Episode 836 - Dani Vee, Ashleigh Barton and Erin Reeves - That’s What Makes it Christmas ⭐️ Published by Hachette

Ashley Barton, a children's author with a background in publishing, has released a new picture book titled "That's What Makes It Christmas," which captures the essence of an Australian Christmas. Drawing from her childhood experiences and current family traditions, Barton emphasizes the unique elements of Christmas in Australia, such as warm weather, beach outings, and festive foods like pavlova and watermelon. The book aims to resonate with Australian families by highlighting relatable moments that define the holiday season.

Illustrator Erin Reeves, making her debut in children's literature, contributes a distinctive visual style to the book. She incorporates a playful theme of stripes throughout the illustrations, symbolizing the idea that family is a gift. Both Barton and Reeves discuss the collaborative process of creating the book, noting that while they worked separately, their individual experiences and perspectives enriched the final product. The duo emphasizes the importance of showcasing an authentic Australian Christmas, contrasting it with the typical snowy depictions often found in holiday literature.

The conversation also touches on the challenges of standing out in a crowded market of holiday books, with Barton admitting that her focus was primarily on capturing her personal Christmas memories rather than market trends. Reeves shares insights into her artistic process, highlighting the handmade quality of her illustrations as a response to the increasing prevalence of digital art and AI in the industry. Both creators express their excitement about contributing to a narrative that reflects their shared cultural experiences, ultimately aiming to provide a meaningful reading experience for children and families.

Dear book lovers

We talk about capturing an Aussie Christmas, nostalgia and pushing back against AI

We also explore:

✅ Unique experiences of an Aussie Christmas ✅ Human made art ✅ Working together as author/ illustrator ✅ The process of illustration ✅ How to make a Christmas book stand out ✅ A book they dream of creating ✅ How often we create

Support the industry by hitting play and reading more books!

Dani 💋