The Australian Twelve Days of Christmas by Heath McKenzie

Rating 3.5 out of 5
Reading Age: 0 up
Publisher: BLACK DOG BOOKS
Release Date: September 1, 2008
ISBN:9781742031118

This is the song Twelve Days of Christmas that we know and love except with an Australian twist. However what starts of as a simple count down of gifts given turns into a wild hullabaloo with emus kicking, crocodiles weeping, and Tassie Devils fighting. There really isn't much more to say about this book other then the illustrations are cute, quirky and brightly coloured.

My kids really enjoy this book, particularly the end where all the animals are on the one page running riot.

This book really is a no brainer, it is fun and easy to read aloud or sing if you wish. A good book to read around this time of year for something a bit different.

Out in the bush by Yvonne Morrison

Rating 4 out of 5
Title: Out in the Bush
Author: Yvonne Morrison
Publisher: Koala Book Company

ISBN: 0864618093

EAN: 9780864618092

Age Range: 2-4 years

"Out in the bush" is a cute remake of the song "Over in the meadow" (if you don't know the tune google Wiggles Over in the Meadow). 

This book is educational on a lot of levels. Firstly it discusses Australian native animals with each page using a different critter. 

There is counting woven into the story and every page displays a number prominently, and then reinforcing it with the animals totalling that number on the page. My son loved counting the animals after i had read the text. 

Lastly the text rhymes and is a little silly so kids can really enjoy it (and if you know the song then you can sing it, even badly). As I knew the Wiggles version of this song (which is an old rhyming song) I couldn't help but read it as a song with the voice of Sam (former yellow wiggle) in my head.

I adore the art work which is bright and colourful and would not be out of place hanging on a wall.

For some reason I have not heard of Yvonne Morrison prior to my son bringing this book home from his school library. I have seen her books on the bookshelves in book stores though so was surprised to learn I knew the names of quite a few of her books. But I have to say this New Zealand/Aussie author has won a place in our personal book library as we just loved this book. I am going to get my hands on her "Out in the ocean" book next as master 4 will go bananas over it.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone as it is a fun engaging read.