Christmas in the Bush by Maggie May Gordon. Illus. by Faye Gardiner

No matter how many books and stories there are for little people featuring Santa, reindeer, snow-covered landscapes and the like, and how much these appeal because we cling to those traditional images of Christmas perpetuated by our northern hemisphere ancestors who wanted to be reminded of a home far away, it is always refreshing to discover new works that not only reflect the reality of an Australian Christmas, but celebrate it.

In this collection of stories and poems from acclaimed poet Maggie May Gordon, each is set in the outback and illustrated in a way by Faye Gardiner that gives it that "olde worlde" feel that gives it a particular charm.  From fairies on the Christmas tree - "Though not like fairies you usually see, For she wear not a gauzy gossamer gown But Gumnut Blossoms drifting down"  to a swaggie camping under an old gum tree, readers are taken to a different time and place with a more relaxed rhythm away from the sound of the cash register.

As well as sharing the words, it offers the chance to reflect on today's festivities and how they contrast with not only those more common images of a winter wonderland, but also the sorts of things done then and now.  Children can share the always-have, always-do things in their family, investigate their origins and consider what they might continue with their own families when they are in charge of the celebrations,.

A little something for everyone that offers a calming, settling retreat from the rush.

Themes: Christmas.

Barbara Braxton