'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Sunday 15 December 2013

Review: The Twelve Days of Christmas Island

On the first day of Christmas, the Island gave to me
An Owl in a Lilly Pilly tree.


Australia’s Christmas Island is home to hundreds of species of birds, native plants and wildlife, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. The Twelve Days of Christmas Island uses the format of the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas carol to highlight some of the amazing fauna and flora of this special place.

Author/illustrator Teresa Lagrange introduces 12 birds native to Christmas Island through this variation of the carol and the bold, colourful print illustrations. At the end of the book, there is a small amount of information about Christmas Island and a brief description of each bird and the Lilly Pilly tree.

‘Australianised’ versions of Christmas stories and carols can come across as a little forced and clichéd, but The Twelve Days of Christmas Island simply uses the familiar tune to introduce young readers to some of our amazing Australian wildlife in a format that is bright and engaging.

Title: The Twelve Days of Christmas Island
Author/Illustrator: Teresa Lagrange
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99 RRP
Publication Date: 1 November 2013
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781743318089
For ages: 5+ years
Type: Picture Book