by Boomert - The Smallest Bilby and the Midnight Star by Nette Hilton & Bruce Whatley 18 Jan 2010

If you go out to buy a Christmas picture book for children, whether it be about Jesus Christ or Santa Claus, there's something for all kids. The alienating idea of a 'White Christmas' can be alleviated by purchasing the Australian version of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. Easter is the poor cousin to Christmas and if you're searching for a good children's book that doesn't feature someone being nailed to a cross, you're usually better off opting for a Kinder Surprise instead. What better creative team to help redress this balance than gifted writer Nette Hilton and hugely popular illustrator Bruce Whatley? This delicate picture book—one of three to be released each consecutive Easter—tells the story of how the smallest bilby in the village tries to reach out to his favourite star and give it a kiss. The night-time setting gives the story a magical touch, the pages awash with a deep, dark blue. The text is perfect for a group read-along. And, against all expectations, the bilby does indeed get his wish and kisses the midnight star. Very sweet. And a great alternative to chocolate.

This review from Australian Bookseller & Publisher magazine is reproduced by kind permission of Thorpe-Bowker, a division of R R Bowker LLC.© Copyright 2008, Thorpe-Bowke