Reviewed by Gail McDonald
This book, The Brightest Christmas Star, is the first book by Laura Motherway and what a great story for families with children living in warmer climates during Christmas – a story that they will be able to relate to.
The children will be able to see themselves on the beach, in the farm paddock with the sheep and in towns where the people are wearing summer clothes and there is not a spot of snow to be seen.
So refreshing! But just the same, the children are engaged with their families in the same kind of activities in preparation for Christmas as those which usually represent Christmas: making Christmas cookies, making and wrapping presents and then gathering together with their family.
Throughout it all, the Christmas Star is shining above on the special night from Christmas Eve on. And to top it off, the last page shows Australia on the globe.
The illustrator Deb Hudson has illustrated many books previously published.
The Brightest Christmas Star
[2024]
by Laura Motherway; illustrated by Deb Hudson
Lothian Children’s Books
ISBN 978 073442 308 5
$19.99; 24pp