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

Sunday 24 December 2023

Announcement: KBR Christmas Book Inspired Joy


Over the years KBR, along with our many publishing friends, conduct some truly wonderful Giveaways. At times, the bookish prizes and gift packs make us drool with envy. Whilst we can't enter ourselves, we can 'pretend' so this year's Very Merry KBR Christmas Question assumes a Christmas competition flavour, a bit like plum pudding but even more satisfying! Here's what we asked the team and their very merry answers. Enjoy! And have yourselves a wondrous and wonderful Festive Season.

Tell us in 25 words or less about your favourite Christmas book and how it adds joy to your Christmas traditions.


Tania McCartney (KBR Founder)The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore, paper-engineered by Robert SabudaWe love a pop-up book in our house; it’s so magical and impressive – I mean, how does Robert do that?? We’ve had this book forever and we also have a pop-up card set based on the book that I often pin to the wall in the shape of a tree. It’s a delight to walk past and pop a card open. Moore’s poem is timeless, and no matter how many times I read it, I’m enchanted. Have a magical Christmas, and thank you for making KBR so special – it wouldn’t be the same without our readers! (Tania clearly broke the 25 words limit but as it's Christmas, I'll allow it. Ed.)


Dimity Powell (Managing Editor)
PS:Who Stole Santa’s Mail? by Dimity Powell! Self-indulgent and cheeky but chock full of cheer, magic and sizzling Aussie summer Christmas vibes, condensing my most treasured Christmas feels into a jolly perennial fave!


Shaye Wardrop (Senior Editor)
Ayla’s Christmas Wish by Pamela Jones and Lucia Masciullo. New favourite = Ayla’s Christmas Wish. Love how it explores fun Australian traditions that make a summer Christmas in the heat so unique. 


Sue Warren
: Above all the other 'favourites' is The Worst Kids in the World by Barbara Robinson - I've been sharing it with classes for 30 years,  never fails to make us all teary. (Her second entry, was  Jolly Christmas Postman, because the kids love 'letter books')


Ayla Wardrop (junior reviewer):
 The Christmas Pig by J K RowlingI love the Christmas Pig because it’s an adventure and pigs are the cutest. Like in the book, we make our own Christmas decorations, too!


Elizabeth Vercoe
The Night Before Christmas by Clement Clark Moore is seared into my head, heart and vocal chords. It is excitement, joy, anticipation, fabulousness and cheer, all rolled into one.  


Sarah Steed (Senior Library Consultant):
 JRR Tolkien's Letters From Father Christmas was a gift from my mum which I like to browse to help get in the festive spirit.


Leigh van der Veen:
 A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens Transporting me to Christmas in Victorian London, A Christmas Carol, helps to remind me of the true meaning of the festive season. 


Penny Harrison (12 Curlie Questions Editor):
 Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott, has always been a favourite festive classic of mine. This year, I’m planning to share it with my daughter.