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|title=Merry Christmas, Blue Kangaroo!

|author=Emma Chichester-Clark

|buy=Yes

|borrow=Yes

|pages=32

|publisher=Harper Collins Children's Books

|isbn=0007197144

}}

I like the Blue Kangaroo series. It features human characters rather than rabbits or bears. It is simply but smoothly written and illustrated in an unmistakable style that appeals to children and adults alike. Its setting is unashamedly (sub?)urban, white, dare I say middle class; what with Aunt Jemima and Aunt Florence, bookcase lined living-room, the big garden, and Lily's own room upstairs. The family itself consists of Lily, a spirited and energetic little girl prone to creating mayhem; a rather harassed but loving mother, father that rarely makes an appearance apart from pictures and a baby brother. Apart from the fact that NONE of the female characters in these books seem to ever wear trousers (which is bit disconcerting for a mother who doesn't posses a single skirt, but my 5 year old doesn't seem to mind), the setting of Blue Kangaroo is one both I and my daughter can identify with easily (luckily the household income or ownership data is not provided).

If you are looking for a safe Christmas-themed gift for a little girl (ages 2 up to 5 would be a rough guideline, though it's definitely a preschooler book) this is a good if safe choice, especially for ones already familiar with the Blue Kangaroo as they will love meeting the familiar characters in the festive setting. Or buy it in combination with another Blue Kangaroo book as an introduction to the series - ''Where Are You Blue Kangaroo?'' is my favourite .

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