About the Book
Basil, a curious and noble saluki, is celebrating his very first Christmas. Everything is new to him—snow, the Christmas tree, colorful presents, carols, and festive treats. Through funny moments full of canine curiosity (and clumsy mishaps), Basil learns what holiday spirit really means and how important friends, family, and shared moments are.
While people enjoy the festivities, Basil wonders whether he’ll get a present too—and whether all those decorations are really just for beauty… The book playfully explores a dog’s-eye view of the holidays and encourages young readers to understand that Christmas isn’t only about gifts, but above all about friendship, acceptance, and warmth.
Highlights
- A humorous and heartwarming story about a dog’s first Christmas.
- Helps children explore key holiday values—friendship, community, and giving.
- Beautiful illustrations by Ana Forjan create a true festive atmosphere.
- Cozy and funny—perfect for Christmastime reading.
- An ideal gift for the holidays!
Customer Reviews
“A wonderful book for the holidays! My daughter loves it—and now it’s part of our Christmas reading every year.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Basil made us laugh and moved us in equal measure. The perfect gift!” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Other titles in the Saluki series
- Saluki Basil Goes to the Sea
- Saluki Basil
About the author
Tadeja Pirnat Battelli is the author and founder of Multa Verba Books. She found the inspiration for the Saluki Basil series in real-life moments with her dog Basil—a noble saluki whose curiosity and distinct character offer an endless source of stories. Her writing blends humor, warmth, and observations from everyday life, bringing readers closer to the world of animals and to the bonds between them and people.
Ana Forjan is the illustrator whose recognizable style and rich color palette bring the stories to life. Her illustrations add warmth, movement, and expressive characters, enriching the narrative and making it even more immersive. As a long-time friend of the author, she has visually supported Basil’s stories and created a look that draws readers into his world.
Saluki Basil Celebrates Christmas is their collaborative work—combining an authentic narrative with beautiful illustrations to conjure a true festive atmosphere for readers.
Colophon
Book details (EN)
• Title: Saluki Basil Celebrates Christmas
• Author: Tadeja Pirnat Battelli
• Illustrator: Ana Forjan
• Publisher: Multa Verba Books
• Year of publication: 2023
• EAN/ISBN: 978-961-96218-7-5
• Language: Slovene
• Age recommendation: 6+
• Pages: 68
• Format: 24 × 16.5 cm
• Binding: Hardcover
Genre: Humor, short story,