11 Dec Book Reviews: Some seasonal books for younger readers
With bright illustrations and just the right mix of excitement and emotion, these books capture Christmas themes and what kids love most about reading
A Barney Gumnut Christmas
by Tamsin Ainslie, pub HarperCollins, h/b RRP$24.99. Ages from 0-4.
This sweet book is also beautifully illustrated by the author and is an unusual size, giving lots of space for the uniquely Australian watercolour drawings. Barney koala and his Aussie bush friends are preparing on Christmas eve for the big day. There’s a lot of work to do and thoughts about celebrating Christmas to discuss – the meaning, what they love about Christmas celebrating
“It’s about pavlova and pudding!” said Robert
They organise all their Christmas decorations, food, gifts and a Christmas tree in preparation for the big day which is fast approaching.
Tamsin has illustrated over fifty books, and A Barney Gumnut Christmas showcases her talented work.
The Christmas Tree Catastrophe
by Emma Bowd, illus. Matt Shanks, pub. Angus & Robertson (Imprint) HarperCollins h/b, RRP$24.99. Ages 3+
A laugh aloud Christmas story, based on the old poem written in 1822, with new words:
‘Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house …
Kitty McCatty was chasing a mouse
The illustrations on the faces of the tree, the cat, the Christmas tree baubles and the Nutcracker are hysterically funny as Kitty McCatty chases a mouse up the decorated Christmas tree and gets stuck. The tree lurches from side to side as the decorations bicker about what to do to save the day.
A Song for A King
by Katrina Nanstead, illus. by Freya Blackwood, pub. ABC Books (Imprint) HarperCollins, h/b RRP$24.99. Ages 3+
An unusual retelling of the traditional nativity story from Katrina Nanstead, best known for her many Award-winning books for older readers. (Such as: We Are Wolves and Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief). Illustrator, Freya Blackwood has also received a string of prestigious Awards for her work with well-known writers.
Baby animals Netta (a donkey,) Esther (a sheep) and Uzi (a camel) live in a small village where they annoy the townsfolk with their noisy ‘songs’, day and night. The animals loved to “sing’ but the locals have had enough…off to the market in town they are sent. Luckily, their new homes allow them to gather in a nativity scene as the tale follows the traditional tale.
This is an Elf
by Matt Stanton, illus. Bec Stanton, pub. ABC Books (Imprint) HarperCollins, h/b RRP$24.99. Ages 4+
Perfect for driving kids crazy. Best read aloud, this simple book is based on the presumption that what I see in an image may not be what you see! Written for their four year old daughter, objects (Christmas themed) are juxtaposed out of context and read with a straight face. The ‘reindeer’ is described as being an ‘elf’ for example.
The Aussie Twelve days of Christmas
written & illus. by Brentos, pub. Affirm Kids (Simon & Schuster), picture book, RRP$22.99, Ages 2-6.
This is a companion book to the previously reviewed Big Aussie Animal Bush Bash.
Based on another tradition Christmas carol, Brentos has kept the muted colours of his recent work to give this an Australian twist.
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love gave to me …
A koala in a gum tree.
The book is a “Can you find…” style with items to search for on each page. The pastel, solidly coloured illustrations make the ‘finding’ tricky, allowing the book to be read over and over again.
Other books for younger kids, look for:
Don’t Let the Pigeons Drive the Sleigh!
written and illus. by Mo Willems, pub. Walker Books, h/b RRP$19.99. Ages 3-6
I Am Not Santa Claus
written and illus. by TL McBeth, pub. Walker Books, h/b RRP$19.99. Ages 3-7
