On Christmas with KBR's Cat Conidi

Everyone sing along with me... “Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, your branches full of books we hope you are”...

My Mum started a tradition of giving us books for Christmas when we were wee babies and this tradition has never stopped. In fact, it’s a tradition I have kept going by buying a book for every person in my life who is even vaguely bookish.

I squirrel away gifts throughout the year and must admit I’ve gone a tad overboard in the books department for both my son and husband this year. Thankfully I’ve brow-beaten my Bebito in to loving books as much as I do and so his Christmas tree shall be full of books and I have my fingers crossed about my own branches.

The bounty includes:

We are a house of Oliver Jeffers nuts. We have three of his titles already and the Bebito keeps pointing out that he, “not have that one Mama” so it’ll be appearing Christmas morning. I must admit to not having read it yet as I would like to keep the element of surprise a little longer, especially as I know I’ll end up reading it hundreds of times in the next few years.

Title: The Incredible Book Eating Boy
Author/Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers
Publisher: Philomel Books, $24.99 RRP
Publication Date: 2007
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9780399247491
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture book

This book is available online

I read this book in the shop and cried (in a good way!). I hope he loves it! Lucy Goosey and her Mama and a tale of growing up and using those wings.

Title: Lucy Goosey
Author: Margaret Wild
Illustrator: Ann James
Publisher: Little Hare, $14.99 RRP
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9781921272394
For ages: 2+
Type: Picture book

This book is available online

Grug is another favourite at our place and the books make the Bebito giggle like crazy. “Silly Grug” is an often heard phrase. The Bebito loves swimming too so I know this book will be much loved.

Title: Grug learns to Swim
Author/Illustrator: Ted Prior
Publisher: Simon and Schuster, $4.99 RRP
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Soft cover
ISBN: 9780731813995
For ages: 1+
Type: Picture book

This book is available online

This is my nod to the Christmas tradition. I had this book, originally published in 1968, as a child and loved it. The watercolour pictures and the singing in it mean I know it’ll be a big hit. It’s even got sheet music at the back to go with the keyboard Father Christmas will be bringing.

Title: The Little Drummer Boy
Author: Ezra Jack Keats
Publisher: Puffin (no longer in print)
Publication Date: 2000
Format: Hard cover
ISBN: 9780140567434
For ages: All ages
Type: Picture book

This book is available online

“There once was a pencil..shivered slightly, quivered somewhat and began to draw”...I love the sound of this book and am looking forward to getting lost in it.

Title: The Pencil
Author: Allan Ahlberg
Illustrator: Bruce Ingman
Publisher: Walker Books, $15.95 RRP
Publication Date: 2009
Format: Paper back
ISBN: 9781406319552
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture book

This book is available online