As Lily and her family prepare for Christmas, the loving little girl continually tells her cherished toy, Blue Kangaroo, that this card, this present, and this carol is just for him. Blue Kangaroo longs to be able to give something to Lily in return - something that is just for her. But how? It is only with the help of Father Christmas, who arrives late Christmas Eve night, that Blue Kangaroo finds a way...

Originally published in the UK in 2004 as Just for You, Blue Kangaroo!, and in the USA as Merry Christmas to You, Blue Kangaroo!, this lovely holiday tale from author/illustrator Emma Chichester Clark was just reprinted this year (2017) as Merry Christmas, Blue Kangaroo!. I'm glad I stumbled across it on our Christmas table at work, as it is a sweet, heartwarming tale of the love between a little girl and her most cherished toy companion. The artwork is every bit as appealing as the story, with a subtle sense of humor - I liked Father Christmas's expressions! - that is well-matched to the text. I understand that Clark created many stories about Lily and Blue Kangaroo - hopefully this will be the first of many that I read and enjoy! Recommended to fans of the Blue Kangaroo books, and to anyone looking for gentle, heartwarming Christmas stories for the picture-book set. ( )