Jackie Hosking (text) and Nathaniel Eckstrom (illustrator), When Santa Got Stuck in a Gum Tree, Walker Books Australia, September 2024, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781760657406
Just in time for the festive season, a new Christmas picture book is on the shelves. As the title clearly suggests, Santa has found himself in a tricky situation. Having flown too low, he is now stuck in a gum tree, hanging precariously by his belt as his reindeers look on helplessly. An array of native Australian animals attempts to rescue Santa from the tree with no success, until a wise owl suggests they work together.
Written in rhyming couplets, it is fun to read aloud. Young readers are likely to enjoy the rhythm of the story and may anticipate the end rhymes. Pleasingly, a smattering of new vocabulary is also introduced, such as ‘askew’, ‘scuttled’, ‘grimaced’, ‘sheepishly’ and ‘defeated’.
Nathaniel Eckstrom’s illustrations are a highlight of this book. Humorous elements are introduced through the illustrations, such as Santa dangling from the tree, his pants and one boot missing, his red-spotted boxers on show for all to see. The animal characters are soft, playful and endearing, and the expressions on their faces are delightful.
It is pleasing to see a growing collection of Christmas books that reflect what this celebration looks like ‘down under’, rather than the traditional Northern Hemisphere books depicting snow, crackling fires, beanies and mittens. Interestingly though, Santa remains in his customary fur-lined suit in this book. I feel there was a missed opportunity here to adapt his outfit to a warmer climate.
An entertaining Christmas book with a distinctly Australian tone and an underlying message of the power of collaboration and teamwork.
For ages 3-8 years old
Reviewed by Bronwyn Joseph
