are featured in double-paged interactive spreads that encourage the young reader to engage with them. Time in the pool, putting up the tree, playing backyard cricket, relaxing at the beach - each has its place with items to find in the pictures ensuring little ones continue to develop their visual acuity as they look at the details in the illustrations.
Then if the days to wait seem too long, offer them Bluey's Christmas Craft so brains and fingers are engaged in making and doing all sorts of Christmassy things that can become their contribution to the celebrations. Step-by=step guides offer all sorts of things that can be made from candy cane bunting to designing their own Christmas rashie to building an entire gnome village.
The Christmas break is just about to begin, and twelve year old Alice-Miranda has invited her close friends from boarding school to Highton Hall for a pre-Christmas celebration. The children are varying ages of teens with Alice-Miranda the youngest but seemingly the wisest and most compassionate. Also included at the last minute is Caprice, the ‘mean’ girl, who has been forced to remain at school for the holidays. This will test the boundaries of friendship for Millie, but things fortunately have a way of working themselves out.
The children staying at Highton Hall enjoy a privileged lead up to Christmas with exciting activities organised, cooking Christmas treats, playing in the snow and enjoying Christmas shopping. There are events to attend in the village and an invitation to a grand party. However not all is as it seems, with Alice-Miranda’s family business under a cloud with missing Christmas stock, a young girl persuaded to take part in theft, the disappearance of missing Christmas decorations and a long-time mystery to be solved. Alice-Miranda, Millie and their friends are instrumental in helping solve the mysteries and Christmas Day is a day of celebration.
This is the 21st book in the series and continues to be enjoyed by loyal readers. It is a bonus for readers that Jacqueline Harvey includes a list of characters at the end of the book as there are so many included in the story. The character of Alice-Miranda is that of a thoughtful and caring person who is very aware of her fortunate life but always considers others.
Peekaboo Santa by Camilla Reid. Illus. by Ingela P. Arrhenius
Nosy Crow, 2023. ISBN: 9781839946783. (Age:0+)
Anyone who has played peekaboo with a young child can still hear the squeals of delight as the hidden is revealed, and so this interactive board book with all sorts of things to discover is going to be greeted with great anticipation.
Start by focusing their thoughts on the season and the sorts of things that might be mentioned - a critical early reading behaviour that develops the ability to predict text - and then use the support of the rhyming structure to narrow their choices. There are multiple sliders for young fingers to manipulate and a surprise ending that will have them giggling for ages.
An ideal way to build anticipation, context and the joy of reading a book that they can return to again and again, because even if they know the secrets it is the power of being independent that is such a drawcard.
Themes Santa Claus.
Barbara Braxton
Bunnies in a sleigh by Philip Ardagh. Illus. by Ben Mantle
Walker Books, 2023. ISBN: 9781529507126. (Age:3+)
Christmas Eve and suddenly Santa's elves are feeling very unwell because someone has given them sugary candy canes and they have scoffed the lot! How will Santa finish those last-minute chores and deliver the toys? But it's OK. The Bunnies have arrived, and this time, instead of taking over the bus or the boat, they take over the sleigh, giving Santa delivery ride he will never forget.
Rhyming text and bright, detailed pictures create to the pace and excitement of this hilarious story of mad bunnies helping Santa, and young children will enjoy the chaos and mayhem as it unfolds. It is likely to be one they will want to revisit again and again, if only to absorb all that is in the illustrations - in fact, they can start by trying to spot the culprit responsible for the elves being sick!
Something whimsical to add to the hype of the season.
Themes Christmas.
Barbara Braxton
Santa's new reindeer by Caroline Crowe. Illus. by Jess Pauwels
Faber, 2023. ISBN: 9780571375134. (Age:0+)
One week to go 'till Christmas Day, The final touches underway, A ribbon here, a flourish there, And presents piled up everywhere.
Santa smiled. 'What could go wrong?'
It didn't take long for him to find out. Suddenly, there is a crash and a bang and Rudolph tumbles through the workroom roof after one of his flying tricks goes disastrously wrong!
And if that's not bad enough, he has injured himself so now he can't pull the sleigh! And, on top of that, no one else has any flying reindeer to spare and using just seven will mean the journey won't be completed in time! What will they use instead? The other reindeer make all sorts of suggestions, but each creature has an issue that makes them unsuitable, proving that only reindeer can pull the sleigh with its precious cargo. But then Lizzie, the elves' Head Inventor offers a solution.
For those familiar with the hijinks of Santa's New Beard and Santa's New Sleigh, this is another rollicking story that offers young readers an insight into the behind-the-scenes workings of that special place at the North Pole. It's a hive of activity all year round and they will have fun exploring all the details in the illustrations as well as suggesting solutions for Santa's dilemma.
Every year there is a whole new wave of children who begin to appreciate the fun and excitement of Christmas, and their joy is palpable so to feed it with original and entertaining stories of the time is a privilege. This series is definitely one to bring out during your Christmas Countdown.
What a delightful, magical tale for Christmas lovers! Noah has had a disappointing Christmas, and normally he loves everything Christmassy, all the trappings and traditions are special for him. This year it is so disappointing that the family has not even decorated the tree yet, and it is already Christmas Eve! But the wish for something to disrupt the disappointment heralds the ‘arrival’ of the magical Christmas gnome that originally belonged to the very unwell Gran whose illness has made Christmas so difficult. The gnome manages to magically transform the last-minute Christmas preparations while Noah’s parents are at the hospital visiting Gran. Disastrously, the magic seems to always get out of control and Noah wonders if his wish for a less-disappointing Christmas has spiralled into disaster. With delightful action with Christmas decorating chaos, gingerbread armies, reindeer antics, and snowball fights – with a snowman leading the onslaught, there is fun at every turn.
This is an easy-to-read early chapter book that will delight young readers. The mayhem at Christmas has a gentle homage to Home Alone the much-loved Christmas movie (but without the bad guys). The magical gnome is a little bit naughty, or perhaps inept, and the resulting chaos is just impish fun with Christmas decorations on top! This would be a great book to read pre-Christmas but could be enjoyed throughout the year because it is just delightful. It is totally impossible, but fantastically enjoyable. Readers aged 5-7 will love it, but if it is read aloud by an older loved one all would enjoy its light-hearted silliness.
