A Barney Gumnut Christmas by Tamsin Ainslie`

Barney Gumnut the cute little kolas with his friends Hoppity (kangaroo), Robert (wombat), Wilfred (budgie), Edith (echidna) and Charles (cockatoo) are very excited because it is Christmas Eve. Edith asks Barney ‘what does Christmas actually mean?’ and each of the friends have a different answer; celebrating with friends, giving and receiving presents, swimming playing games, eating pavlova and wearing paper hats. Charles declares that ‘Christmas means creating special things to share!’ so the friends each make something special. Robert made mince pies, Barney made cards, Wilfred collected gumnuts,  Hoppity made a little nativity scene and a gingerbread house and Edith and Charles made Christmas decorations. They wrapped presents, decorated the tree and then went camping finally having a Christmas feast with their ‘bestest friends.’

Children will easily relate to the many familiar things that are meaningful for the animals and are likely to find something that they have experienced themselves when celebrating a holiday such as Christmas. The delight in giving and receiving presents, in making something to share and gathering for a wonderful meal is beautifully illustrated in soft watercolours. The lovely endpapers show Australian flora including gumnuts and each illustration has minute details for a young child to pore over.

A Barney Gumnut Christmas is a gentle exploration of the importance of friendship and sharing. It  would make a perfect bedtime story and a lovely way to explore some of the traditions  surrounding the festive season.

Themes: Christmas, Sharing.

Pat Pledger