Review: My Merry Christmas

A reindeer heralds the festive season and Australian birds and animals work together to choose and decorate a tree, prepare the food and complete the arrangements.  A simple, perfect Christmas message of togetherness and sharing is created by Rosie Smith’s carefully chosen text and Bruce Whatley’s bold and expressive illustrations.

Each double spread has its own background colour, animal and task allocated to that animal. All characters radiate a happiness that transfers itself to the reader. I love ‘we wrapped the presents’ which shows the colourful butterfly/moth emerging from its cocoon, a symbol of life’s renewal. ‘And sing the carols’ shows birds of all shapes and sizes together on a branch, singing; a unity of differences.

The last page has all the animals gathered together ‘to share the joy’. The bright red covers and end pages shout: Simply perfect!

Title: My Merry Christmas
Author: Rosie Smith
Illustrator: Bruce Whatley
Publisher: Scholastic Press $16.99 RRP
Publication Date: November 2013
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781742838014
For ages: 3+
Type: Picture Book