The Anzac Billy

By Claire Saxby

Hardback

A billy can't be posted, delivered on a bike, or sent in a car, truck or train. It has to be loaded on a ship with all those other Anzac billies for other soldier dads...

During World War I, Australian soldiers serving on the front were sent Christmas care packages – tin billies filled by families and friends. This is the story of one little boy lovingly selecting, with the help of his mum and grandma, favourite and useful things for his dad's billy – butterscotch, nuts, handkerchiefs, writing paper and more.

Then, with a wish that the billy makes it in time for Christmas Day, he sends it on its way... Sail, big ship of billies, sail far across the sea. Until you reach the other side, until you reach my dad...