An Aussie Day Before Christmas is a Strine-rhymed, joyous romp through the Clement Clarke Moore’s Night Before Christmas – only this time we’re traveling through the day.
Twas the day before Christmas
And in his beach shack
Santa was snoozing
Flat out on his back
This Christmas pudding of a book by the talented and patriotic Kilmeny Niland follows on from Niland's work on An Aussie Night Before Christmas, penned by Yvonne Morrison.
It was with much excitement that I first devoured this daytime version of a book. Niland has penned this book solo alongside her lovely, sunny illustrations that always include gorgeous unexpected detail – like the plastic Santa climbing a palm tree, the Christmas lights on the outdoor dunny, and Australian animal topiary trees.
In the style of Clement Clarke Moore’s timeless rhyme, the book tells the story of Santa, who lives in a beach shack along with his wife Sheila Claus, on the day before Christmas. With lovely colloquial Aussie language – roos, prezzies and brekkie – Santa’s day before Christmas not only involves a trip to the dunny but the massive task of rallying roos to pilot his sleigh.
With helpers named Bruce, Stace, Daz and Tezza, and a belly full of lamingtons, Santa is soon ready to set off on his annual journey – delivering Christmas wonder to kids everywhere. Timeless.
Title: An Aussie Day Before Christmas
Author/Illustrator: Kilmeny Niland
Publisher: Scholastic, A$15.99RRP
Publication Date: September 2008
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781741690972
For ages: 4-10
Type: Picture Book
