For most Australian children, presents are part of the magic of Christmas. Waking early, racing to the tree, eagerly unwrapping gifts; it’s an experience of childhood we all treasure. But for 1.2 million children living in poverty, it’s an experience that’s often out of reach.

In late 2020, The Smith Family launched its annual Christmas toy and book appeal, asking all Australians to help bring joy to disadvantaged children by gifting toys, books and donations. And they came to us to help them get the message out there.

Books in particular are important gifts for younger children, improving their cognitive, language and social-emotional development.

To help The Smith Family spread the word and encourage more book donations, we turned to Australia’s greatest advocates for the gift of reading: our beloved Australian authors.

We asked authors Jacqueline Harvey, Gregg Dreise and Jennifer Byrne to review the gift of reading.

Each bringing their own unique voice, their reviews would make us understand how it feels to gift a donation that will help an impoverished child learn to read.

“The perfect gift this Christmas is the one that’s wanted, and this has it all.Children who need it. Siblings who can share it. And no fake smile at the end.”– Jennifer Byrne.

“Today it can be kindness that we lovingly share, a gift. . .the present. . .a great time to care.” – Gregg Dreise (5-stars).

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