Christmas Under the Overpass

Christmas Under the Overpass by Katie Flannigan, illustrated by Katrina Fisher (Little Pink Dog Books) HB RRP $24.99 ISBN: 9780648964117

Reviewed by Dannielle Viera

Melody and her mum ride their bikes under the overpass on the way to and from school. One day, a raggedy man sets up camp beneath the bridge. Melody waves and says, ‘Hi!’ She finds out that his name is Mo. When she and her mum are back at home, Melody worries about Mo. Will he be alone for Christmas? She decides that they should have a Christmas picnic with Mo, complete with presents, craft activities and rainbow fudge. It’s a kindness that brings a smile to Mo’s worn face.

Although Katie Flannigan’s picture book has a Christmas theme, the central message of compassion ensures that this a story for all seasons. Melody casts her eyes beyond the dirty mattress, run-down couch and pile of old clothes to observe the hurt human being in front of her, and she takes the time to discover Mo’s history. This generosity of spirit is enlightening, and encourages readers aged five to ten to empathise with those less fortunate than themselves.

Katrina Fisher’s illustrations are simple but effective, with plenty of festive vignettes to make small hearts sing. Although the book deals with homelessness, the images steer clear of dark motifs. Bright colours pop from the pages, adding a glow of positivity that reflects Melody’s benevolent intentions.

The joy of giving rather than receiving flows effortlessly from Christmas Under the Overpass, and relates to more than material gifts – it encompasses awareness, care and consideration. It’s an important message for all readers, young and old.

Book Launch of Christmas Under the Overpass

Join local children’s book illustrator Katrina Fisher and Melbourne author Katie Flannigan to celebrate the launch of their new picture book, Christmas Under the Overpass on Saturday 4 November 2023 from 10.30 am - 12 pm at Leopold Library, Leopold Community Hub, 31-39 Kensington Rd, Leopold Vic 3224.

Join in the family fun at the Leopold Library with a story time, craft activity, book signing and door prizes. Books will be available for purchase on the day. 

It is Christmas time, and a homeless man sets up a makeshift home under a bridge, across the river from Melody's house. Their homes are different. Their lifestyles are different. Their cultures are different. What will Melody think about her new neighbour? How will they get on?

Christmas Under the Overpass is a delightful, sensitive, heart-warming story of compassion, curiosity, and empathy for the unhoused and marginalised in society. 

Christmas Under the Overpass explores the realities of those who are unhoused, and the kindness of a child.

A House of Mud

A House of Mud by Sophie Masson, illustrated by Katrina Fisher (Little Pink Dog Books) RRP HB $24.99
ISBN 9780648256328

Reviewed by Kylie Buckley

A House of Mud is a delightful recount of a family’s experience of building a mudbrick house together. The narrative is told in the first person by the eldest of the three children. In the beginning, the kids are excited by the thought of a new house and enjoy going to the vacant block and helping their parents to make the mud bricks. They see the process as ‘like making a cake’ and the result ‘like giant bars of chocolate’. However, it soon dawns on them that it will take weeks upon weeks to change the ‘air and grass and mud’ into a ‘house that will be just right’. When the children start to get bored, the eldest comes up with a great idea to make the experience more fun.  

The pencil and watercolour illustrations depict the busy family, and lively dog Tess, beautifully. The setting becomes uniquely Australian with the intermittent inclusion of cockatoos, kangaroos, magpies, possums, kookaburras and galahs curiously watching over the building’s progression.

Interestingly, this story was inspired by the author’s own experience of building a mudbrick house with her family in rural NSW. A House of Mud is an enjoyable tale suitable for children aged 4 years and over.