Reviewed by Karen Hendriks
It’s Christmas Eve in 1932 when Joey, Ellie
and their parents are droving their cattle in the drought. Yet, Joey knows that
Christmas always comes no matter where you are. This story is a celebration of
kindness and human spirit by an award-winning team.
Award winning author Jackie French has written
a heart-warming Christmas tale about an earlier time in Australian history. She
doesn’t shy away from realities and masterfully showcases strength, resilience,
and Australian culture. The reader wonders how the family will find Christmas. ‘Christmas pudding tomorrow!’ said Joey,
eating his cold meat and damper. ‘And presents!’ ‘Shhh! Don’t let Mum or Dad
hear,’ whispered Ellie. ‘There’s no shops or money to buy presents or sultanas
for a pudding.’
The magic of Christmas is captured simply and
beautifully. The dialogue shows character and seamlessly moves the plot along. The
reader is encouraged to think about another time and place. Santa had left two kites, and two penny
whistles, and some macadamia nuts that looked just like the ones that had been
growing along the road. French logically builds and supports the story. She
shows that kindness can create miracles no matter where you are. ‘See,’ said Joey, his mouth full of pudding.
‘I told you there were always presents and pudding and a tree at Christmas.’
This is a story that can be read at any time of the year.
Illustrator Bruce Whatley has captured the
essence of this time and place beautifully. The eye-catching cover looks like
Christmas without a single Christmas icon. So much can be learned about the era
from the fence, apricot tree, gladiolas, rosellas, kangaroos, children, and
their clothing. The colour palette is perfect for an Australian Christmas. The
bright orange endpapers move the reader into the story quickly. The two woolly
socks on a barbed wire fence on the title page convey much meaning. Whatley’s
illustrations take my breath away and at times seem like paintings. The dry
brown land, the empty sky along with a horse and cart and cattle, along with
the movement and facial expressions give the story so much heart and layered
meaning. The illustrations bring to mind, Dorothea Mackellar’s poem, ‘My
Country – I love a Sunburnt Country.’ The old farmer’s face on a single page tells
a story.
Christmas Always Comes, is a picture book for
children three years and up about Christmas, Australian history, family, strength,
and resilience. It’s a book for home, school and library bookshelves that is
filled with heart, hope and Australian culture. It is good to see our own
stories being told.
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