Gift Guide: Christmas Cheer

It's here everyone. I've been preparing for this since the middle of October and now I'm at peak excitement levels. It's Christmas!

Now, I totally get that this is not everyone's favourite time of year - what with the crowds and the busyness and the everlasting nightmare known as The Annual Trip to the Myer Windows and Santa Visit Which Seems Like a Great Tradition Until You Realise It Is The Actual Mouth Of Hell.

The Bea and I can't help with any of that but we can help you find the perfect literary present for the loved little ones in your lives.

I've been so excited to prepare the First Annual Book and the Bea Gift Guides and it's been a seriously hard task to narrow the list. We've packed some of our old and new favourites in here, and consulted with our Board of Directors (aka The Bea's older cousin bookworms), so let's get started!

For our first Gift Guide, we're covering off on the Christmas Theme. We have a tradition of buying a new Christmas book each year to share under the tree and these are some that we thought you'd enjoy too.

1. Refuge by Anne Booth and Sam Usher

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This well-timed retelling of the Christmas story is so moving. Told from the perspective of a homely donkey, it relates the story of a family seeking refuge - the fear they feel, the love of their newborn child and the hope they hold for the kindness of strangers. Simply told, and without excessive religious overtones, I'd suggest sharing it with children five and up. 

Whatever your religious beliefs, this story is a reminder that ultimately, Mary and Joseph were just a couple who loved their baby and would do anything to keep him safe. It's a reminder of how we all share the same feelings, the same love of our children, and that today more than ever, we need to show compassion to the people who most desperately need it.

The book is dedicated to refugee children everywhere and the people who help them. If you buy this book from your local bookstore, $1 from the sale will go to support the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

2. Pig the Elf, by Aaron Blabey

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You know Pig the Pug, right? Always up to no good and causing trouble? Well, the naughty, cantankerous Pug is back for Christmas and will do whatever it takes to get his presents!

I can't look at this cover without getting the giggles and the funny rhyming language gets Bea every time. The perfect book for little people just busting to know what's under the tree!

3. The Wish Tree by Kyo Maclear

A sweet tale of adventure, kindness and friendship, the Wish Tree tells the tale of Charles and his trusty companion, Boggan, as they set off into the snowy weather to find the Wish Tree. On their adventures they help Squirrel and Bear, Fox and Deer and find that wishes can come true in the most unexpected ways.

I love the cute retro illustrations and language in this story:

"La-di-da-di-da-di-daaaa", sang Charles. "Whishhhh", sang Boggan. Slow, slow through the snow they went. And hush. hush, past Bear's den they crept.

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A beautiful story to remind us of the importance of giving and the joy that comes with sharing with friends.

4. The Nutcracker, New York City Ballet

Oh, this one is close to my heart. When I was seven and living in America, my sister and I starred (ok, ok, it was more of a cameo) in the Connecticut Ballet Company production of Nutcracker. Since then, I only need to hear the music and I'm transported to snowy Christmases and the thrill of the holidays.

The Nutcracker tells the story of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince and the adventure they share one Christmas night after Clara bravely protects and defends her Prince, firstly from an overzealous brother, and then from an army of mice.

There are many versions out there, but this new release is my favourite - the illustrations are stunning and based around the choreography of the New York Ballet's annual production. Pop on the Tchaikovsky score, snuggle up by the Christmas tree lights, and enjoy! 

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We hope this has helped to get you into the Christmas spirit!

Stay tuned for our next Gift Guide - all the books you'll need for that Very First Christmas.