Then Coco discovers that Christmas won't be the same this year, and takes herself off to mope.
When shimmering, green and gold Christmas beetles suddenly appear, Coco's fascinated. She's never seen Christmas beetles before.
Christmas beetles used to be ubiquitous during Australian summers, but it's become rare to see them in such numbers as we used to.
It's lovely to see a picture book, Coco and the Christmas Beetle, bringing these beetles to life for kids who may have not seen one in real life. It also subtly teaches them about the caring for the environment.
Coco is upset to hear of the beetles' plight and asks questions about what life as a beetle is like. Motivated to help the beetles and create some Christmas magic, Coco begins Operation Save Christmas and enlists her friends and neighbours to help with a 'meow-gical Christmas'.
This is the fifth book in the Coco series by Laura Bunting and Nicky Johnston, following on from other stories that put a spotlight on nature, including Coco Big City Kitty, Coco and the Butterfly, Coco and the Spiderling, and Coco and the Bee.
Coco and the Christmas Beetle is a story to encourage nature observation, and a great book for the whole family to enjoy.
For kids who love Coco you can also download printable activities for them to make.
Title: Coco and the Christmas Beetle
Author: Laura Bunting
Illustrator: Nicky Johnston
Publisher: Omnibus Books, $
19.99
Publication Date: October 2023
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761207853
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book