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Harry Christmas!
Bloomsbury ‘Hogsmeade looked like a Christmas card; the little thatched cottages and shops were all covered in a layer of crisp snow; there were holly wreaths on the doors and strings of enchanted candles hanging in the trees.’ Ron came back five minutes later, carrying three foaming tankards of hot Butterbeer. ‘Happy Christmas!’ he said…
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From the Archives: Classic Australian Christmas fare with Michael Salmon
It has been my great privilege to be friends with Michael for almost a decade now. He is not only a man of immense talent, an illustrious creative career spanning decades across genres, but is an exceptionally warm and wonderful human. One of our fondest memories, since The Kid came to live with me is…
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From the Archives: Letters from Father Christmas – J. R. R. Tolkien
One of my favourite Christmas books of all time, and one that is always so delightful to share with kids. Still in my ‘go to’ shelf of Xmas read-alouds for kiddos. Read more about the book here at the Tolkien Gateway. And I honestly think, as a longtime Tolkien fan, that I should really lash…
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The Box of Delights – John Masefield
Masefield was the Poet Laureate from 1930 to 1967 and his two children’s books, The Midnight Folk and The Box of Delights, were both great favourites of mine as a child. I was hugely excited when The Box of Delights was adapted by the BBC into an absolutely marvellous TV series and even moreso, when…
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Christmas in the Big Woods – Laura Ingalls Wilder. Illustrated by Renée Graef
One of my 21st birthday presents from my darling Mum, was the complete set of Little House books [illustrated by Garth Williams]. Though I had been a voracious reader since the age of 3, these books had never come my way, though clearly they are considered classic American children’s books. I think perhaps the TV…
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From fellow blogger: Thoughts Become Words.
I do love me a good murder mystery, and wouldn’t mind the thought of some snow after this week of heat and humidity, so am going to look out for this one as a holiday read!! [Update: put it on reserve at the library, which was temporarily closed for renovations, and picking it up today!]
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From the archives: A real favourite, this one!
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Christmas Days in the Sunshine – Byll & Beth Stephen. Illustrated by Simon Howe.
Harper Collins Australia September 2023 Singing sisters Teeny Tiny Stevies, ARIA winners in 2020 for Best Children’s Album, are now on their 4th picture book for Littles. This simple but easily recognisable celebration of Christmas Aussie style, will resonant with even tiny kids who will make connections with their own families, and festive activities. Mozzies…
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The First Nöel – a Christmas pop-up – Jan Pienkowski
ISBN: 9781406383317ISBN-10: 1406383317 November 2018Walker Books Australia RRP: $14.99 Winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration (twice), Jan is best known for Haunted House, his pop-ups and the MEG & MOG series, created with Helen Nicoll. His other work includes wonderfully evocative silhouette books such as Christmas and Easter, in the incomparable King James version. For the very young, he has written…
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