On the weekend we took a trip into town to see the Myer windows. This year they are themed around the gorgeous picture book Olivia Helps With Christmas by Ian Falconer. Olivia is one of my all time favourite picture book characters; she has spunk and a huge personality.
Ned loved the windows and kept repeating “Owivia” at the top of his voice. Although I was a little disappointed with the translation of the book to the window -but maybe I was expecting to much. The main thing is Ned had a good time.
My all time favourite Myer Christmas windows are still Wombat Divine in 2006. Does anyone else have a favourite?
Oh! I loved ‘The Polar Express’ in 2004, but my all time favourite was ‘The Butterfly Ball and the Grasshopper’s Feast’ back in 1975.
Sigh. I still love that poem!
My girls are Olivia fans and really enjoyed it – though at the end one did ask where the next story was!
I wish I had known of the book Wombat Divine when that was there – it’s another favourtie here.
Each year, the children’s book chosen is always quite different and in direct contrast to the previous years.
2008 – “How Santa Really Works” was visually very detailed and busy, whilst the 2009 season, in contrast, is visually quite basic, but entertains the audience using a combination of synchronised animation, lighting and narration.
It’s difficult designing a set of windows, which begin life as simple line drawings, which sit on a white page. The audience have an expectation for high detail, glitz etc. year in / year out, but this is not always possible, if I am to stay truthful to the chosen book.
Over the 15 years of designing & building the windows, I have tried to present as many varied themes as possible – the one underlining goal is to stimulate childhood reading.
Merry Christmas
John Kerr
Creative Director