Welcome to the blog of the Tasmanian branch of the Children's Book Council of Australia!

Friday 8 December 2023

Christmas Down Under

This week Loretta shares some delightful stories for young readers that explore Christmas themes from an Australian perspective.


Well, I can’t believe we are in December already and the count down to Christmas is on! Of course, my blog is about Christmas and this year I have shared my favourite Australian Christmas stories with you. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy safe new year. 


I’m ready for Christmas by Jedda Robbard, Penguin

Beautiful simple and short story about Christmas in a board book format. What I really love about this story is the strong focus on celebrating with family and reflecting on the year that has been. The story also describes an Australian Christmas experience. This is an adorable book for younger children at Christmas. 


The Australian Twelve Days of Christmas by Heath McKenzie, Walker Books

think what makes this book so good are the bright and funny illustrations that really tell the story of an adorable Australian version of the traditional song of “Twelve days of Christmas.” Children will love reading and seeing iconic Australian animals throughout this book – from wombats, Tassie Devils and flies!


An Aussie Night Before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison & Kilmeny Niland (illustrator), Scholastic

I absolutely love this story and I just love how Aussie Santa is in this tale! Sunburnt cheeks, broad rim hat, red shorts and thongs! Delivering his parcels in an old rusty Ute being pulled by kangaroos! Children will love this story and parents will get such joy from reading this out loud! I really feel this should be a Christmas staple in every Aussie house!   


All I Want for Christmas is Rain by Cori Brooke & Megan Forward (illustrator), New Frontier

Beautiful Christmas tale of a little girl living in a drought-stricken area of Australia. The illustrations are wonderful and the colours used have really be able to represent the climate and the lack of hope that is experienced with droughts. The story is a great way to share with children about the Australian outback.   

 

Loretta Brazendale

Secretary, CBCA Tasmania

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