Marg Gibbs Shares her Joy with Goose on Christmas Eve
Interview by justwriteforkids on October 9, 2024
We are tremendously jingled to welcome back one of our favourite poets and children’s author, Marg Gibbs, to share her newest joy; the festive family fun of Goose on Christmas Eve. This is a treasured collection of 24 poems for children, beautifully culminating from the work of Australian artists and some very special young contributors. Thanks, Marg, for bringing such love and happiness into our lives this summer holiday season! 
Congratulations on the release of your delightfully cheerful new poetry book, Goose on Christmas Eve!
This is the second book in a series of collective poems, following the gorgeous Goose at the Gate. What do you love about writing poetry for children, and what is the inspiration behind these titles?
I love the joy, imagination, and rhyme in poems for children—the tapping-out rhythm, beat, and read-a-loud process. You can capture a lot of emotion and heart in a short space.
My nickname is Goose, which is kind of fun and quirky and developed from my adult kids. When they text me, they sign, “Love you, Goose!” Over the years, it has stuck. I have used it in both poetry collections for the title. Think Mother Goose!
Who did you collaborate with for this current project? What was the process like working with the young, and grown up artists?
I collaborated with artists Jenny Catalano from the Sunshine Coast and Zoe Bennett, a Sydney award-winning illustrator. Both women agreed to do art for me.
The young artists include some of my grandchildren, Matilda, Josh, Eli, Annie, and James. I challenged them to think about their drawings and to create something in their Brisbane homes to suit the poem. The other artist, Isla McDonald, eight years old, lives in Mooloolah Valley, and her mum was excited that I asked her to come up with a picture for ‘Annie’s Running Shoes.’ Children are natural storytellers and artists, even if they need encouragement.
Do you have a favourite poem and/or illustration?
That’s a difficult one. The cute watercolour border collie on page 39 and Rudolph on page 35 bring a smile, although, to be honest, I love all of them equally. Favourite poem is – Jingle Toes and Twenty-Four Wishes.
The illustrations, created by some very special people in your life, are a beautiful mix of painted line drawings and cut-out paper collages of absolutely the most festive colours, scenes and Christmas trinkets. What do you love most about these illustrations and how they portray the feeling of this poetry edition?
I adore the way they bring simplicity and a spark of innocence – coloured pencil sloth, watercolour mermaid, painted cut-out doves and wise men on camels in collage. The line drawings are clear and appeal to children. Mixed media adds texture and fun.
The art of the special people portrays feelings of joy, love, surprise and pride.
What do you hope readers will gain from reading and engaging with Goose on Christmas Eve?
I hope all readers will gain the magic and fun of Christmas, that time of the year when everyone is busy and on holiday.
What has been the most challenging and most rewarding aspects of your publication journey?
I have had no challenges with this publication. Perhaps a couple of scans didn’t work the first time, so I tried another way. My designer, Helen Christie from Blue Wren Books, supported me immensely. A rewarding aspect is watching the artwork come to life, and the children are excited when they see their illustrations on the page.
Anything else about yourself or Goose on Christmas Eve you’d like to share?
The Christmas knock-knocks at the end were an addition. Also, I wrote a poem called For Friends, Neighbours, and Cousins, which included many names in the families that I needed to spell check.
Overall, I’m very proud of the publication.
Thanks so much, Marg! These poems are such a joy! 😊
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