Christmas Days in the sunshine by Byll and Beth Stephen. Illus. by Simon Howe

This lovely inviting book will gain many fans as it reeks of summer holidays and Christmas in Australia, presenting a family going off for a camping holiday near the beach. Hats, mosquito bites, cicadas, and sunburn cream all figure prominently reminding all readers of what to expect at Christmas. School has finished for the year, with a film on the last day.

Father has put up the Christmas lights and the children play in the wading pool. The family goes window shopping to have a look at things they would like for Christmas, and make a pavlova, the children covering it with fruit.

Then they are off in the car, bush fire alerts on the ABC, eyes peeled for signs of smoke above the trees.

At the beach they wake with the sun on Christmas Day unwrapping their presents.Then outside to greet their friends, and off to the beach, where suncream and hats are the order of the day. The seagulls must be watched especially when food comes out, but everything is good because they are a family together enjoying their Christmas in the summer. 

This delightful book will warm hearts as they recall lazy days at the beach with their families and friends. The sunny illustrations take the reader to many familiar places, full of laughter and good humour, smiles all round for their families and friends. 

This book is another in the series by the Stephens as they add to the stable of stories, books and songs. Their TV show, Teeny Tiny Stevies, is well known, and their song, Christmas in the summer can be found here.

Fran Knight