I love you Father Christmas by Giles Andreae

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Ill. by Emma Dodd. Orchard, 2013. ISBN 9781408330227.
(Age: 3+) Picture book, Christmas, Family, Love, Verse. In jaunty and easy to follow four line stanzas, the poem flows along as the little girl tells of why she loves Father Christmas. She mentions many of the details which people know accrue to Father Christmas and the customs followed at this time of the year, so that in the classroom or at home, children can be reminded of just what happens at this event in the western calendar. All is fun, as Father Christmas brushes his teeth and eats a bit of Christmas pudding before he sets out across the skies bringing presents to children over the world. The narrator reminds the reader that manners must have been used throughout the year, that dinner must have been eaten to the last crumb, friends treated respectfully, parents helped out with doing chores and the bedroom kept tidy. All these she promises that she has done, because she likes receiving the presents at the end of the year.
All through the value of family is presented as the child is part of a loving family, and the last picture shows the child with her family on Christmas morning with her presents. The bold illustrations with their blocks of colour reflect the images of Christmas seen at this time of the year, and reinforce for the younger reader what happens in our communities.
Fran Knight

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