Byll and Beth Stehen (text) and Simon Howe (illustrations), Christmas Days in the Sunshine, ABC Books, September 2023, 24 pp., RRP $22.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780733342745
The fifth book by talented singer-songwriter sisters Byll and Beth Stephen (also known as Teeny Tiny Stevies) and illustrator Simon Howe, Christmas Days in the Sunshine is a celebration of Christmas the Aussie way. From sprinkler runs and beach cricket to long road trips and crowded paddling pools, there are lots of summery details which will feel much more familiar to Aussie kids than sleigh bells and roasted chestnuts. The book captures the joy of an Australian summer Christmas beautifully, with a particular focus on family and spending time together.
Summer light is captured beautifully in the illustrations. There are Australian elements to be spotted throughout, such as Mum making a pavlova, kids picking mangos and native animal tree ornaments. The kids collapsed on the couch brought back the fabulous feeling of a seemingly endless stretch of summer holidays ahead!
This is book is a great choice for kids aged 3+ as the festive season approaches.
Reviewed by Laura Holloway