Five Quirky New Picture Books that Will Make Everyone Laugh

Christmas is closer than we think so what better time to get some special Christmas books for children aged 1-10. Five new books from Walker Books. I know it seems early, but sometimes delivery times at Christmas can be very slow.

1. 'Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!' Written & illustrated by Mo Willems

Now here's a title to get your interest! You'd expect something a 'little' different from Mo Willems, but a pigeon who wants to drive Santa's sleigh?! What could go wrong? And why can't he sneak a drive while Santa's not looking? But, what's wrong with this sleigh? 

But there aren't any gears, or a steering wheel, or even a horn!?

And how does he get it to move? I'll leave you to guess, but better still, just get the book and find out.

2. 'Merry Christmas, Little Wombat' written & illustrated by Charles Fuge 

Now this is an Aussie Christmas story! With a Wombat, Echidna, Kangaroo, Platypus, Rainbow Lorikeet how will this work out? This might be an Aussie take on Christmas, but as the northern hemisphere is often buried in snow, how do they celebrate 'down under'?

But hang on, what might the Christmas tree be like? There are no pines or spruce trees in a southern summer. We need a tree! Help someone!

3. 'Socks' written by JD McPherson and illustrated by Anika Orrock

I love this book! What child doesn't drop hints for the special gifts they'd like at Christmas time? Then again, not all parents are wealthy and can afford many gifts at Christmas. But, while this is very much a wealthy class view of Christmas expectations and gifts it is very funny, it does end with the our cranky kid reflecting on how "love and cheer" don't come in a box. 

Wonderful illustrations from Anika Orrock, and a funny little story from JD McPherson.

4. 'Mr Santa' Written and illustrated by Jarvis

Jarvis (yes that is the full author name) offers a different take on Christmas in this beautifully illustrated and written picture book. What child hasn't wanted to catch Santa at work late at night when they should be sleeping soundly? Or, at least dream about it. This little girl (or perhaps boy) has quite the adventure.

With a stirring in their moonlit room, there's movement at the foot of the bed. Santa is caught 'red' handed! Had he wiped his feet? Well, Santa decides he might just as well sit down for a chat, a nice hot cup or tea or coffee with this little nosy one before heading off.

So Santa, "like to see my fish"? Have some ginger bread. "Do you prefer dogs or cats"? "Can a reindeer talk"? "Can I ride your sleigh"? Wow! Where are we now"? All those penguins, "Are we lost"? "Do you stop at traffic lights"? "Can we visit your house?" "Just one more question" he mumbles as he wakes. "Was it really real?"

5. 'One Wise Sheep' by written & illustrated by Ulrich Hub and illustrated by Jorg Muhle 

Now last, but not least, a short novel for older readers 8-10. Ulrich Hub has written a delightful story with an interesting traditional take on a special time in 4 BC. The sheep are all awake in the dark of night as a new star is in the sky shining as brightly. They're concerned as all the shepherds have gone! Shouldn't "shepherds abide in the fields; they have to stay with their sheep at night". They've even left their back packs behind. Here's an opportunity, there is food in their backpacks!

Then a sheep with a "bobble hat" (beanie) and cries "Fear not: for, behold I bring you good tidings!" The sheep shares how in the middle of the night "... suddenly a host of Angels appeared in our fields singing praises. I think I even heard trumpets-" "And the good tidings?" the other sheep asked? "What were they? "Oh, I've forgotten he replied."

But while this absent-minded sheep takes some prompting, he manages to remember and share the true meaning of the Christmas. He declares, "A baby was born unto us tonight.. he is wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger...". Not all the sheep were persuaded by the tidings. So they follow the star in the night sky for they hear that this baby was sent to save the world! It seems the mother and father and child had to come because the Romans had declared a census must occur. Sadly, the sheep arrive too late to see the baby in the manger but find out there is a happy ending, this is just the beginning of the story this little one had ushered in, for He would change the world.