Down-under The 12 days of Christmas by Michael Salmon
Ford Street Publishing, 2012. Pbk., RRP $A12.95. ISBN
9781921665592.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . . no, not
a partridge in a pear tree. But a kookaburra in a gum tree!
In this quirky re-release of Michael Salmon's version of the
traditional Christmas song, Santa has landed in Australia's outback
and is checking his list. Although the kangaroos are in charge of
the presents, their koala helpers are not helping very much at all.
Are six sharks a-surfing and seven emus laying really what someone
wants to find under their tree - or anywhere?
Most of us are familiar with the bright, colourful illustrations
that are a signature of Michael Salmon's work and from the cover to
the final page which is a blackline master to be photocopied and
coloured in, they just delight the readers and put a smile on their
faces. Not only is the original song one of timeless tradition, but
this book is one of timeless quality which will bring joy to yet
another generation of little ones.
With ski-ing snakes and dancing dingoes, they are introduced to some
of Australia's most iconic creatures in situations beyond their
normal bush habitats and daily habits. And of course, the whole just
begs to be the basis of an improvisation that lets the students
demonstrate their knowledge of our fauna and alliteration. Imagine
eleven echidnas eating . . . Christmas Day in Australia IS very
different from all those snow-covered Christmas card scenes we seem
to still hang on to, and this classic proves it!
If your library copy from way back when is tired and over-loved,
this is the opportunity to renew it with a sparkling new version.
And don't forget to introduce the children to the fun and games
available in the cave at www.michaelsalmon.com.au
Barbara Braxton