In it, you will find advent calendars, street parties, antler-wearing dogs, trombone playing children and Christmas lights galore.
Indeed,
it will make you want to bake gingerbread and sing carols with those cute little
busking kidlets.
The family at the centre of this book have been gifted the red-head gene (note that I’m not mentioning the quintessentially Australian word ‘Ranga’) which is a fun and interesting inclusion.
Especially when it
comes to large gatherings, with the extended family who hail from a range of
backgrounds. These illustrations may elicit curiosity about multi-culturalism
from some young readers, which is always welcome.
We also see the traditional holiday fare of children
making cards and gifts, caring for each other and being immersed in the
anticipation and wonder of this season – it’s all rather tender and beautiful.
The illustrations are completely engaging and invite
poring over. Clever use of line, colour and shadow work together to evoke
night-time Christmas lights, and fireworks, and people in half-light, and
surprises.
Thoughtful inclusions, such as a photo of Grandpa and an
empty chair at Nana’s Christmas lunch, invite deeper observation and discussion
of those who are no longer present with us, in a friendly and natural way.
Children and adults alike will truly enjoy reading and
re-reading this book, which advocates kindness, generosity and a beautiful
sense of the FUN of Christmas.
A joy.
Title: Why I Love ChristmasAuthor: Michael Wagner
Illustrator: Tom Jellett
Publisher: Puffin, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 Oct 2024
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781761344688
For Ages: 3 - 6
Type: Picture Book
