The Christmas Beetle
A warm Australian Christmas picture book
What is Christmas?
A curious little Christmas beetle has heard everyone saying “Merry Christmas!” but no one has explained what Christmas actually is.
Is it shiny decorations? Opening presents? Watermelon at a picnic? Beach cricket? Family?
As the tiny beetle follows one Australian family through Christmas Day, he discovers that Christmas might be bigger than any one thing.
The Christmas Beetle is a warm Australian picture book celebrating sunshine, beaches, family and the little moments that make Christmas feel like Christmas.
Things You'll Love
- Australian Christmas picture book
- Christmas at the beach
- Curious little Christmas beetle
- Sunshine, watermelon and beach cricket
- Family Christmas Day moments
- Gentle non-religious Christmas story
- No Santa or magic focus
- Warm summer read-aloud
- Australian animal main character
- Perfect for younger readers
Behind the Story
Renee decided to write a Christmas-themed picture book because she had Christmas books for other ages, but had somehow missed her younger readers.
She wanted something distinctly Australian, like Christmas at the beach. She also wanted an Australian animal, but something a little different. The story was not going to focus on religion, Santa or magic. It needed to feel like an Australian family Christmas through curious little eyes.
Then Renee remembered the shiny Christmas beetles that used to try to sneak in the back door when she was a kid. She does not see them much these days, but they always made her smile. And who better to star in a Christmas book than a Christmas beetle?
Read a Sample
About the Author
Renee Conoulty writes warm, funny and accessible books for children, families and readers who enjoy stories with heart, humour and a distinctly Australian flavour.
Title: The Christmas Beetle
Author: Renee Conoulty
Series / Collection: Standalone
Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Australian Christmas / Summer Christmas
Reader Appeal: Australian Christmas picture book, Christmas at the beach, Christmas beetle, family Christmas, summer read-aloud
Target Audience: younger children / families / classrooms / Australian Christmas readers
Publication Date: October 15, 2026
Availability: Available via Amazon and other retailers.
ASIN: B0H9HP64NS
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/u/4A98ve
Search Keywords: Australian Christmas picture book, Christmas beetle book for kids, summer Christmas story, Christmas at the beach picture book, non-religious Christmas book for children, Australian animal Christmas book, beach cricket Christmas book, watermelon Christmas story
Summary for Search: The Christmas Beetle is a warm Australian Christmas picture book by Renee Conoulty about a curious Christmas beetle discovering Christmas through sunshine, beach cricket, watermelon, family and the small moments that make Christmas feel like Christmas.