Have you ever read a bedtime story to your dog? Try it. I have never known a dog who doesn't enjoy being read to. And the occasional cat and, sometimes, even wombats, as long as they have grass to munch as well. One NT girl this year even sent me a list of her horses's favourite books. Luckily they were hers too.
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This year, forget the Vegemite sandwiches and carrots for the reindeer - they actually prefer lichen - and leave them a book to read while they take an RSI break so they don't get muscle strain carrying the presents.
The eight reindeer undoubtedly each have their own personal reading preferences, so you can choose the books that someone else will love to read once Christmas Eve has passed and the reindeer have finished them. (If reindeer can circle the world in a night they can read a book during a lichen break at your place.)
Top Dog
By Rod Clements. Angus and Robertson.
I am giving this to my brother, who I hope is not reading this, and at least two others. Suitable for reindeer, kids 3-10, or blokes of any age who wear suits during the week. And for dogs.
Human Universe
By Professor Brian Cox and Andrew Cohen. William Collins.
I have not been able to read this yet as Bryan pinched it from the mail pile and hasn't given it back yet. That is proof that it is suitable for any bloke between the ages of 10 and 106, who is curious about the universe. Also females too. (I will be snaffling that book back again.)
The Rules of Summer
By Shaun Tan.
If you didn't buy it last Christmas, buy it now. Suitable for anyone, of any age, except those, perhaps, who have nightmares about their childhoods because, despite the wonder of the book, there are monsters lurking there. Your own, private monsters. Give lavishly, but
The Complete Indian Housekeeper and Cook
By F. A. Steel and G. Gardiner. Oxford World Classics.
There are books you love so much they become part of you, to be dipped again and again into for the rest of your life. This was a gift from a friend this year and I am giving it to many, many more friends. It is one of the most fascinating books possible for anyone who wants to see life beyond the small box of the present. I now know how invaluable it is to keep a milking cow while on a journey and how advisable it is for missionaries (or all engaged in good works) to make sure they are sustained by good food to strengthen their endeavours. I am also on the lookout for three drawer cabinets, suitable for travel on camels. Ages 10 and upwards, for those who love the strange worlds of the past and their connections to the now.
To Love a Sunburnt Country
By Jackie French. Angus and Robertson.
And, yes, with a large amount of guilt and self consciousness, I will add one of my own here. To Love a Sunburnt Country is a book for adults, or kids above 12, and the work closest to my heart and the hardest to write and far better than any other I have ends in February 1946 about the years when to love your country meant to fight for it. But there are many ways to love a country, and many ways of serving it. You will hold a part of my soul with this one. Even if you are a reindeer.
Jackie French
Jackie French is an Australian author, historian, ecologist and honourary wombat (part time), 2014-2015 Australian Children' Laureate and 2015 Senior Australian of the Year. She also writes a gardening column for The Canberra Times.
Jackie French is an Australian author, historian, ecologist and honourary wombat (part time), 2014-2015 Australian Children' Laureate and 2015 Senior Australian of the Year. She also writes a gardening column for The Canberra Times.
