You have? Me, too. But fear not - your faith in the man in red will not be tested here - for this version of the magical possibilities of Christmas-gift-delivering is certainly one to ponder... written for us by one of Australia's favourite author/illustrators - Bruce Whatley.
Little Peter is almost profoundly deaf. He lives upstairs with his mum, behind the Watchmaker's shop, and loves to spend his time observing the Watchmaker's intricate work.
When a large man with a silver beard appears at the shop with a very special pocket watch in need of repair, the Watchmaker is confuddled by the intricate internal workings of the watch. Unable to fix it, young Peter comes to the rescue with a very unusual suggestion. And it works!
Delighted, the silver-bearded man returns and is so delighted to see the pocket watch repaired, he shows the Watchmaker exactly why it was so important to have this intricate object repaired.
Time will stand still when you realise what this watch can do.
Thoughtful, creative, festive and full of wonderment (and a-ha moments) The Watchmaker Who Saved Christmas is richly illustrated with Whatley's quirky, emotive and whimsical pictures - beautifully mesmerising and charming, down to the colours, the curling hair and every teensy wheel and cog.
The book is heavy on text compared to other pictures books, but appealingly so, giving it a classic story feel. Very young children will easily be kept riveted by the pictures as you weave through the heartwarming storyline.
Whatley magic.
Title: The Watchmaker Who Saved Christmas
Author/Illustrator: Bruce Whatley
Publisher: Random House, $19.95 RRP
Publication Date: November 2009
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781864719567
For ages: 6 - 12
Type: Picture Book
This book is available online
