Book reviews from 4—7 years

Merry Christmas, Blue Kangaroo! by Emma Chichester Clark (HarperCollins, ISBN 9780007284801)

The many fans of Blue Kangaroo and Lily will be delighted by the new edition of this story in miniature format. It is Blue Kangaroo’s first Christmas and Lily is determined it will be a very special one for her little friend. She has made him a card and decorated the room. Uncle George has bought him the Christmas tree. The aunts arrive with Christmas food including a gingerbread Blue Kangaroo, and Lily sings him his own Christmas carol. Blue Kangaroo is increasingly concerned that he has nothing for Lily. While he lies awake wondering what to do, Father Christmas arrives and helps to solve his problem. This charming story highlights the joy of giving and receiving at Christmas, with illustrations that convey a warm, busy family atmosphere without being the least bit sentimental.