Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise

Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise by Ursula Dubosarsky and Sue deGennaro (Allen & Unwin 2015)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN: 9781760113025

Reviewed by Jade Harmer

Reindeer’s Christmas Surprise is a beautiful picture book that’s bound to capture a child’s imagination. Written by Ursula Dubosarsky and illustrated by Sue deGennaro, this book conveys a sense of spirit and warmth, and is perfect for sharing.

Reindeer with his red and white striped skivvy and bauble-adorned antler, is adorable.

He delivers cheer to his special friends – Cat, Dog and Guinea Pig – with the loveliest, most thoughtful gifts, but when he returns home to sip on his iced chocolate and gaze at his perfect tree, he finds that there’s still something missing...

Reindeer’s Australian home is a long way from his family in the snowy North Pole, and without them, his heart can’t help but feel a little empty. But at a time of wonder and heart-filling surprises, a special visit from the North Pole is just what Reindeer needs.

Dubosarsky and deGennaro have successfully balanced a sense of wonder and magic with a poignant reminder of what a challenging time of year Christmas can be for those who spend it alone.

With its catchy refrain and festive red-spotted end papers, this book is bound to become a holiday favourite, and I have a feeling that readers of all ages will particularly enjoy guessing just what Reindeer’s family have left on his doorstep in that big, velvet sack…

“What’s inside –

What can it be?

Open it and

You will see!”

The Smartest Dog of All

The Smartest Dog of All by Ian Horrocks, illustrated by Sue deGennaro (Omnibus Books for Scholastic Australia)
PB RRP $11.99
ISBN 9781862918108
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Another gem from the treasure box called the Mates series.The Smartest Dog of All is a humorous and enjoyable story of a boy and his dog Wit or Whitlam when he is in trouble. Wit is a very demanding dog. In fact, he could be considered jealous and trouble ensues if Wit feels like he has been forgotten.

Wit is very clever, so clever he should be allowed to attend school, and so clever that when his owner receives Dog Training for Beginners for his birthday that Wit rips the book to bits. The boy is devastated but during the night his parents tape and glue the book back together. Wit does the tricks from the books so easily that the boy reckons that Wit has learnt to read. 'He just hadn't learned to turn the pages.' I laughed out loud at that line!

Humorous references to the political differences of opinion between Dad and Grandpop regarding Gough Whitlam and, later in the book, to Robert Menzies provide an additional layer to the text. There is also a note from author Ian Horrocks regarding Australia's prime ministers, the national sport of running down politicians and the importance of having an opinion.

Sue deGennaro's full colour illustrations are a highlight of the book. The personality of Wit is vividly bought to life. A warning - every young reader is bound to want a dog just like Wit. He is adorable!

The presentation of the book is another strength of the Mates series. Illustrations adorn every page, contributing to and breaking up the text. Newly competent or reluctant readers will be drawn to this format which is the perfect step from picture books for younger children to chapter books.

I can't rate this book or the series highly enough.