It’s a question that needs answering because Barney Gumnut and his bushland friends are tree-deep in Christmas Eve preparations.
Each Aussie inspired critter
including Wilfred the Budgie, has their own take on this festive time of year.
Suggestions are made. Convictions confirmed that Christmas is …
... the getting and giving of presents. Celebrating with friends. Swimming through the heat and slurping on watermelon, playing games and of course those obligatory recovery afternoon naps. In fact, Barney and his mates indulge in all the recognisable Yuletide standards with one important observation: each of the activities and delicacies has a distinctly Australian flavour.
As
Christmas Eve day closes, after the fruit mince pies are baked, the handmade
decorations are hung and the presents are all wrapped, Barney and co retire to
the best candlelight concert of all, the starry country night sky.
And
just in case you weren’t feeling enough of that southern hemisphere holiday spirit,
a little outdoors overnight camping session is enjoyed by the whole mob before
Christmas Day dawns.
The
bubble of Christmas brightness continues to buoy them all well into the day
with shared feasting and an overriding patina of festive friendship that despite
any number of sugary delights and well-meaning presents turns out to the be the
best gift of all, ostensibly the true essence of Christmas.
Ainslie’s
gentle prose chaperon’s young readers through a sleighful of possible reasons
for cherishing Christmas, concentrating on inclusivity and kindness in lieu of
religious explanation. The cast are after all bushland animals simply keen on
enjoying time together, so maybe that is really what it’s all about.
Soft
bright illustrations are the shining star, providing plenty of fun detail for
little eyes to dine on. Extra points for the budgerigar because frankly, we just
don’t see enough of them in kids’ lit!
A
sweet addition to any stocking this Christmas.
Title: A Barney Gumnut Christmas
Author Illustrator: Tamsin Ainslie
Publisher: HarperCollins, $24.99
Publication Date: 26 August 2025
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 9781460759721
For ages: 0+
Type: Picture Book
