The lonely little tree
by Moya Kirby
Illustrated by Terri Rose Baynton
ISBN 9781775435297
Scholastic NZ
The lonely little tree is a sweet story about a tiny tree left in the wilderness after all the other trees in the forest were cut down. Birds get together to help the tree realise it can be whatever it wants, including being a Christmas tree. They gather all sorts of decorations to hang on the tree. As we discover, the birds themselves become part of the Christmas decorations. Sweet, gorgeous illustrations and of course a little message for Christmas. An ideal gift for sharing a good New Zealand story with family overseas.
Teacher notes can be found here.
A Kiwi day before Christmas
By Yvonne Morrison
Illustrated by Deborah Hinde
ISBN 9781775434108
Scholastic NZ
Twas the dawn before Christmas and, down at the beach, Santa was fishing… just one more he’d catch.
This fun picture book is a prequel to the classic A Kiwi Night Before Christmas. It is filled with iconic kiwi characters like sheep, weta, fantails and geckos. Santa in his red t-shirt and gumboots is also part of the charm.
Another picture book to send to family overseas who might be feeling a little homesick at Christmas.
Lots of bright red and green coloured illustrations adds to the Christmas feeling. The fantails are my favourite.
