Escape from Sherwood

Escape from Sherwood by Beattie Alvarez (Christmas Press), RRP $17.99 Junior Fiction ISBN 9-780648-815495

Reviewed by Susan Hancy

Escape from Sherwood is an exciting and fast-paced story about kids trapped inside a computer game, racing time and a power-crazed overlord to escape and return home to Mum. From the get-go it had been thinking of a modern-day junior fiction version of Space Demons and it delivered!

Michael is a 9-year-old gaming aficionado who notices something is odd on his computer screen. He doesn’t have time to investigate because he needs to hurry for school. When he returns home – all the worst for wear with a black eye thanks to the class bully - he learns that Mum has done the unthinkable: allowed his 3-year-old sister, Penny, to play unsupervised in his room. 

Michael races upstairs, but Penny’s nowhere to be seen. She’s trapped inside the computer game of Sherwood and Michael has no choice but to rescue her. But even when he finds her, escape is not simple. Michael and Penny become wound up in a broader plot formed by the housekeeper -- aka Robin Hood -- to overthrow the evil King John. The youngsters have to race through the increasingly more challenging levels of the game to stay ahead of King John’s bow and arrow-wielding avatars. They’re joined by Michael’s best mate and – surprisingly – the class bully, whose game knowledge proves invaluable for their survival. Can Michael and his fellow merrymen outwit King John and survive the impending game flush which will not only restart the levels but wipe them out for good?

The theme is right on point for the current generation of JF-aged kids, many of whom would rather be glued to a screen than reading a book. The clever weaving of technology terms into the vivid description of the game is guaranteed to score bonus points with the most avid of gamers. Case in point: my 8-year-old son was hooked into the story from chapter one, and with the cliffhanger chapter endings, he couldn’t put it down. For me as a parent, this story was a winner!

Sabina and the Cats of Rome

Sabina and the Cats of Rome by Sophie Masson & Laura Wood (Christmas Press)  Paperback RRP $15.99 ISBN 9780645378894

Reviewed by Karen Hendriks

Sophie Masson is a talented award-winning French-Australian fantasy and children’s author of over 70 books. She is co-founder of children’s literature publishing house, Christmas Press. In 2019 she received an AM award in the order of Australia honours list for her significant service to literature.

Laura Wood is an illustrator specialising in children’s books. She currently lives in Milan and has illustrated many books for both Australian and Italian publishers, including an earlier book by Sophie Masson, Building Site Zoo. She studied illustration in Melbourne, Australia.

Sabina is a young girl living during the Roman age, who encounters a snobbish cat and goes on an incredible adventure involving rats, snakes, magicians... but mostly rats to try and save the King of the cats of Rome.

Sophie Masson has created fourteen chapters of an action-packed junior novel that is both lively and engaging. Her characterisation is strong and true for both Sabina and Cleo the snobby cat.  The setting raises the bar for young readers because they learn things about the Roman Age. The language, sentences and dialogue support younger readers and help develop independent reading skills.  The first chapter sets up the story very well with the introduction of the setting and main characters of Sabina and Cleo.

Masson leads the reader on to each chapter with great page turns. And there, sitting on a branch of the tree, and staring down at her, was a cat. The loyalty of Sabina and the snobbishness of Cleo shines through. I think just like Sabina needed an adventure; Masson recognises that younger readers do too. Mason brings in information and characters that later play roles in the story. For example, the dogs Major and Minor love chasing cats and rats. This a humorous read that is logical and believable. Lots of rats and cats would have been around in the Roman age.  It’s clever thinking to create a Cat King, King Rat and Emperor of Dogs. The dialogue is word efficient and helps move the plot forward. ‘You have hurt Cleo,’ said Sabina. ‘Why should I let you go?’ Masson is a seasoned writer, and it certainly shows.

Laura Wood has created one full page black and white illustrations per chapter. This is clever because the visuals set the younger reader up to make sense of the story as each chapter unfolds. The illustrations give information about what things might have been like in the Roman age. Wood has a style that includes humour and draws the eye to the parts of the illustrations that give the reader story info. For example, when the dogs enter the study Cleo’s back is arched with raised fur and the dogs are snarly with mouths open and teeth showing. There is movement when mayhem reigns like when the rat is in the kitchen and the servants are alarmed and one is armed with a broom. Wood’s attention to detail shows and the action and facial expressions and character actions are engaging.

Sabina and the Cats of Rome is a lively and engaging 84-page light fantasy chapter book for children aged 6-9 who are ready to move on to independent reading.  I can see children, parents, teachers and librarians loving this fun book.

Leaf Letters

Leaf Letters by Lorena Carrington (Christmas Press) PB RRP $16.99 ISBN 9780645378887

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Hazel loves nature, exploring, and capturing ‘ephemeral’ things on her camera. She is spending a lot more time on her own now since deciding to avoid her best friend, Olivia. When exploring in the bush near her house she meets a potential new friend, named Cole. Cole is nonverbal, but communicates effectively using a myriad of tiny trinkets that he keeps in his many pockets. Together they stumble upon a treasure box in a hole in the ground. The box is filled with a collection of tiny toys as well as a handwritten letter and diary. The letter, written in Pig Latin, challenges them to solve the enclosed word and number puzzles to identify the owner of the box and perhaps become friends.

Leaf Letters is an interactive junior fiction novel suitable for an audience aged 7 years and older. It is written in the first person by the nine-year-old protagonist Hazel and includes themes of friendship, belonging, nature and being present. The text is broken up by black and white nature photographs taken by Hazel, as well as notes, letters, puzzles, and diagrams left by the owner of the treasure box.

The Key to Rome

The Key to Rome by Sophie Masson, illustrated by Lorena Carrington (Eagle Books, an imprint of Christmas Press) PB RRP $19.99 ISBN  9780645378856

Reviewed by Debra Williams

This is a first-class middle-grade historical adventure. It is set in Ancient Rome, in the province of Britannia, and the year is AD84. When motherless and only child Livia’s father dies, she is orphaned. On his death bed, her father gives her a mysterious key with instructions to find his brother, a former centurion, and give him the key.

12-year-old Livia sets out two days later, on her old horse, determined to find the estranged uncle, whom her father guaranteed would give her a home. The future journey was going to be neither smooth nor easy, with many pitfalls. Arriving at her uncle’s house, he has gone, and Livia is unable to find out where he is. Along the way, Livia is aided by a young runaway servant, Mato, who has a journey of his own to complete, after hearing of his mother’s illness. He also claims to know where her uncle is.

So begins a treacherous journey of danger, lies, deceit and mistrust. There are heart-stopping moments as the reader becomes absorbed in Livia’s quest, and the deadly cat-and-mouse games with various characters, Roman and otherwise.

Multi-award-winning author Sophie Masson has carefully crafted a believable and suspenseful adventure. Her details of the period have been thoroughly researched to create an intriguing historical mystery.

This book will appeal to readers 10+ years.

Four up in Lights

Four up in Lights by Sophie Masson and Cheryl Orsini (Christmas Press) PB RRP $13.99 ISBN: 9780648815471

Reviewed by Kellie Nissen

Third in a series of delightful chapter books for younger readers, Four Up in Lights picks up where Four On The Run and Four All at Sea left off, except this time, instead of being captured or stranded at sea, the location is much more glamorous. A movie set. Surely nothing could go wrong again.

The ‘four’ are Maxie, Flash, Fergie, and Lady, best friends who also happen to be vintage vehicles – two cars, a motorbike and a tractor. They’ve already been through a lot together and are super excited to not only have the chance to become ‘heroes with horns and headlights’ in the movie but to also star alongside the famous Daredevil and her sidekick, Storm.

However, trouble and adventure always seem to follow the four friends, even to the movie set. First, Grey Nurse, a scary-looking submarine-car, emerges from the lake. Then, in the middle of the night, the four friends are woken up by a cry for help. Grey Nurse and Daredevil have both disappeared without a trace.

Award-winning author of over 70 books, Sophie Masson has clearly had a lot of fun creating these four endearing characters, putting them in all sorts of trouble and helping them find their way out with plenty of chuckles and adventure along the way.

Cheryl Orsini’s fun illustrations bring the characters to life and capture both the tension and celebration of the story as it unfolds.

Perfect for young readers, aged 5–8, Maxie, Flash, Fergie, and Lady once again demonstrate the importance of friendship and the joy of adventure. With a hot-wheeling pace, Four Up in Lights will keep readers engaged and wanting to read the story in one sitting. 

A Very Special Moon Mission

A Very Special Moon Mission by Rebecca Fung, illustrated by David Allan (Christmas Press) PB RRP $13.99 ISBN 9780645378801

Reviewed by Kathleen Grace

Phoebe and Elliott are space-mad best friends but Julia, the unpopular new girl at school, has tagged along with them on a visit to the local Space Station. There they meet the three astronauts competing to be the first woman on the moon, and they’re also introduced to the magnificent rocket known as The Obsession, and its know-all computer, IMP. But when they start the rocket accidentally, and IMP malfunctions, the adventure takes a real turn for the unexpected. Even though a moon mission is great, the problem is getting back to Earth.

This chapter book for readers aged 7 to 10 years is lively, easy to read, and well-designed with quality paper. It is frequently illustrated with black and white and grey drawings and should be enjoyed by young readers interested in space adventure.

The author has been published in Christmas Press anthologies and has previously published a Christmas Press book, Princess Hayley’s Comet (illustrated by Kathy Creamer). David Allan has also illustrated numerous books for Christmas Press: his work is in private and public collections, and he has exhibited artworks in both solo and group shows.

 

Princess Hayley's Comet

Christmas Press is starting to have audiobooks produced of some of its titles, especially the younger readers one. First cab off the rank is the lovely chapter book Princess Hayley's Comet by Rebecca Fung, which we will be launching officially tomorrow. It's narrated by a fabulous voice actor called Aimee Smith and produced and distributed by Spineless Wonders Audio. Here's an interview with Aimee in which she talks about being an audiobook narrator: https://christmaspresspicturebooks.com/2021/09/13/interview-with-aimee-smith-narrator-of-princess-hayleys-comet/

It's a digital audio book and will be available on lots of retail platforms where you can buy audio books. And we have giveaway codes so that reviewers can access a free copy of the book to listen to. 

The audiobook is quite short, only about 45 minutes long, and it is absolutely delightful.

The Magic Ball of String

The Magic Ball of String by Chelsea Hardi, illustrated by Olya Badulina (Richmond Publishing in association with Christmas Press) HB RRP $19.99 ISBN: 9781875613069

Reviewed by Kathleen Grace

Here is a picture book by a seven-year-old Australian girl, illustrated by a Finnish adult. The message of the book is that kindness is a gift that everyone can afford to give – to family, friends, and strangers. It’s told as a ‘once upon a time’ story about three beautiful princesses who set out with their father to explore the kingdom as they look for adventure. Before long, they become separated from their father, and lost in a dark forest where they cross paths with a bear, a hungry one, so they scatter and are lost from one another. Back at the palace, the king decrees that all young and able-bodied men must search for his daughters. Onto the scene comes George who, in his travels, finds a trapped hedgehog which, when he sets it free, gives him a ball of magic red wool which will ‘lead you to what you truly seek.’ Obviously, for a happy-ever after ending, George is successful in his quest and the story ends happy ever after.

This is an old-fashioned, charming, and wordy tale. The illustrations are colourful and old-fashioned, too. The book is likely to be enjoyed by children aged 4 years and older.

Fil and Harry

Fil and Harry by Jenny Blackford, illustrated by Kristin Devine (Christmas Press) PB RRP $15.99 ISBN: 9780648815402

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Fil is having a terrible day. First, her friend Kirsten ghosts her at school, and now she’s hearing things – there’s no way that Harry, her cat, can talk. Can he? Fil is shocked to discover that Harry can say more than just meow when he wants to, and he has some pretty strong opinions about Fil’s so-called friend. When things get out of hand with Kirsten, Harry comes to Fil’s rescue in the best way possible.

Award-winning author Jenny Blackford has delivered a delightful junior fiction novel suitable for kids aged seven to ten. The friendship headaches that Fil suffers from are common in this age group, so youngsters will immediately feel empathy for the troubled protagonist. And who doesn’t love the idea of owning a talking cat? Sassy and proactive, Harry is the perfect foil for Fil’s more passive personality. 

The handful of black-and-white illustrations in the book are strategically placed to draw attention to moments of high drama and intense emotion. Kristin Devine’s images are exceptionally detailed, which encourages young readers to pause and ponder what is happening in the story.

Simple yet sweet, Fil and Harry is sure to bring a smile to young faces. In exploring the nature of true friendship, the book is a guiding light for children who are starting to think more deeply about the different relationships in their own lives.

Four on the Run

Four on the Run by Sophie Masson, illustrated by Cheryl Orsini (Christmas Press) PB RRP $13.99 ISBN 9780648194576

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

Four on the Run is an imaginative chapter book full of fast-paced fun. The narrative centres around four personified vehicles (Maxie, Fergie, Flash and Lady) which live in Mrs Brown’s farmyard shed.

The four retired friends decide to run away when they hear that Mrs Brown is worried about her finances and intends to sell them to the scrap yard. The foursome flees in hope of getting a job in town, but they find that life on the run is not easy!

Four on the Run is an engaging tale with plenty of action to keep the young readers’ attention. The simple monochrome illustrations scattered throughout the book help the audience to visualise the story and characters. This book is suitable for children aged 6+ years to read independently or it’s an equally enjoyable read aloud.

A Christmas Cornucopia

A Christmas Cornucopia edited and compiled by Beattie Alvarez and David Allan (Christmas Press) RRP PB $24.99 ISBN 9780648194552

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

A Christmas Cornucopia is the sixth Christmas anthology published by Christmas Press. The ‘cornucopia’, also called the horn of plenty, is a symbol of abundance and nourishment, and a fitting description to this great supply of food themed stories. A Christmas Cornucopia is a delightful 80-page collection of 12 Christmas stories written by well-known and emerging authors.

This unique sized paperback is filled with short stories about family, love, kindness, delicious food and family traditions. There are only one or two pictures per story, so it would be suited to older children who can easily visualise a narrative and adults who enjoy festive tales and a little bit of magic.

The feast of fabulous stories featured in A Christmas Cornucopia are written by: Wendy Blaxland, Sally Odgers, Sophie Masson, Jenny Blackford, Anna Bell, Phoebe McArthur, Debbie Tidball, Amani Gunawardana, Sharon Boyce, Victoria Nugent, Dannielle Viera and Laura Hockley.

The illustrations accompanying the stories are a combination of monochrome sketches and full colour illustrations, created by David Allan, Beattie Alvarez and Fiona McDonald. More information about each of the authors and illustrators can be found at the back of the book.

A word of advice for readers…don’t read this when you’re hungry!

Petal and the Really Hard Riddle

Petal and the Really Hard Riddle by Kathryn England, illustrated by David Allan (Christmas Press) PB RRP $13.99 ISBN 9780648194545

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This slim chapter book is based on the Rumplestilskin tale. Petal’s father constantly boasts of his daughter’s prowess from growing super-sized pumpkins to juggling flaming torches while hopping on one foot. When Dad says Petal can spin straw into gold, the king calls for the miraculous girl.

He sets Petal up in a room in the centre of which is a spinning wheel and a bundle of straw. While Petal is wondering how to get out of this tricky situation, a crooked little mad with a long beard climbs through the window. It’s Rumplestilskin’s twin brother Riddlestilskin. He promises to spin gold if Petal can answer a series of riddles.

This is a lively reworking of a tale probably unfamiliar to today’s readership of five to nine-year olds for whom it’s intended, but the story is easy to follow with simple text in a well-designed book. Each chapter is illustrated with black and white drawings which make reading easier.

Princess Hayley’s Comet

Princess Hayley’s Comet by Rebecca Fung; illustrations by Kathy Creamer.

(Christmas Press) RRP $13.99  ISBN 978 0994 528 070

Reviewed by Julie Thorndyke

Debut author Rebecca Fung has taken a fun idea, punning on the name of the famous Halley’s comet, and produced an enjoyable and original story for young readers.

Princess Hayley’s Comet is a slim little book with an engaging cover and the promise of an active storyline. The cover illustration by Kathy Creamer is attractive in bold primary colours and the dynamic swirling path of the golden comet looks appropriately regal. The expressions on the faces of the king and the princess give a hint of the plot.

The first page plunges straight in to the crux of the story: “Dearest Hayley,” asked the King. “What would you like for your birthday?”

A princess with everything she could ever wish for, the soon-to-be-ten-year-old Princess Hayley asks for a comet.

Although set in a traditional, generic fairy-tale castle, this story does introduce elements of science fiction as the narrative unfolds. Some basic information about real comets is embedded at the beginning of the story. The princess obtains information about comets from her book Simple Astronomy. She wonders about the personality of a comet:

“Hayley was sure the comet was independent, exciting and adventurous, and the more she felt that, the more she adored it.”

The comet symbolises Princess Hayley’s own personality, and her desire for adventure and exploration.

The idea of capturing and riding a comet (without being burned to ashes) is unrealistic. However, Fung manages to pull this absurd situation off, the reader suspending disbelief and going along with the story. Afterall, the fairy-tale genre does not set up an expectation of realism.

In eleven chapters liberally sprinkled with black and white drawings, the book is accessible, dynamic and inviting to primary school children, and offers both visual and textual surprises on each page. The size of the book is appropriate for child hands and the text is well-spaced and not at all daunting.

Princesses are standard fare in children’s literature. How does Hayley compare with the stereotype? She has a benevolent father, the king, ready to grant her every wish. (The Queen is not mentioned.) Princess Hayley has a collection of exotic birthday presents including polar bears, golden treehouses and diamond tiaras. She has servants to assist her in everyday life at the palace. But unlike many princesses, she isn’t isolated or lonely.

With two “equal best” friends, Ned and Cara, Princess Hayley is a well socialised and resourceful character. When the King’s Advisors say that a birthday comet is impossible, she actively devises strategies to catch her own comet.

Kathy Creamer’s illustrations reveal a princess who wears plaits with her crown, and boots with her regal robes, that are a sensible calf-length for active movement.

If there is a moral to this enjoyable tale, it is that girls are capable, interested in science and don’t need the help of male authority figures to achieve their goals.

A great addition to every little princess’s book collection.

A Miniature Christmas

A Miniature Christmas edited by Beattie Alvarez (Christmas Press) RRP $24.99 PB ISBN 9780648194514

Reviewed by Wendy Haynes

This is jam-packed with Christmas goodies. As the title suggests, the stories delve into many miniature worlds. Beattie Alvarez has done a wonderful job compiling twelve illustrated stories bringing with them Christmas, imagination and the wonder of magic.

Suitable for 7 – 10-year olds this book could be read to a younger audience. Each story brings a sense of the Christmas spirit, the magic of genies, goblins, Fuchsia fairies, the delight of miniature Christmas scenes, toy apps, trees brought to life, the charm of Christmas decorations, elves tugging on your ear, a take on Peter Pan at Christmas, and small creature pulling together to make Christmas great.

There is a story here for everyone.

Some of the authors include Dianne Bates with her story ‘George the Genie’, illustrated by Sally Heinrich.  George is summoned by an unsavoury character, and the wishes he is asked to grant go beyond his moral being. So George and the rest of his clan concoct a plan to teach Bernie Blister a lesson.

‘Christmas with the Fuchsia Fairies’ text and photographs by Kathy Creamer, brings your imagination to life. When Rosie Dimpleberry finds water sprite Tinkle crying, she along with the rest of her friends find a way make Tinkle’s Christmas special.

‘A Mouse Christmas’ by Natalie Jane Prior, illustrated by Amy Bogard, tells the story of Marigold the mouse who lives under floor board under the stove, with her mother and two siblings, Star and Silas. Being mice they sleep all day and venture out at night when the black and white dog, and the humans are sleeping. Marigold gets caught up in the wonder of the Christmas food and though the dog tries to sniff her out, at the stroke of midnight they share a special moment of what Christmas really means.

Lucy Newton, Little Witch

Lucy Newton, Little Witch by Phoebe McArthur (Christmas Press) PB RRP $13.99 ISBN: 9780648194507

Reviewed by Nikki M Heath

What’s a young witch to do, with her mother out of the house (again) and her favourite doll in danger of losing an arm? Despite a ban on using magic (established due to Lucy’s apparent penchant for dangerous escapades), Lucy Newton can’t stop herself. She breaks into her mother’s study to find her spell book, looking for a simple spell to reattach her beloved doll’s appendage.

Predictably, things go south quickly and in increasingly outrageous ways, as Lucy soon finds herself facing a rapidly-growing slime-drooling slug – with no idea what to do next. Enter two wonderfully crafted secondary characters, the sentient spell book – which suddenly starts offering advice – and the neighbour’s sassy black cat. While the protagonist Lucy does little more than bounce from bungling to helpless to panic-stricken and back again, the book and cat give humour, spark and attitude to the story.

McArthur builds suspense effectively. The story kept my 4-year-old assistant book-reviewer on the edge of her bed, terrified for poor Lucy facing the revolting slug. The plot is fast-moving and fun, and will entertain the target audience of 6 to 9 year olds. While elements of the story orient towards girls, with a female protagonist and a dismembered doll creating the initial crisis, boys should get right into the chaos, slime and destruction as well.

Newly independent readers will enjoy the numerous black-and-white illustrations, line drawn by McArthur. The pictures pick up the significant elements in the story in charming vignettes. While there is a detailed and expressive illustration of the cranky old witch-next-door, some of the illustrations of Lucy lack a strong sense of character.

This is a fast-paced fantasy from first-time author McArthur, which will appeal to young readers who enjoy a little magic or a lot of mess.

A Christmas Menagerie

A Christmas Menagerie edited by Beattie Alvarez (Christmas Press) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780994528049

Reviewed by Allison Paterson

Christmas is a time of sharing, a time for families to gather and a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the delight of a collection of short stories. A Christmas Menagerie contains twelve well-crafted animal tales, each with its own special touch of Christmas charm.

Written by both established and emerging authors, most of the stories are structured as fables with anthropomorphised animals and a moral to explore. Janeen Brian’s clever wombat discovers his perfect Christmas tree. Sophie Masson’s Barney Brown the bear has some trouble with the baking of his Christmas cake, that is, until he discovers the magical ingredients of sharing and friendship. From the environmental message of Victoria Nugent’s hatchling turtle, whose journey to the ocean is confused by Christmas lights, to the humour of A.P. Harper with Colin the sausage dog and his misadventures, children will enjoy the short stories that are perfect for an evening read in the lead up to Christmas.

I particularly enjoyed the originality of Michael Pryor’s dieting, slim, trim Santa in his lycra suit and his helper, an exhausted pig. Santa’s helper has been entrusted with the consumption of Santa’s snacks, but he just can’t eat any more cookies and milk! 

Included are entertaining stories from Gabrielle Wang, Sherryl Clark, Rachel Nightingale, J.A. Thorndyke, Michael Grey, Rebecca Fung and Michael McGoldrick.

Illustrated by Kathy Creamer, Fiona McDonald, Ingrid Kallick and Yvonne Low, the images add a touch of old-worldliness to the tales. The cover, which may not appeal to all young readers, does enhance the quaint nature of the collection and is reminiscent of times past. Lovely for sharing with children of early to mid-Primary years, A Christmas Menagerie offers the chance to dip in and enjoy each unique tale while adding to the seasonal cheer.

Two Enchanted Tales from Old China

Two Enchanted Tales from Old China retold by Gabrielle Wang, illustrated by David Allan (Christmas Press) PB RRP $17.99

ISBN 9780994528025

Review by Wendy Haynes

There are two delightful tales in this picture book. The first tale, The Weaver Girl and the Cow Herd, is about two stars in the heavens that fall in love. Zhinu, the weaver girl, is the granddaughter of the Heavenly Empress, and she separates the two lovers. Niulng is banished to the land of mortals where he is reborn into a farming family and has no memory of the past but feels a connection with the stars. His loyal Ox is no ordinary Ox, and Niulang is guided by his wisdom in search of a bride.

The second tale, The Magic Fish Bones is about a time in the ancient country of Chin, where Ye Xian was left to slave for her stepmother and stepsister after her father dies. Though you could put this story alongside Cinderella; this story stands on its own two feet and has a totally different ending. Ye Xian has a fish with golden scales which she loves and tends too. After a while, the fish grows too big, and she releases it into a nearby pond.  Each day she calls the fish to the edge of the pond and gives it treats.  Her horrid stepmother kills the fish, but the bones are magic.

These stories will linger and would appeal to 6 – 8 years although they are in picture book form. The sentences are long and graceful. Gabrielle's other books include The Race for the Chinese Zodiac, The Garden of Empress Cassia, A ghost in my Suitcase and others.

Once upon a Christmas

 O

Once upon a Christmas compiled and edited by Beattie Alvarez (Christmas Press)

PB RRP $24.99

ISBN 978 0 9922838 5 8

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

How wonderful to see an anthology of Christmas stories, poems and illustrations for children produced by this fairly new Australian publisher! Dedicated to Santa Claus, the book has an eye-catching cover of a red door on which hangs a Christmas wreath; it is also flanked on both sides by decorated Christmas trees. The book is a visual treat with coloured plates by illustrators including Fiona McDonald, Stephen Axelson, Kim Gamble, and black and white illustrations by Allan Stomann, Nette Hilton, David Allan, and others.

Every page in the book is garlanded with black and white borders of ribbons with bells and mistletoe to help create a festive flavour. The book’s contributors, from both Australian and overseas writers and illustrators, are numerous.

So what of the book’s contents? Just to say that it is wide and varied. Christmas family memoirs include Isabelle Merlin’s recollections as a French child living in Sydney (she even includes a recipe for a French Christmas log cake). Dawn Meredith compares her first Christmases in England with beach visits in Australia and a Christmas in Norway with her extended family. Libby Hathorn writes of a bush Christmas. Susanne Gervay pays tribute to her late parents.

Some stories are set in blazing hot Australia; others take place in bleak and snowy overseas. Victoria Nugent’s ‘Festival Floods’, describes another scenario while Beattie Alverez’s story is set in a toy factory. Subject matter is truly varied. In ‘Season of Plenty’, Rebecca Fung tells a story from Santa’s point of view; Helen Evans writes about a pirate Christmas. Sophie Masson retells a traditional Russian Christmas legend in ‘Babushka and the Star’.

Animals feature in a number of stories such as Sue Bursztynski’s ‘The Sheepdog in the Stable’ and Sally Odger’s story about animals which can speak on the night of Christmas Eve. Duncan Ball contributes a humorous Selby the speaking dog tale, Nettie Hilton writes of a mouse.

It is gratifying to see several poems by Australia’s very talented Anne Bell, including her poignant, ‘The Donkey’, one of the very few references to Christmas as a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Adele Geras’s ‘Christmas at the Homeless Shelter’ is another powerful poem worthy of mention.

There is much one could say about this engrossing anthology. It is certainly comprehensive and full of hours of reading for children aged 9+ years (and for adults, too). My only criticism is that some of the stories seem over-long. A special feature of the book is contributors’ biographies at the end of the book. There is also a comprehensive copyright acknowledgement page. Well done Christmas Press for this excellent addition to children’s literature!

Books can be purchased at www.christmaspresspicturebooks.com

A Toy Christmas

A Toy Christmas – a magical, illustrated anthology of original stories compiled by Sophie Masson (Christmas Press) PB RRP $24.99 ISBN 9780994234063

Reviewed by Catherine Bauer

With Christmas glittering on the near horizon, if it’s a little festive season magic you’re after, look no further than A Toy Christmas, the latest gem from Australian publisher Christmas Press. Compiled and edited by award-winning author Sophie Masson, the 13-story anthology features Christmas-themed tales by some of Australia’s most talented authors, both established and emerging.

Each beautifully crafted story is themed around toys that magically come to life at Christmas time. There are stories about toys that chase the nativity star, toys that realise Christmas is more about who we are with than where we spend it and truly touching tales about toys that help unite sad souls and help build friendships. There’s a story for just about every taste, whether it’s pure fantasy with dragons, adventure and pixies or more contemporary family scenarios featuring grandparents and annoying siblings. 

Illustrated in full color, the anthology is the perfect book to tap into the gathering Christmas cheer, not just for this year, but for many Christmases to come. So gather the family for a story from A Toy Christmas and let the celebrations begin.

Two Troll Tales from Norway

Two Troll Tales from Norway retold by Margrete Lamond, illustrated by Ingrid Kallick (Christmas Press) PB RRP $19.99

ISBN 9780994234056

Reviewed by Catherine Bauer

This authentic retelling of two traditional Norwegian folk tales does nothing to make me like trolls or forest witches any more than I did before. Not that this was Norwegian-Australian author Lamond’s intention, I’m sure.

The first tale, The Little Old Lady from around the Bend is the story of a poverty-stricken old woman who, in her younger days, makes the mistake of bargaining with and deceiving a family of trolls. She helps a mother troll give birth and as instructed, smears some balm on the baby’s eyes.  However, she ignores the instruction not to get any in her own eyes. Her reward for helping the trolls is an endless delivery of silver coins. The catch is that she is not to spend, give away or speak of her new wealth and so she continues to live in abject poverty.

When the girl sees the troll wife stealing from a local bakery, the trolls learn she had stolen some of the magic eye balm and the troll wife spitefully blinds her in one eye. The girl then gives one of her coins to a beggar, causing her stock of silver to immediately turn to a pile of dry leaves. The moral is not to disregard instructions.

The second story, The Golden Ball of Yarn, is the tale of a woodcutter who works in the forests and one day is bewitched by a forest witch, a Huldra, who attracts his attention with a golden ball of yarn. From time to time the Huldra would spirit the man away. The man later marries, but still the Huldra tries to trick him and steal him away. In order to escape, the man sails to another land. The moral is not to be tempted by seemingly attractive offerings.

Each of these stories is aptly complemented by Kallick’s rich and detailed drawings that invite the eye to linger on the page. Here is another classic offering from Christmas Press that will leave young readers wanting to explore more enchanting international folktales.