Count My Christmas Kisses

Count My Christmas Kisses by Ruthie May, illustrated by Tamsin Ainslie (ABC Books)
HB RRP $19.99
ISBN 9780733332203

Reviewed by Sharon McGuinness

 
The sequel to ‘Count My Kisses, Little One’ is the holiday themed ‘Count My Christmas Kisses’ which features snowflake decorated hearts to find and count on each double spread.

The story progresses from number one, where an unadorned tree is central on the page (unfortunately in the page fold) to number nine, where the tree is fully decorated. The ten kisses close the story as the children are tucked up in bed.

Written in rhyme, this gentle book is softly illustrated in pastel shades and could certainly be shared with babies and young children alike, even though it is obviously written for a northern hemisphere audience. For Australian children, explaining mistletoe and snow at Christmas will provide an opportunity for discussion as we follow the children through pre Christmas preparations.

The book has also been selected by The Little Big Book Club (http://www.thelittlebigbookclub.com.au/) to be promoted across libraries and early childhood centres.