The bush Santa ill. by Mandy Foot
Lothian, 2016. ISBN 9780734416865
(Age: 4+) Christmas, Australia, Cities, Australian animals. This
Christmas book with illustrations by Mandy Foot, but no attributing
of authorship, has a verse ballad, with a similar rhythm to The
man from Snowy River as its base. The lines take the reader
around Australia, dropping into various places set out on a map at
the start of the book. Here the reader encounters a range of
Australian animals with large soft eyes and enticing smiles.
Kids will love hearing the story read out loud, and join in as they
get used to the scan and words. The rhythm of the lines is
infectious. A second and third reading will ensure they catch on. A
large wall map will help place the towns and cities mentioned and a
standby book of Australian animals could be used to give the readers
more information.
Fran Knight