Santa Loves Australia written by Collette Dinnigan and illustrated by Luke Sciberras is a glorious festive story following Santa on Christmas eve as he journeys around Australia. This story captures the beauty, diversity and awe-inspiring features of Australia. Every state and territory is visited and iconic landmarks, flora and fauna are showcased both in the lyrical text and stunning illustrations.

This beautiful and sophisticated story is brimming with Australian landmarks (some well-known, others I would wager not as much), flora and fauna which are brought to life with evocative descriptions. Sweeping landscapes highlight the diversity across this land and include the rugged desert outback with ancient rock formations, tropical ancient rainforests teeming with the sights and sounds of lively native wildlife and gum trees and the Great Barrier Reef with its unique habitat and marine species. While at the Great Barrier Reef there is a reference to Santa spotting “the phosphorescence sparkling on the surface above” which is such a beautiful and unique natural ocean wonder of Australia to include. Some of Australia’s capital cities are mentioned and in contrast to these there are remote areas such as Wilpena Pound in South Australia and the Outback Highway. There is also the mining town of Broken Hill and the Kimberley in Western Australia with majestic mountain ranges and the unique formation of the Bungle Bungle Range.

As well as portraying the richness and variety that exists across the Australian landscape, tribute is also paid to the endemic wildlife, as well as Australia’s unique trees and plants. Santa joins with the Kookaburras in singing Christmas carols; cockatoos are seen performing high wire acrobatic feats, the reader is able to enjoy the privilege of seeing the ancient forest come alive at night with sugar gliders, possums and quolls scurrying around, reptiles such as lizards, goannas and snakes can be spotted lazily waiting for the rays from the morning sun. This story also includes iconic Australian architecture as well as the Royal Flying Doctor service and some Australian treats for Santa in the form of wattle-seed biscuits and gumnuts.

This is a spectacular festive celebration of Australia. The striking, layered illustration elevate the jolly and joyful mood with what appears to be a stream of confetti on the pages where Santa is enamoured by all of Australia’s brilliance and breathtaking sights. The bewitching details in the illustrations contain a rich and vibrant colour palette capturing the ruggedness, strength and energy of Australia that originates from its ancient past. A glossary is included at the end of the story.

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