The 12 Birds of Christmas

Written by Jodie McLeod
Illustrated by Eloise Short

OUT NOW!

Buy a signed copy of The 12 Birds of Christmas here

Bookseller and wholesale info here

Download media release here
Guess, count and spot 12 of Australia’s most Christmassy birds and flowers
in this joyful celebration of Christmas in the Australian bush.

From the award-winning author and illustrator of The Black Cockatoo With One Feather Blue
(CBCA Notable) comes this original rhyming read-aloud about giving, community and the Christmas spirit.

“A BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL BOOK...”
CBCA Reading Time
“GLORIOUSLY ILLUSTRATED...”
Magpie's Magazine
"A GORGEOUS GIFT..."
Your Kid's Next Read
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Nice words from readers & reviewers

"A distinctly Australia ode to Christmas ... Jodie McLeod and Eloise Short have created a breathtakingly beautiful book, each page as exquisite as the as the last with illustrations I would love to have on my walls ... A must-have Christmas book, highly recommended for all ages."

~ Bronwyn Joseph, CBCA Reading Time

"Another stunning Aussie Christmas picture book - this one by powerhouse Blue Mountains publishing team @jodiemcleodwriter whose rhyming text is fun and very clever, leading the reader to turn the page with expectation, and @eloiseshortdesign whose pictures are absolutely stunning!! Every page is a glorious explosion of colour and fascinating delight featuring a different bird and plant.

"It’s a stunning, stunning book!"

~ Debra Tidball, award-winning children's author. Read review.

"Like The 12 Days of Christmas, The 12 Birds of Christmas counts down to the festive celebration - but with a distinctly Australian flavour. Accompanied by gorgeous illustrations of native birds and plants, one delightful rhyme leads to the next. The illustrations, too, are often playfully linked and kids (and adults) will enjoy deciphering the rhyming and visual clues as to which bird will appear on the next page. At the back of the book are guides to the birds and plants, with plants identified by their botanical name as well as their common name."

~ Gardening Australia Magazine, January 2026 issue

"This is an absolutely beautiful book. A fantastic idea for a little children's book and beautiful illustrations. I have it open in our lounge room, a page a day, to enjoy it myself before my grandson gets it ;)"

~ Brigitte Kiel

"Such a beautiful Australian Christmas book!"

~ Jessica Arundell, Etsy customer

"This is a beautiful book showcasing our wonderful Blue Mountains birds. I have bought as a gift for my young granddaughters, but would suit any age. Very much met expectations."

~ Etsy customer
"This gloriously illustrated picture book sings with colour ... 
Readers will love predicting rhyming words and looking closely at the right-hand side of the page to anticipate what bird may be next. A beautiful picture book offering more than the usual counting book, with its emphasis on Australian birds and flowering plants. It will find a home in many classrooms and libraries where something more is being looked for to offer at Christmas." 

~ Fran Knight, Magpies Magazine

“This is a stunning-looking book. The cover is so stylish and beautiful, and the colours are just gorgeous ... they’re so bright and vibrant, and really, really engaging. There is so much to look at visually in this book on every single spread. It’s also got lovely counting and observation activities in the back that you can do with a young reader. I think it would make a beautiful, beautiful gift, either in the lead up to Christmas or for overseas visitors."

~ Allison Tait, Your Kid's Next Read (Ep. YKNR 226)

"A stunning festive celebration of Australian flora and fauna."

~ Lucy from @lovefourreading

"Cleverly constructed rhyme ... stunning illustrations - [this book is] a vibrant and joyful celebration of birds and flowers in the Aussie bush at Christmas."

~ Gemma Patience, @mypicturebookheart

"Just wanted to thank you for my beautiful copy of The 12 Birds of Christmas that arrived in the post yesterday. I absolutely love it. One of my favourite parts, and there are so many, are the hints of the next bird on the edge of the pages. I can't wait to read it to our great grandchildren. Thanks again for this wonderful book."

~ Rachel McCracken 

"Just thought I’d let you know we LOVE your new Christmas book. We have read it every night since I picked it up. Oti requests it every night by signing bird and I don’t know why but gets off my lap and sits on the floor in front of me (I look like I’m reading it out to a school group but it’s just his little face smiling up at me). The story is beautiful, the pictures stunning, it’s just fab!! We love it and I’m buying a copy for our teacher as a Chrissy gift - it’s so special!! xxx"

~ Catherine Williams

    Submit your review of The 12 Birds of Christmas here!