Christmas Wonder

The unique magic of an Australian Christmas is perfectly captured in this joyful celebration of love, pavlova and precious family moments.

A gorgeous Australian Christmas story in a beautifully illustrated hard cover book. 

Themes 

Christmas isn’t just about what Santa leaves under the tree – it’s about spending quality time with the people you love. Whether it’s wrapping presents with Mum, decorating gingerbread people with Nanna or settling down for a pavlova at the beach, Christmas Wonder celebrates the magic of spending the holiday season with family and friends. Christmas Eve ends with a quiet bedtime story and a kiss goodnight from Mum, while sleigh bells can be heard overhead. Christmas Wonder ends with friends and family sharing a meal, pulling crackers and dancing under a starry sky. Presents are great fun, but the most precious part of Christmas is peace and love.

Lots of Christmas stories are set in America or Europe, where the temperature drops and families curl up by the fireplace as winter sets in. Christmas Wonder embraces the charm and excitement of Christmas in Australia – a time of full of sunshine, pavlova and beaches. The family hangs garlands on the eucalyptus trees, enjoys a picnic by the sea and spends a balmy night singing carols in the park. Christmas in Australia may not have snowmen, eggnog or woolly jumpers, but there are lots of bright and beautiful features of a summertime Christmas. Young readers will be able to pinpoint places their family visits in December, and they will instantly recognise the sight of a family lunch in the back garden. Anyone for a game of backyard cricket?

Every page in this book is imbued with the magic and joy of Christmas. There may not be witches or wizards casting spells, but there’s still an air of whimsical excitement to remind readers – both young and old – about why Christmas is called the most wonderful time of the year. There is a gentle, beautiful magic in the air as crowds gather for Carols by Candlelight. The community comes together to share a moment of peace and companionship, candles held aloft while a band plays under the starts. Even a possum, perched in the branches of a waratah tree, stops to watch and listen. There’s also a quiet magic to that last kiss goodnight and the race downstairs on Christmas morning, because Santa has paid a visit!

About the Author

Vikki has worked as a professional writer with diverse communities in Africa, Asia and Australia for over 20 years. She is an intrepid traveller, nature lover and creative all-rounder. Vikki writes and shares stories that celebrate the spirit of wonder, freedom and adventure that she wishes every child could enjoy. She is one of the most prolific emerging children’s writers, with five picture books to be released within the next 18 months. Vikki is also the creator of the popular children’s literature social media pages, Courageous Pages.

About the Illustrator

Cheryl Orsini taught herself to draw as a little girl. She grew a little taller, studied Visual Communications at UTS and finally, when she could grow no more, she started illustrating children’s books, magazines and decorating a great many peg dolls! Her books include Lucy’s Book, Caravan, The Fairy Dancers and Pom Pom, Where Are You?. Her work also regularly appears in magazines and exhibitions. Cheryl created the current exterior design and illustrations for Russ the Story Bus.