Mortimer's Christmas Manger by Karma Wilson illustrated by Jane Chapman

Book seller blurb: It’s Christmastime, and Mortimer Mouse, unhappy in his cramped, cold hole, goes in search of a new home. He spies a nativity scene that looks just right for him, so he moves the statues out and settles himself into the manger! But when he hears the Christmas story being told and realizes that the statues are of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, he understands that the crèche is meant for them and returns everything to its rightful place. Then, suddenly, a Christmas miracle occurs and Mortimer discovers a new home, at last!

This book was published in 2005 but hopefully you can find a copy in a library - that's how I found this copy. Take a look at the Kirkus review.

After you have shared the nativity story with your family this Christmas try to find Mortimer's Christmas Manger. Reading this book will be made even more perfect if you also set up a nativity set in your home. My friend has a truly special one with knitted pieces and another friend has one with special European carved characters sitting in a small barn that she made herself.

Here are some other books by Karma Wilson and illustrated by Jane Chapman:

I previously talked about The Gift of Christmas. Here are some of her other Christmas books:

The Donkey’s Dream by Helen Berger

Day Nine 12 Christmas Donkeys

Bookseller blurb: A beautifully illustrated story of the Nativity.  He was just an ordinary donkey, but on his back he carried a miracle. He carried the Virgin Mary to Bethlehem on the night she gave birth. Along the way he dreamed he was carrying a city, a ship, a fountain, and a rose. He dreamed he was carrying a lady full of heaven–and he was.

Little Donkey's Wish by Udo Weigelt illustrated by Pirkko Vainio translated by Marianne Martens

Day Eight 12 Christmas Donkeys

"Tonight I got my secret wish. I flew with Santa Claus."

Through the Looking Glass review:  Josie is the smallest and youngest donkey in the barn. She is also the one who is ignored a great deal and because she is so small the other donkeys in the stable sometimes tease her saying that she might not even be "a real donkey" after all. It is Christmas Eve and the other donkeys are all telling one another what they would like to get for Christmas. Of course Josie also has Christmas wishes and one of them is very special and very secret. Poor Josie does not expect any of her wishes to come true though, especially the secret one.Then something truly astonishing happens. A visitor arrives at the barn - a visitor wearing a red suit - and he is in need of help because one of his reindeer is too sick to work that night. Which of the donkeys in the barn is he going to choose to help him on this most important night of the year?

Companion book:

Truffle's Christmas

Runaways by EL Norry

Visiting Gleebooks the other day I spied this book which was published in 2025. I had not heard of the author EL Norry but the cover looked intriguing.

I would call this a collision story. Dreadful things have happened to these two kids who come from very different backgrounds, but life events mean that they do meet or as I have said collide.

July has been in foster care on and off but recently she has moved back with her mother. Mum was caught up in drugs and alcohol, but she has been on a program, now has a job and has a plan for further study. Things should be good for July but then her mum invites an old (and dangerous) friend to stay and July is sure her mother will go back to her old habits, so July runs away hoping to find the last foster carer who was kind and understanding.

Jamie's dad has recently left the family and now his mum has moved in with a wealthy man called Garrett. Jamie is sure Garrett does not like him and now his mum has decided he will attend a posh school which means he won't be with his true friends. As the story begins Mum has gone away for a few days and Jamie is left with Garrett. Things do not go well and then Garrett bluntly tells Jamie that his dad is not just away - he is in jail. Jamie is furious and he pushes Garrett down the stairs at home. Convinced Garrett is now dead, Jamie runs away.

The voices of the two kids in this book are set out in two different fonts. It does take a long time in the story for these kids to meet each other and of course neither of them is prepared to share the truth about why they are now in Bournemouth. As is often the scenario for stories involving running away, over the course of the story July has her belongings stolen and later Jamie's money, bag and shoes go too. 

I read Runaways in one sitting. It is an action-packed story that races towards an expected but not too predictable or saccharine happy ending. 

Publisher blurb: Jamie and July are both eleven-year-olds living in London – but they have very different lives. They meet for the first time at Waterloo Station in the last week of the holidays. They are both desperate to get away from home. July is really worried about her unreliable mum - she needs to get help. Jamie has done something terrible - and left in a panic. Despite their worries, the sun is shining and, as they escape everything they've left behind in the city, Jamie and July can't help but sense adventure in the air. But running away isn't just harmless summertime fun. What are they really trying to escape? And will either Jamie or July find a place that finally feels like home?

July and Jamie learn some hard truths about life, love, the fallibility of parents and the strength of those they can really trust. Friendship and finding your way in life isn’t necessarily easy but there is always hope. Scope for Imagination

Alternating chapters gives each child a voice, allowing the reader to empathise with their actions as they experience the potential pitfalls and dangers of leaving home- being exploited, robbed, finding somewhere safe… E L Norry manages to handle these threats in an age appropriate way yet leaves the reader in no doubt as to how real these dangers are. However, this story is ultimately one of hope, one with a (two!) happy ending which leaves the reader uplifted and optimistic for Jamie and July’s futures.  I really hope this book gains the recognition it deserves. Beautifully written, deeply moving, it is essential reading for everyone.  Through the Bookshelf

About EL (Emma) Norry: I’m an author based in Bournemouth. I write fiction and non-fiction for 8-14 year olds (sometimes called MG, middle-grade). I also write many other things, including a couple of episodes of the UK soap opera, EastEnders. ... As a child, I grew up in the care system. I was born in Cardiff, Wales but moved around a lot. .... I’m passionate about diversity and inclusion and showing children that authors can come from different backgrounds.

Companion books:

Bird and Sugar Boy

Raven Winter

Charlie and Me 421 Miles from Home

Runaways

Talking to Alaska

Summer of the Gypsy Moths

Listen, Said the Donkey by Jean Little illustrated by Werner Zimmermann

Day Seven 12 Christmas Donkeys

Book review: After the visit of the Wise Men, there is, at last, room in the inn for Mary, Joseph, and

Baby. The animals, alone in the stable and missing Baby, begin to talk and share their stories. Gentle Donkey, who was rescued from a cruel master by Mary, tells how he repaid her kindness,

carrying her safely to Bethlehem and protecting Baby from the cold. Lamb’s story is next, told with the simplicity and enthusiasm of the very young. Camel has waited impatiently for his turn, frequently

interrupting the others. He brags about Melchior, his wealthy and wise master, and boasts about his own importance on the long and arduous journey following the star. Then Cat begins her story. She, too, belongs to Melchior, travelling in the folds of his robe. However, her account of the journey differs greatly from Camel’s. Finally, it is Dog’s turn. Dog, having escaped from an abusive mistress, has taken refuge in a dark corner of the stable. Only Baby knows he is there. Warned in a dream of impending danger, Mary, Joseph, and Baby, accompanied by Donkey and Cat, flee to Egypt. Timid little Dog, heedless of his own safety, distracts the pursuing soldiers, allowing the HolyFamily to get away unharmed. Dog himself is caught and returned to his cruel owner. Lamb goes back to his shepherd boy. Only a greatly changed and humbled Camel is left in the stable along with a tiny, very relieved (now that Cat is gone) mouse. “What was it you were all talking about?” asks the mouse. “Listen,” said the camel. “I have stories to tell you.”

This is a Canadian book. 

Mr Santa by Jarvis

A little boy, or is this a girl, meets Santa - this child has SO many questions and we get to hear all of them. Santa himself is a wise old fellow and so he just smiles and takes his little companion on the adventure of a lifetime but Santa himself never utters a word.

• Dogs or cats, Mr Santa? You have to choose.
• Can reindeer talk?
• Can you eat clouds?
• Do you stop at traffic lights?
• Mr Santa is your belly button inny or out?
• Can I be an elf?

Mr Santa is a new Christmas book for 2025. If you have a young reader in your life this needs to be added to their Christmas stocking. Here is a video of the story so you can see all the illustrations (but please find the actual book to share in your family). My own copy was an early Christmas gift from a friend!

With signature warmth and a gentle visual humor, Jarvis channels the excitement of every child who has dreamed of meeting the jolly, generous old soul who personifies the most magical night of the year. Penguin Random House

The young protagonist’s dogged curiosity makes for a wholly original Yuletide tale, infused with the magic and wonder of Christmas. Kirkus

Companion book:

One Small Donkey by Dandi Daley Mackall illustrated by Marta Ivarez Miguens

Day 6 12 Christmas Donkeys

Bookseller blurb: This is the story of Jesus' birth from an unlikely perspective: a donkey carrying Mary to Bethlehem. The donkey is not the biggest, fastest, or strongest of all the animals, but he had a very important job all the same. With an exciting message to teach your little ones about God's plans for their lives and beautiful, inspiring artwork by Marta lvarez Miguéns, One Small Donkey is a Christmas story children will love.

The Donkey who Carried a King by RC Sproul

Day Five 12 Christmas Donkeys

Blurb: Davey was a young donkey who was bored and unhappy because he was never given anything to do. Then one day, some strangers came to the gate - and Davey's master picked him for a very special task. Davey carried the King, Jesus, into Jerusalem. A few days later, Davey saw some angry people making the King carry a heavy beam of wood. Davey could not understand it - until another donkey helped him see that the King was being a Servant on behalf of His people.

Read more here.

Best Australian Picture book part two

Sorry to sound negative but as I predicted there are books on this list that do not meet the criteria set by The Guardian Australia. There are fifty books on the list (you can see 48 of them here) - I do wonder how many people submitted titles and were they able to submit more than one? There are only two books** on this list that I have never seen. I also wonder if people were able to vote more than once? Who decided if the book was for aged 0-6 and could be read 'in a few minutes'? Why are there no books by Margaret Wild on this list except Fox which is for ages 10+? I am also concerned about the idea of a WINNER! Voting starts after 27th January, 2026.

Here are the criteria:

• Primarily intended to be read aloud to children who don’t yet read independently.
• Able to be read in a few minutes – a child’s picture book, rather than a graphic novel or illustrated chapter book.
• Written by an Australian (or someone we’ve claimed).
• Published in Australia.

Before reading any further please take a look at my previous post 

which is filled with questions and concerns.

In my previous post I listed the books that I thought should be included by The Guardian Australia - I am especially sad that Duck, Apple, Egg by Glenda Millard; Puffling by Margaret Wild; Little Humpty by Margaret Wild; Lucy Goosey by Margaret Wild; Rudie Nudie by Emma Quay; Sebastian Lives in a Hat by Thelma Catterwell; I'm a Dirty Dinosaur by Janeen Brian illustrated by Ann James; and Noni the Pony by Alison Lester.

The next step is to vote for your favourite from this list.

• 11 Words for Love by Randa Abdel-Fattah and Maxine Beneba Clarke
• All the Ways to Be Smart by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys
• Animalia by Graeme Base
• Another Book About Bears by Laura and Philip Bunting
• Are We There Yet? by Alison Lester
• Be Careful, Xiao Xin! by Alice Pung and Sher Rill Ng
• Chip by Kylie Howarth
• Come Over to My House by Eliza Hull, Sally Rippin and Daniel Gray-Barnett
• Day Break by Amy McQuire and Matt Chun
• Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley
• Edward the Emu by Sheena Knowles and Rod Clement
• Emergency! Emergency! Vehicles to the Rescue by Rhiân Williams and Tom Jellett
• Fox by Margaret Wild and Ron Brooks
• Grace’s Mystery Seed by Juliet M Sampson and Karen Erasmus**
• Greetings from Sandy Beach by Bob Graham
• Grug by Ted Prior
• Imagine by Alison Lester
• Jetty Jumping by Andrea Rowe and Hannah Sommerville
• John Brown, Rose and the Midnight Cat by Jenny Wagner and Ron Brooks
• Kissed by the Moon by Alison Lester
• Magic Beach by Alison Lester
• Mopoke by Philip Bunting
• Mr Chicken Goes to Paris by Leigh Hobbs
• Mr McGee by Pamela Allen
• My Country by Ezekiel Kwaymullina and Sally Morgan
• My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart
• Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey
• Possum Magic by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas
• Room on Our Rock by Kate and Jol Temple and Terri Rose Baynton
• Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten by Bob Graham
• Sharon Keep your Hair on by Gillian Rubinstein and David Mackintosh
• Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox and Helen Oxenbury (UK Illustrator)
• The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek by Jenny Wagner and Ron Brooks
• The Eleventh Hour by Graeme Base
• The Lost Thing by Shaun Tan
• The Patchwork Bike by Maxine Beneba Clarke and Van Thanh Rudd
• The Rabbits by John Marsden and Shaun Tan
• The Rainbow Serpent by Dick Roughsey
• The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland
• There’s a Hippopotamus on Our Roof Eating Cake by Hazel Edwards and Deborah Niland
• This Small Blue Dot by Zeno Sworder
• Under the Love Umbrella by Davina Bell and Allison Colpoys
• Where is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox and Judy Horacek
• Where the Forest Meets the Sea by Jeannie Baker
• Whistle Up the Chimney by Nan Hunt and Craig Smith
• White Sunday by Litea Fuata and Myo Yim**
• Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen
• Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas
• Window by Jeannie Baker
• Wombat Stew by Marcia Vaughan and Pamela Lofts

Books for older readers (these do not meet the criteria above)

Yes, they are splendid books but none of these should be included 

in this project by The Guardian Australia

Read my review here. Take special note of the labels I assigned my post.

Here is my blog post about this classic Australia picture book.

This is a book for readers aged 8+

Here is an essay by Shaun Tan where he talks about the way picture books work

Young readers will miss so much if you rush and read either of these in 'just a few minutes'

Also many of the visual concepts are very sophisticated.

Read my blog post.

This story is an allegory about identity and belonging and it is rich text to explore visual literacy

This is about the colonisation of Australia - it is not a book about cute rabbits.

Take a look at the NCACL details in their Picture Books for Older Readers database.

Here is my blog post

Father Christmas and the Donkey by Elizabeth Clark illustrated by Jan Omerod

Day Four 12 Christmas Donkeys

Blurb: It's Christmas Eve and it's cold outside. A lonely old donkey limps through the frozen grass, searching for food. There are no Christmas treats for him. Then suddenly in the distance, he hears the sound of sleighbells and galloping hoofs. Who could it be but Father Christmas. And who else could he be looking for on this cold Christmas Eve but an old donkey in need of a special friend and a special Christmas present.

This book is from 1992 but if you can find a copy you will marvel over the way each page is designed. I hope one day I can find a copy of this book to add to my own collection (I borrowed this one from a school library).

I found this alternate edition with a different illustrator, but it doesn't look quite as special:

An Ellis Island Christmas by Maxine Rhea Leighton illustrated by Dennis Nolan

This is a curious Christmas book to share here in Australia because it recounts the history of migrants to the US who arrive in New York and who were 'processed' on Ellis Island. 

Publisher blurb: Krysia does not want to leave her home and her friend, Michi, but there are soldiers with guns on the streets and her mother says that they must go. Krysia, her two brothers, and her mother pack their favorite belongings and begin the long, harrowing journey to America. Krysia is scared but she finds courage when she thinks of her father waiting for her in America with the promise of a better tomorrow. Inspired by Maxinne Rhea Leighton's father's journey from Poland to America, this is a powerful reminder of the beacon of hope and opportunity that Ellis Island symbolized and the importance of family at Christmastime.

I enjoyed the discovery of this book because many years ago I visited Ellis Island (on the recommendation of a friend) and I did the audio tour where you follow the footsteps of someone arriving on Ellis Island. Later I also did a fabulous tenement tour where you also followed on family and discovered how they lived between 1892 and 1924. How did I come to read this book? Well, I found it at a recent charity book sale for just $1. This book was published in 1992. I wonder how this copy came to Australia and who has had it on their shelves before it reached the book sale?

"Upon reaching the New York harbour, steerage-class passengers were transferred from the steamship to a barge that took them to Ellis Island. After disembarking, they walked under a canopy, through the baggage room, and up the stairs. In the Registry Room each person had to go through a routine inspection and medical examination that lasted between three and five hours. ... Passing meant entry into America; failing meant detainment or deportment back to the very country the immigrant had just left. "

Here are other books illustrated by Dennis Nolan - his style is very painterly. 

The Ox and the Donkey by Gunter Spang illustrated by Loek Koopmans

Day Three 12 Christmas Donkeys

Check out my previous post

Kirkus review: Bright, misty lighting gives Koopmans’s delicately modeled crèche scenes a mystical air, nicely suiting Spang’s tale of a bullying ox who is transformed by the Nativity, becoming a loving friend to the donkey, his former victim. Though of the human figures Joseph gets more “face time” in the pictures than either Mary or the infant, verbally and visually the story focuses on the two animals, whose relationship is defined by body language and subtle but clear facial expressions. After warming baby Jesus with their breath and keeping the flies off, ox and donkey are parted when the holy family departs for Egypt, then joyfully reunited when the donkey makes its own way back. It’s a quiet sort of miracle, accomplished with no outward sign of supernatural agency.

The Little Donkey by Gerda Marie Scheidl illustrated by Bernadette Watts

Day Two 12 Christmas Donkeys

Check out my previous post

Blurb: In this gentle retelling of the Christmas story, a little donkey sets out on the long journey to Bethlehem. Along the way he is sneered at by a camel and laughed at by the other animals. Feeling worthless, he begins to stumble and lose heart until a great light guides him to his destination. There he is rewarded for his courage and faith and learns that the new king loves all creatures.

Santa's First Christmas by Mac Barnett illustrated by Sydney Smith

Santa has been delivering presents to children all over the world for years, but he has never had his own Christmas celebration. After prompting by a bear who lives near the North Pole, his elves are determined to fix this and to give Santa the best Christmas ever with presents, a feast, a huge Christmas tree, lights and of course a celebration with the best company of all. 

There are some sweet touches in this story - such as when the elves deliver breakfast in bed to Santa on Christmas morning - fresh doughnuts; when Santa and the elves decorate the tree with gingerbread pigs; and when they make biscuits to leave out with a glass of milk for 'you know who'.  Santa settles back to read a famous story 'he had a broad face and a little round belly that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly'. 

But who is going to arrive with the presents? And what will Santa receive?

You will love their Christmas feast:

"For the table was set with mince pies and pudding and rolls and roasts, Brussels sprouts, gravies, horseradish sauce, sparkling crystal glasses filled with milled wine, a yule log, poached pears, candy canes, several pies, and a ginger stout cake, powdered with sugar and six layers high."

Santa's First Christmas was published in 2024 and this week my friend gifted me a copy for Christmas 2025. 

There are so many Christmas books and of course so many that I love but this one is TRULY special partly because, amazingly, it is an utterly fresh story and partly or perhaps mainly because Hans Christian Andersen Award winning illustrator Sydney Smtih has created utterly delightful illustrations. Even the cover has a special feature called spot varnish. There is one double spread in this book (with no words) that made me gasp!

Cozier than a roaring fire and sweeter than milk and cookies, this earns its “Christmas classic” stripes with flying colors. Kirkus Star review

I am sure you have seen lots of other splendid books by Mac Barnett. I love Extra Yarn, 20 questions, Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem, and Just Because. Read more here. I have talked about Sydney Smith extensively on this blog (click on the label at the bottom of this post).

Look for this book in your local or school library - it is also by Mac Barnett: