A little boy is desperately waiting for his presents on Christmas Day. His parents tell him to go and play under the pōhutukawa tree. While he waits for the big day, he discovers there is much more than sand, leaves and a few puddles out there.
Each day brings a new experience, from building a kingdom and discovering seashells to enjoying the wonder of a rainbow after a storm.
The Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree is a sweet story for all of us who cherish our summer Christmases. Author Steven Kay captures our beautiful Christmas tree in all its summer glory, while also exploring the theme that Christmas isn't the only day that brings a gift. While it's improved in recent years, it can still be a struggle to find good Christmas books that reflect New Zealand, but The Pōhutukawa Christmas Tree helps fill that gap. Kay includes kupu Māori within the story in a natural conversational way, which is a lovely tribute to Aotearoa too.
Kay uses a repetitive format to build anticipation and will have younger readers bursting to find out what the little boy will find under the tree each day. It is also, subtly, a counting book.
Kay graduated with a Bachelor of Visual Arts from AUT and his illustrations are bold and bright, with lots of texture and detail.
Kay's son grew up in Japan and the book was a way for him to share the beauty and uniqueness of our Christmases. It is indeed a love letter to New Zealand, to our summer, our Christmas, and most importantly, about the gift that our natural world can provide.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Bateman Books