Enjoy merry – and seasonally correct – storytimes this Christmas! These picture books, a mix of new and old favourites, are perfect for storytimes this festive season or to post to friends abroad.

Christmas Wonder Down Under by Vikki Conley & Cheryl Orsini (illus.)

Cracker bang! Stars above. Christmas wonder. Peace and love.

The unique magic of an Australian Christmas is perfectly captured in this joyful celebration of love, pavlova and precious family moments.

Twelve Days of Kindness by Sophie Beer

Sophie Beer's Twelve Days of Kindness is all about the lovely things you can make and do for others during the festive season!

Whether it's making a card to say thank you, baking cookies to share, or bringing joy to someone in need, everyone can spread and receive kindness at Christmas.

Ayla’s Christmas Wish by Pamela Jones & Lucia Masciullo (illus.)

Christmas is coming and Ayla wants a snowman just like in her book, but there is no snow to be found in her drought-stricken town, not even a drop of rain. Only bales of hay.

Ayla's Christmas Wish is inspired by the small, south-west Victorian town of Tarrington, which runs a hay bale design competition each year. This book compares European Christmas traditions with the reality of a hot, dry Australian summer. Behind the story of Ayla wishing for a snowman, there is a town wishing for rain. This story celebrates a community at Christmas-time, and highlights the importance and beauty of small-town resilience.

Santa Loves Australia by Collette Dinnigan & Luke Sciberras (illus.)

Travel with Santa over one magical Christmas Eve as he visits iconic landmarks, meets unique animals and delights in the beauty of the country. 

The stars of the Southern Cross in the Milky Way guide him over Uluru, on to tropical Queensland where he sings Christmas carols with the kookaburras. His journey takes him to the Great Barrier Reef where he spies phosphorescence he’s never seen before and on to Sydney, through the mouth of Luna Park, just for fun.

Christmas Days in the Sunshine by Byll Stephen & Beth Stephen

Celebrate an Aussie Christmas with the cool musician mums everyone loves to sing along with ... Every year in December Christmas lights go up 'round here. I wait up late till it's darker to see them in the moonlight.

Little Puggle’s Christmas by Vikki Conley & Helene Magisson (illus.)

Christmas in the Australian bush is Puggle’s favourite time of year. All the animals return to decorate the oldest tree, and to prepare for the big day. Every year, Puggle tries to help. But even though Puggle tries hardest, none of the special Christmas jobs seem to suit him.

In despair, Puggle waddles off to his special place where he makes a Christmas wish on the first shooting star ... but is it actually a shooting star? And what is stuck in the billabong? Can Puggle save Christmas and make his Christmas wish come true?

What Do You Wish For? by Jane Godwin & Anna Walker (illus.)

Fun, presents, sparkly lights and Christmas Wishes! From this much-loved creative partnership comes a sparkling and beautiful story, full of the wonder of Christmas, the magic of wishing, and the timeless dreams of a child.