A Christmas present for Roo by Sophie Sayle. Illus. by Daron Parton

It is Christmas Eve and the other animals are putting their presents under the tree. Kookaburra calls out to Echidna waking her, and asking what she has for Roo. Echidna is saddened as she has nothing to offer, so goes into the bush to see what she can find. She gathers some colourful flowers and makes a crown but realises it is too small for Roo. Kookaburra suggest that she make another, but she falls asleep while doing it. The other animals wake her and she puts his present for Roo under the tree. The next day it is Christmas Day, and the animals gather to open their presents. Roo eagerly opens her present, and as she does, Echidna sees that she has made it too big. Roo is enthusiastic for her lovely present and places it over her shoulder and around her neck as she thanks Echidna for her beautiful necklace. 

A lovely story for the coming Christmas season, this story showcases Australian animals as they work out what to put under the Christmas tree. Readers will love recognising them all, and seeing how they prepare for Christmas thinking about what sort of present to give their friends. The story will encourage readers to think about the role of the present at Christmas and what is appropriate. The twist gives the story a lift as each animals sees the present from a different perspective. 

Lots of the symbols of Christmas are used in the illustrations, giving readers the opportunity to talk about what Christmas means to them. And the front cover with its touches of glitter over the wreath makes it very tactile for little hands.

Themes: Christmas, Australian animals, Gift giving, Friendship.

Fran Knight