The jolly Christmas postman by Janet & Allan Ahlberg

The Jolly Postman has a busy day ahead. It's Christmas Eve in Fairy-Tale Land and there's plenty of post for him to deliver! There's a card for Baby Bear, a game appropriately called 'Beware' for Red Riding Hood from Mr Wolf, a get-well jigsaw for Humpty Dumpty and many more! But, can he deliver it all by Christmas?

In 1986 we were introduced to The Jolly Postman, who delivered the mail around Fairy-Tale Land and tucked into tiny envelopes were actual letters like a letter of apology for the three bears from Goldilocks, a postcard from Jack for the giant, and a solicitor's letter on behalf of Little Red Riding-Hood for the wolf who ate grandma. Five year later we were treated to the Christmas version and more than 30 years on this is still delighting a new generation as they eagerly await both Christmas and perhaps the postman bringing something special for them. As well as introducing them to the concept of printed cards and letters and so forth, disappearing so rapidly in these days of digital communication that Australia Post is cutting back to every-other-day delivery, it offers opportunities for them to create something special for their favourite character from the world of stories. In fact, the book has been so popular, that a quick internet search brings up many suggestions for activities that will keep little ones occupied during those times when parents are so busy.

A Christmas classic that deserves its place in any collection.

Themes: Christmas, Letters, Postmen.

Barbara Braxton