An Aussie night before Christmas by Yvonne Morrison. Illus. by Kilmeny Niland

Twas the night before Christmas; there wasn't a sound.
Not a possum was stirring; no-one was around.
We'd left on the table some tucker and beer,
Hoping that Santa Claus soon would be here.

So begins this iconic salute to Christmas in Australia drawing on the familiar sights and sounds of a night that is usually so hot and it's hard to sleep because it's still daylight outside, never mind 'dreams of pavlova' dancing around heads. And when there's a ruckus outside that needs to be investigated, who would be surprised that it's Santa in a rusty ute pulled by eight mighty kangaroos? Kangaroos called Kylie, Kirsty, Shazza and Shane, Kipper and Skipper, Bazza and Wayne?

There are many stories that put the Aussie spin on Christmas, but this is such a rollicking good yarn, funny and engaging that it's still available nearly 20 years since it was first published.

Accompanied by the distinctive illustrations of Kilmeny Niland, this is the perfect story to read to the little ones before they settle down, and the perfect story to end our Christmas Countdown.

Themes: Christmas.

Barbara Braxton