19 Oct 2023
An illustration of a fire truck loaded up with presents and decorated with tinsel. Santa is standing next to the fire truck, carrying a sack. He is greeting several children and adults.
Illustration from 'Ayla's Christmas Wish'

Ayla's Christmas Wish by Pamela Jones and Lucia Masciullo

Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but for Ayla, a young girl living in a drought-stricken town in Australia, there is one thing that’s missing. All she wants is a snowman like the ones she's read about in her books, but with no snow in sight, it seems like an impossible dream.

Ayla’s Christmas Wish is more than just a story about a little girl's desire for a magical Christmas. It’s a tale of resilience and community spirit, inspired by hay bale art that can be found in towns across Australia, from Tarrington in Victoria to Kalbar in South East Queensland. This tale compares European Christmas traditions with the reality of a hot, dry Australian summer. Behind the story of Ayla wishing for a snowman, there is a town wishing for rain.

This beautifully written and illustrated Australian-themed Christmas story is a must-read for anyone looking to experience the true spirit of the holiday season. With soulful illustrations by Lucia Masciullo and a section that explores the history of Christmas in Australia, Ayla's Christmas Wish is a gift that will be treasured for years to come.

Ayla’s Christmas Wish will be released in November 2023.

About the author 

Pamela Jones is a British-born Australian children’s author, poet and podcast host. She co-hosts and edits the podcast Middle Grade Mavens. Her poetry and short stories have appeared on the Australian Children’s Poetry website and in The School Magazine and she has written for various publications about expat living, motherhood and home education. Pamela lives in Melbourne/Naarm with her family and far too many books and old ballet shoes. This is her debut book.

About the illustrator 

Lucia Masciullo is an award-winning children’s book illustrator born and bred in Livorno, Italy. She moved to Australia in 2007 and she now lives and works on the beautiful Gold Coast. Her last book with the National Library of Australia was The Imagineer.

Additional Information 

The front cover of the book 'Ayla's Christmas Wish'.

Images for media use are available for download via Dropbox. 

Contact

Mirelle O'Mara, Media Liaison, National Library of Australia

M: 0401 226 697

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