The Christmas garden by Caroline Tuohey and Sandra Severigni

There's a garden across from my house that's sublime, as it looks like Christmas there all of the time...

With breathtaking pine trees, a seat the resembles a sleigh, statues of angels and gnomes that could be elves hiding amongst the flowers, it has all the magic and mystery that one could dream of, and to add to the mystique the old fellow who owns it looks just like Santa Claus.

Could this be Santa's hideaway from the North Pole, especially as it takes on a whole new life as Christmas approaches? What secret sorcery happens on Christmas Eve? Well, that's between Mr Dawes and the watcher from across the street, who is not who you imagine.

Lyrical text in rhyme and soft-palette illustrations bring this whimsical story celebrating the power of imagination and wonder to life, making it a unique addition to the Christmas Countdown. Little ones can close their eyes and just imagine the wonderland that is this special place, and as the time draws near and they see the beautiful Christmas gardens that their neighbours create for them, they will not only be drawn into the story but their imaginations will soar.

Themes: Christmas, Gardens.

Barbara Braxton