Here comes a Merry Christmas

Justine Clarke, Arthur Baysting, Peter Dasent (text) and Heath McKenzie (illustrator), Here comes a Merry Christmas, Penguin, October 2023, 32 pp., RRP $19.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781761049521

 There’s a feeling in the air,
We’ve been waiting all the year.
There’s a new star up in the sky tonight,
And it’s shining oh so bright!
Here comes a Merry Christmas – for all of the family.

These lines may be familiar to young fans of Justine Clarke. Here Comes a Merry Christmas is an adaptation of her new Christmas song which features on her latest compilation album called Everybody Roar: The Best of Justine Clarke.

Written in collaboration with children’s songwriters the late Arthur Baysting and Play School pianist Peter Dasent, the text of the book creates excitement and wonder in the countdown to Christmas. There is an emphasis on Christmas being an inclusive festivity with a nod to toys for boys and girls, but also being with family to share hope and love and light.

McKenzie’s illustrations are bright and expressive. A book for children 3+ who would like to read and sing along to the song at the same time.

Reviewed by Stef Gemmill

 

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