Twelve Days of Christmas Giving

A Bellbird in a Flame Tree

by Kilmeny Niland

Readers should be introduced to and have the opportunity to discuss a classic story or an original piece of music before they can be expected to enjoy an adaptation. I suggest using the Jan Brett version of The Twelve Days of Christmas before reading A Bellbird in a Flame Tree. Some preliminary discussion of the animals of Australia and the fact that Christmas is a summer holiday there might also be helpful.