Written by: Joy Cowley.

Illustrated by: Gavin Bishop.

A retelling of the Nativity story with a New Zealand twist. Farmyard animals including a cow, sheep and kune kune, bearing gifts such as a rugby ball, pavlova and jandals, come mooing, baaing, and oinking to see the baby Jesus by the cowshed door.

I am not a religious person, and I only read Santa books at any storytime – but this one lives in my heart. It is beautiful in its simplicity, with kiwiana shining through.

Recommended by Auntie Anne.