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Christmas reads that every kid needs

Christmas is the perfect time to explore the joy of reading with children.

Librarian Jessica Strong said there are plenty of books that capture the twinkle and magic of the festive season.

“One of my favourite Christmas books this year is the lyrical 12 Days of Bush Christmas by Megan Van Den Berg and Emma Bamblett,” she said.

“This adaptation of the familiar classic is a welcome Koorie spin on the story.”

Ms Strong said every generation of children the world over ponder just how the big feller gets down the chimney.

A reasonable question that often leads to another equally reasonable question – what does Santa do when there is no chimney?

The hilarious picture book ‘How Does Santa Go Down the Chimney?’ by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen Might have the answers to these pressing questions and shows two of the biggest names in children’s books at their best.

Ms Strong said Sophie Beer’s The 12 Days of Kindness celebrates the “joy and anticipation young children have for the festive season”.

While many tales, and our screens, often depict white Christmases and winter wonderlands in the Northern Hemisphere, there are stories more tailored to the ‘Great Southern Land.’

Ms Strong said there is something comforting about festive stories set down under.

“It’s wonderful to see local stories that reflect our summer Christmas experience. A delightful recent addition is Christmas Is, by Philip Bunting.”

For younger children (or anyone who is not too cool or proud to admit it), shared bedtime reading stories are a great way to bond and slip into a slumber.

Alex T Smith’s How Winston Delivered Christmas, and The Grumpus are a fun way to end a day, while Dr Suess’s ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ will never go out of fashion,

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