Children’s picture books make a great choice for sharing at Easter (although of course, chocolate is still yummy). Some new titles available now.

The Easter Bunny Hunt

By Stacy Gregg

Illustrated by Sarah Jennings

ISBN 9780008517298

Harper Collins

No, Cat, no. That’s not the bunny.

This line is repeated throughout the book as Cat goes in search of the Easter Bunny and his basket of eggs. Dog’s descriptions of the Easter Bunny are just a little ambiguous and Cat is left a bit confused. Cat does however, meet new friends along the way and eventually, they all enjoy meeting the Easter Bunny and sharing in eating some chocolate Easter Eggs. The brevity of text and the full page, bright and colourful illustrations, make this a fun read for preschoolers.

Hatch and Match

Written and illustrated by Ruth Paul

ISBN 9781760656980

Walker Books

Cluck, cluck, cluck. Scritch and Scratch.

Chickens look for eggs that match.

There is so much to like about Ruth Paul’s gorgeous new picture book.

There’s the fun rhyme, bright colourful illustrations, and of course the story itself where heaps of different coloured chickens go in search of their matching eggs. Stripy chickens, stripy eggs, spotty chickens and spotty eggs and so many more. Children will have lots of fun searching and matching in this interactive picture book.

Fast, slow. Let’s go!

By Sally Sutton

Illustrated by Brian Lovelock

ISBN 9781760653392

Walker Books

Sally Sutton is back with another amusing, rhyming story. The rhythm creates a perfect sing-song to read aloud. In between each semi-repeated verse, are pages with wonderful onomatopoeia words.

Quick, dash!

Don’t crash!

or

Splish, splosh.

Sploosh, wash.

It is a lovely sunny day and children decide to visit the park all the way across town. Some bike, some scooter, some take a bus and some even sail but no matter how they choose to travel, they all get together in the park for a very special birthday.

The illustrator uses pigmented inks, creating softer images. Another top book from author Sally Sutton and illustrator, Brian Lovelock.

Pipi Dance

By Angie Belcher

Illustrated by Lily Uivel

ISBN 9781775438083

Scholastic NZ

Gathering kai from the beach becomes a lively song and dance for Mumma and Bubs as the search for pipi. This has a very New Zealand feel.

Lots of rhyme, rhythmn, and repetition add to the enjoyment of reading this new story. Many families know the experience of hunting for pipi on local beaches so this book is very relatable. I certainly remember as a child, strolling along the sand, bucket in hand, searching for pipi and mussels that would later become our dinner. The illustrations and colour tones are great and add to the atmosphere of a fun family day.

Ruby Loud Mouse and the Ruru

By Alice Pearce

Illustrated by Dine the Fox

ISBN 9781776890972

Bateman Books

Ruby is a mouse and a very loud one at that. She has trouble being quiet especially in places where she really should whisper, or even not talk at all.

Everyone is always telling her to “shhhh”. In the library, at the movies, in school, but Ruby struggles. She loves singing, tapping and humming best of all. Then comes the day when her village is in danger of being attacked by a ruru.

Who will save everyone? Will Ruby find a way to help? Ruby is a fun character with a good story and sweet, bright illustrations. A fun read-aloud.

Queen of the Cosmos: Beatrice Hill Tinsley. New creative non-fiction picture book by Maria Gill, illus. by A Hughes. Stars, galaxies, astronomy, cosmology & a young woman determined to make a difference in the world.

Queen of the Cosmos: Beatrice Hill Tinsley

By Maria Gill

Illustrated by Alistair Hughes

ISBN 9781776940059

Beatrice Hill Tinsley was born in the UK in 1941. Her family moved to New Zealand in 1945. It was a difficult time back then for women to be taken seriously, especially women wanting to work in the sciences. Beatrice was fascinated with the stars and galaxies and accomplished some amazing things. I won’t tell you all about them here, but reading Maria Gill’s new book will explain everything.

A biographical account of Beatrice’s life is told creatively in picture book format, making it accessible for many readers. Her life was full of achievements and changed the way scientists viewed the skies above us. Sadly, Beatrice died young but her legacy lives on.

How amazing to be a pioneer in astronomy and cosmology, and to be ahead of her time. Beatrice and her accomplishments are an inspiration to all.

The illustrations offer another opportunity to explore Beatrice’s life.

The addition of a glossary and a timeline also add to the reading experience.

Another top book from Maria Gill.

Sun Shower is another delightful picture book by Melinda Szymanik, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White @MelSzymanik

Sun Shower

By Melinda Szymanik

Illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

ISBN 9781775437765

Scholastic NZ

It is always a pleasure to read any book, especially picture books, written by Melinda Szymanik.

Sun Shower is her latest. Sun and rain have never met. When one is out, the other is hiding. The clouds think they would make wonderful friends, but neither sun nor rain agree. The clouds are determined to get the two together and after a little plotting and tricking, the sun and rain finally meet. Then a beautiful, wonderful rainbow appears. Friends, now for life.

This is a sweet story to share with young readers. It is not just a story of friendship, but a fun way to learn a little about weather.

This is a delightful book with lovely, bright, full-page illustrations. There is a cuteness too, which will appeal to young readers.

To make the most of this book in a classroom setting, teacher notes can be found here.

The final year. A powerful and moving middle grade verse novel by acclaimed poet Matt Goodfellow. @EarlyTrain @Joetoddstanton @OtterBarryBooks

The final year

By Matt Goodfellow

Illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton

ISBN 9781915659040

Otter-Barry Books Ltd

Nate is 10 years old and about to enter year 6. He values his friends, and family. Mum is an out-of-work, single parent and his two brothers, and himself, all have different fathers. None of the fathers are involved in their lives, so life can get a bit difficult at times. Nate is a caring big brother and loyal friend but when friendships are tested, and he starts being bullied, Nate isn’t sure how to cope, or what to do.

Indeed, the surprise falling out with his best friend, leaves Nate in a place that is lonely, and hard to navigate.

Told in verse, which is a perfect format for Nate’s story, we get to know him very well. We hear his voice, his dialect, we connect with him. We feel his joy, his pain, and his panic when disaster happens.

Nate is both cool, and the odd-one-out. He is funny, quirky, and at times I wanted to give him a hug. As he struggles to find his place in the world, as readers, we go along with him; the good and the bad.

The power of verse novels is in their brevity, the language used and the ability to really get inside a character’s head and thoughts. The final year, does just this. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Nate.

The occasional illustrations make a wonderful addition to this novel. Highly recommended.

The beach activity book : 99 ideas for activities by the water around Aotearoa New Zealand. Written by Rachel Haydon and illustrated by Pippa Keel

The beach activity book : 99 ideas for activities by the water around Aotearoa New Zealand.

By Rachel Haydon

Illustrated by Pippa Keel

ISBN 9781991165510

Te Papa Press

This wonderful activity book is a follow up to the Nature Activity Book, published by Te Papa Press in 2020. It is the same format, full of ideas and activities for children but this time the focus is around water. Beaches, rock pools, lakes and rivers are places many New Zealanders spend their time. This book offers suggestions on exploring these areas and having more fun. This is a great book for making the most of family time together.

The book has pages of information, ideas, but also spaces for readers to answer questions or draw pictures of their explorations. There are spaces to be creative and write stories or thoughts about new discoveries. Learn about tides, shells, waterways and much more. There is an excellent glossary at the back of the book, as well as answers to questions.

It is nice to find an activity book which focuses on fun, while learning at the same time. It would be fun to repeat some of the same activities throughout the year to see the differences in seasons.

Find a copy in store now and have some fun.

Here is another example of what can be found inside; this is page 176.

Tails of Tangleby Gardens 2 : Written by Sue Heazlewood and illustrated by Jane Smith. Familiar animal friends are back with a new story and lots more home-baking recipes. More yumminess.

Tails of Tangleby Gardens 2

By Sue Heazlewood

Illustrated by Jane Smith

ISBN 9780473680961

Auckram Publishing

In December last year I posted a review of Tails of Tangleby Gardens and now, a year later, I am happy to say that there is a second book. It is just as lovely as the first book.

Once again, writer, illustrator and publisher have produced another beautiful book full of stories and recipes. We meet up again with our woodland friends; hedgehogs, mice, rabbits, frogs, birds, ducks and butterflies. The animals and birds live in Tangleby Gardens and spend their time having fun and are very much like one big family. The animals are gathering to get ready for Christmas and trying to decorate a tree. However, there are a few naughty rats trying their best to ruin the animals fun.

In Tangleby Gardens, the animals wear clothes, even fly on a plane, but the best thing is that they can bake. Oh and they bake with the best recipes. I want to try all the recipes, especially Chocolate Santa Boots. Or maybe the Christmas Rocky Road, or even the Peacock Fruit Platter. So many to choose from. There are cakes to bake, meals to make and every one of the recipes comes with a colour photograph, with a few friendly animals helping along the way.

The index makes it super helpful to find the recipes you want to try. This hard-backed, gorgeously illustrated chapter book with full, but easy to follow recipes, is a timely book for Christmas.

Taniwha, grandfathers, friendships, positive thinking, forgetfulness, shoes, and more, are topics in recent new picture books to share with younger readers

Tama and the Taniwha

By Melanie Koster

Illustrated by Monica Koster

ISBN 9781775437932

Scholastic NZ

Tama and the Taniwha is the winner of the Storylines Joy Cowley Award.

Written by Melanie Koster and illustrated by her daughter, Monica Koster, this picture book is sure to be a hit.

Tama and his grandparents are spending time at the lake, enjoying the sunshine. The day is warm enough for a swim but Tama’s sisters tease him, reminding him the lake could be hiding a taniwha. They warn him not to put his waewae in the water, or other parts of his body either, for fear the taniwha might get him. Finding courage within himself, Tama packs away his fears and slowly ventures into the water. And guess what is waiting for him!

The illustrations are bold, with lots of different shades of green, just like nature. I love the taniwha on the cover, and while it is rather large, it doesn’t look particularly fierce to me. There is a definite hint of a smile adding to the humour of this story. This is great as it demonstrates, in a fun, relatable way, that overcoming your fears may take courage, but it will be worth it. You never know what good things might happen next.

It is great to see the use of Maori words within the story, particularly, for the body parts. A good book for teachers, school libraries, and for sharing at home.

Look said the little girl

By Tania Norfolk

Illustrated by Aleksandra Szmidt

ISBN 9781775438175

Scholastic NZ

A little girl and an old man go out walking. She asks him to look at the different things on their way.

“Look,” said the little girl, “a ladybird!”

She tells him what it looks like, “a tiny turtle in a fancy dress…”

He asks her to listen and then describe the different sounds he hears.

Together, using their senses to listen, see and smell, they find beauty all around them. They also find a friend.

Look! said the little girl is a sweet, imaginative story. It is a fun way to think about senses and ideal for pre-schools and primary schools. The illustrations are bright and bold, adding to this fun exploration of nature. The setting is non-specific, so could be any place in the world. I really like the hats, especially the wee daisy on the girl’s hat.

Grandpa’s dashing dessert

By Tania Sickling

Illustrated by Lael Chisholm

ISBN 9781775437819

Scholastic NZ

Pavlova, is one of the best desserts, ever. Here, we have a funny, rhyming picture book about a runaway pavlova. Grandpa’s pavlova is big, really big, with lots of cream, fruit and sprinkles. It is sitting, towering on a plate on a trolley. However, when Grandpa accidentally loses control of the trolley, it rolls out the door and down the path towards disaster. Can anyone save the pav?

This is a good and bright, colourful picture book to read aloud. I do love the stripy cat who manages to get into almost every page of the book.

Shoe trouble

By Eleanor Neil

Illustrated by Lisa Allen

ISBN 9781776940004

Upstart Press

Eleanor has started going to school on the bus, just like the big kids. Eleanor loves the different activities they do each day. At the end of the day she runs out of the classroom to catch the bus back home. She remembers to grab her school bag, reading book and her lunch box, but forgets something very important.

Eleanor forgets her shoes. Not just on Monday, but every day that first week of school. Five year olds can’t be expected to remember everything, but shoes are probably not the thing most children would forget.

Will she remember her shoes next week? You’ll have to read it and see for yourself.

I can do it

Words and song By Suzy Cato and Kath Bee

Illustrated by Rose Northey

ISBN 9781775438144

Suzy Cato is well known for songwriting for children. Her latest picture book encourages children to give things a go. Trying to do something new, taking risks and being proud of personal achievements, is the focus. So often, children and adults too, try to be the best, to be better than everyone else. That’s cool if that happens, but it is not as important as trying to be your own best. Be the best you, you can be.

Being able to finally say “I can do it!” is a wonderful feeling. It is not just personal success here, but also the willingness to help and encourage others to do their personal best.

Bright, colourful illustrations fill the pages, with lots of summery fun. A ideal picture book to share to encourage positive thinking, helping each other, and building self-confidence.

The song is available to stream or download from your favourite digital platforms.

Ziggle! The Len Lye art activity book by Rebecca Fawkner. A bumper, fun-filled, book to inspire the artist in everyone. @masseyunipress

Ziggle! The Len Lye art activity book

By Rebecca Fawkner

ISBN 9781991016409

Massey University Press

Len Lye was one of New Zealand’s great artists.

He believed art “moved, art felt, art experimented” and looking at the photos of his work throughout the book, it shows.

This delightful book, Ziggle! is packed full of fun, and art inspired activities. Facts about the artist are woven seamlessly into the pages and between the 65 different activities. I confess that I can’t even draw a straight line but there are so many things I want to try out for myself in this book.

Len Lye used his senses when creating art and this book encourages readers to do the same.

As an artist, Len Lye also created sculptures, even using old pots and pans. He combined art ideas with science, patterns, 3D shapes, and light and shadows. His observations and his focus on his senses, helped him create work that can still be found in art galleries today.

The activities are well-laid out. The list of requirements are items found in most homes and the instructions are easy to follow. Try drawing pictures to go with poems, or making tin foil sculptures. Perhaps, you might want to draw your emotions, or create patterns, or even make poi.

There is just so much on offer in this book, with many, many hours of creativity to be enjoyed. It is a treasure.

This would be ideal for children to have their own copy. An inspiring and encouraging book, no matter your artistic ability. It is a perfect book for Christmas and school holidays.

New NZ non-fiction books for children. Birds, the night sky, sharks and rays of Aotearoa @upstartpressnz Great books for dipping and diving in at any page.

I must begin with a bit of a confession. It has been awhile since blogging. Life has just been a little hectic but I’m hopefully back on track. There are also not so many book trailers being made these days so I am contemplating changing the blog name. Feel free to email me what you think. Thanks for reading my reviews.

It is so pleasing to see New Zealand publishers providing more and more non-fiction books for children. For years, a lot of children’s non-fiction books came from overseas with little NZ content. However, that has certainly changed and now there are more books with a focus on New Zealand; the country, people and our animals. Below are a few of my favourite new ones.

A first book of New Zealand backyard bird songs

By Fred van Gessel

ISBN 9781990003899

White Cloud Books

I have probably spent more time than I should, pressing the buttons on the side of this colourful and informative board book. Don’t be fooled though, as it is not a baby book. It is suitable for all ages and its bullet points make it easy to read the many interesting facts about NZ birds. One fact that stands out for me, is the tui has a repertoire of more than 300 songs and calls. That is pretty amazing. Each bird has one page dedicated to photos and the facing page has facts and interesting bits to enjoy. Included is the bellbird, fantail, silvereye, thrush and many more.

Lots of fun and interaction with this delightful book.

New Zealand Bird Calls.

Text and Photography by Lynette Moon

First published by New Holland Publishers in 2011

New Edition by White Cloud books

ISBN 9781776940264

The topic of this A5 size photographic book is New Zealand birds and the natural songs and calls they make. It is one to keep handy and refer to when different birds fly into your garden, or if you are out and about in parks and bush walking. Readers can hear these beautiful sounds for themselves by scanning the QR code on each page. Scanning will take readers to a short recording of each bird song. As I tested each code, my kitten was lying on the bed next to my office chair and she became quite confused. Ears up and searching the room for birds.

The book contains heaps of photos and useful information, on 60 birds. There is an index page which is always useful. Definitely a good book for New Zealand school libraries and also a handy guide for inquiring minds at home.

The New Zealand Night Sky

By Alistair Hughes

ISBN 9781776940110

White Cloud Books

The New Zealand Night Sky is a good introduction to our night sky. Lots of information, without being too wordy, and bold coloured illustrations on every page. It covers constellations, planets, stars, comets and meteors and the sun among other interesting parts.

It discusses Matariki, which is now central to so many studies at school. A double page spread takes us on a brief bio of some New Zealand’s famous astronomers and scientists, like Sir William Pickering and Algernon Charles Gifford. It was Gifford who proved that the craters on the moon were formed by meteorites and not volcanoes. Another very good book for schools, but also young, keen astronomers.

Mangō: Sharks and Rays of Aotearoa

By Ned Barraud

ISBN 9781991165565

Tepapa Press

I handed this book to a group of students (ages 9 – 11) to give me their opinion. They loved it. With the turning of each page, the children became more talkative and more engaged, pointing out different facts and images of the sharks (Mangō) and rays found in New Zealand waters. They particularly liked the foldout page with illustrations of ancient sharks

Ned Barraud, the author and illustrator, is well-known for his non-fiction books for children. In this newest book, he begins with the arrival of a baby carpet shark coming out of the kelp and ends full-circle with the adult carpet shark returning and finding a place to hide in the kelp and attach her precious egg case. The pages in between provide information on sharks.

I found the historical details most interesting, especially how the sharks provided both kai and taonga. There is a pattern used in Maori art called mangopare, where the design looks like a hammerhead shark. It is a symbol of strength, courage and power. I love details like this.

The Kupu (Maori words) list of explanations is very useful, as is the glossary of Mango words.

Epic New Zealand Adventurers by Maria Gill and illustrated by Marco Ivancic. Find out about Jean Batten, Laura Dekker, Lisa Tamati, Sir Edmund Hillary and more Kiwi adventurers.

Epic New Zealand Adventurers

By Maria Gill

Illustrated by Marco Ivancic

ISBN 978871776940127

Maria Gill has thoughtfully compiled an introduction to 10 New Zealand adventurers.

This is not so much a biographical picture book, but more an introduction to some of New Zealand’s best adventurers. There is enough information to whet the appetite, and tempt readers to explore more themselves. Some names are well known, like Sir Edmund Hillary, but a few lesser known people are included.

I think about how many of the people here have shown themselves to be determined and considerably brave. They have believed in themselves, taken risks and succeeded.

Laura Dekker, at 14 years old, sailed around the world on her own. The Dutch authorities where she was living, refused to let her do this trip, even taking her to court 8 times to stop her. They said she was too young. Laura was so determined to sail the world that her and her father left the Netherlands and she began her adventure on her own, from a different starting point. What a truly, amazing and courageous thing to do. I could never imagine being that brave or being alone for such a long time. Find out how long she was on her own, when you read this book. You’ll be so amazed.

Marco Ivancic has once again illustrated Maria’s book. Their work together is always top notch. The art is a kind of photo realism, which suits the text so well.

Another good book for teachers, school libraries, and parents. It is great for sharing with children and demonstrates, that with a bit of confidence and believing in themselves, children can take on challenges and have their own adventures.

New picture books from Donovan Bixley. Starting school, counting in te Reo Maori. Bright, bold illustrations and lots of fun for young children. @upstartpressnz

The great Kiwi School Day

ISBN 9781776940295

The great Kiwi School Day is Donovan Bixley’s latest picture book and due out early September. Starting school can be a challenge for many children. The first day can be daunting, even if a child has had earlier visits to a school. This picture book makes it look less daunting, and more like fun.

Grandpa takes our young narrator to school for their first day. We are not told the child’s name, but a young observant reader might notice the name on the hook when they hang up their school bag. See if you can find it.

This is a good introduction into schools and their structure. Our young narrator shares time learning to read and write, playtime, lunch time, making friends, listening to stories and other little everyday things that happen on any given school day.

True, to most primary schools, the teacher often uses Te Reo Maori in her greetings, and instructions and this becomes second nature to the children. The illustrations demonstrate the inclusiveness and diversity of primary schools throughout New Zealand.

A good read to share together with young children who are about to start school.

Tā te Kiwi 123 Puka Tatau

By Donovan Bixley and Darren Joseph

ISBN 9781776940332

Upstart Press

Donovan Bixley’s children’s books are instantly recognised everywhere. The bright, bold colours, and quirky animal characters, are distinctly his forte. They are always filled with so much Kiwi uniqueness that his books are ideal for sending to family and friends overseas. His books are aimed at younger children, but their appeal crosses all ages and generations.

This latest book is all about counting in Te Reo Maori. Many of the characters may seem familiar as they have appeared in a number of his picture books. There is an English version as well.

The inside cover has images of the characters from within the book. This adds to the appeal, as younger readers search for the characters inside the pages.

Number 20 is a class of 20 children from all backgrounds and personalities, including the boy with his tongue hanging out. As someone who works in schools, I can definitely say there is always at least one child making a face on school photos day. The children all have something in their hands or on their body which has something to do with their hobbies. My eyes, of course, went straight to the boy with books in his hands.

Check out the double page spread with the quirky, woolly sheep, playing rugby. It certainly is a very Kiwi book.

There is also a companion colouring-in book. An excellent idea for encouraging te reo Maori and making it accessible to all.

Tā te Kiwi 123 Puka Tatau Whakakarakara

ISBN 9781776940332

Tuatara : A living treasure by Katie Furze, illustrated by Ned Barraud. An illustrated exploration of New Zealand’s most ancient reptile: the tuatara. @KatieFurze

Tuatara: A living treasure

By Katie Furze

Illustrated by Ned Barraud

ISBN 9781775437987

Scholastic NZ

To New Zealanders, the tuatara are taonga; that means treasure. This delightful picture book explores how tuatara once lived at the same time as dinosaurs. Author, Katie Furze takes us through the life of tuatara; where they live, what they eat, how many babies they might have, and many more interesting facts.

There are bite-size bits of information along the bottom or top of some pages. The last two pages provide a background on the history of this wonderful creature as well as other facts about the tuatara.

The illustrations are from Ned Barraud. His ability to capture the natural world is well respected. The colours are natural, with lots of greens and browns. The book has a lovely embossed cover, a gently reminder of the spines of tuatara.

There are many native birds and insects included in the art work, making this a very special NZ book. It is ideal for sending overseas to family and friends and it is perfect for school libraries. The book is informative, easy to read, realistically illustrated, and has a sweet, circular story about one treasured tuatara.

The Twin Stars of Matariki: Waitī and Waitā. Miriama Kamo and illustrator Zak Waipara bring us another good picture book for sharing at this special time of year. @scholasticNZ

The Twin Stars of Matariki: Waitī and Waitā

By Miriama Kamo

Illustrated by Zak Waipara

ISBN 9781775438250

Scholastic NZ

Matariki is a time to celebrate. It is a time for families to come together and think about how everything in the environment is interconnected, not just to the environment itself, but to humans, too. It signals a new year; giving thanks for the harvests been, and new ones to come. It is also a time to reflect on the people in our lives who are no longer with us.

Like its companion book The Stolen Stars of Matariki, this story is also set in Birdling’s Flat, which is a small settlement not far out of Christchurch. Just metres from the shore and wild sea is a freshwater lake, Te Roto o Wairewa. I have many fond memories of going there and searching for agates on the stony shore with my grandfather. He would polish the stones we collected and turn them into jewellery. Special stones and special memories.

Sam and Te Rerehua are back visiting Grandma and Poua at Te Mata Hapuku, which is the Maori name given for Birdlings Flat. Grandma and Poua tell wonderful stories of long ago. When eeling in the lake and looking at the stars one Matariki night, they notice the star Waitī is struggling to shine. It seems that the lake is struggling too. The whanau decide planting new plants would help the lake and that would help Waitī. However, some very naughty fairies, the Patupaiarehe come out at night and pull up the new plants. Grandma comes up with a plan and they all get together to save the plants, so that can help save the lake, and that can help Waitī. Everything is connected.

The bright, vivid illustrations clearly show the warmth of family as they work together to save the environment. Another good story to share for Matariki and anytime in between. There are teacher notes here for anyone wanting to take a more in-depth look at this story on the theme of Matariki, family, traditions, environment, and celebrations. A good addition to school libraries.

Kereru by G. Kane is a beautiful picture book. Birds of the week/Nga Manu O Te Wiki by D & G Torckler, is a photographic introduction to birds in NZ. Around and about Aotearoa by D. Gunson is full of fun, facts & figures

Kereru

By Glenda Kane

Illustrated by Lisa Allen

ISBN 9781776890545

Bateman Books

Aren’t the colours on this cover just beautiful? I love the soft turquoise, lavenders, blues and greens. They reflect the natural colours of our endemic Kererū bird, the New Zealand wood pigeon. The same gorgeous tones are used on the illustrations throughout the book.

Kereru have left baby bird in the nest while they go in search of food. However, a hungry, pesky pest has been watching and when the parents return, the nest is empty. What follows next is typical of what is happening throughout New Zealand’s forests and bush. The story reflects the damage done to our native birds by introduced pests like stoats, weasels and rats and possums.

This book offers suggestions on what we can do to rid the environment of pests, and help birds like the beautiful kereru. As a popular topic of study in primary schools, this book is ideal. This is a beautifully illustrated story as well as being informative.

New Zealand Birds of the week / Nga Manu O Te Wiki

By Darryl & Gillian Torckler

ISBN 9781776890620

Birds of the week is a photographic introduction to some of New Zealand’s birds. The photos are stunning with many close-up images. Birds like the kereru, kiwi, and pukeko are shown throughout each day of the week. The days are written in both English and te Reo Maori.

Short, bite-sized blocks of information, makes this a good addition for preschool and early primary school libraries.

Around and about Aotearoa : New Zealand facts, figures & fun

By Dave Gunson

ISBN 9781776890583

Dave Gunson, author and illustrator has been quite prolific over the years. His books are always informative, well illustrated, and a little quirky. Around and about Aotearoa continues his style.

If you want to know about the first settlers, kiwiana, famous New Zealanders, our wildlife and history, it is all here and so much more. There are so many topics, each with just enough information to whet your appetite and perhaps pick your favourite topic for further research.

Around and about Aotearoa is one of those books to pick up anytime and dip and dive into. Fun and learning at the same time, what could be better!

Tiaki : A shout out to Aotearoa’s lesser-known creatures. An informative and artistic look at weird, wonderful and endangered species, here in NZ. Ideal for schools. Text and art by Jean Donaldson

Tiaki : A shout out to Aotearoa’s lesser-known creatures

By Jean Donaldson

ISBN 9781988550404

potton & burton

While reading this book, I discovered, there is so much I don’t know about New Zealand’s wildlife. In particular, the number of endangered species, most I haven’t even heard of. There is a pull out page which is quite confronting. A page full of dots representing all the species which are threatened with extinction. The number is quite staggering. Many thousands are in danger and this book highlights a few of them.

There are birds, fish, bats, frogs, lizards and even maggots (though I covered that page so I didn’t have to look at it).

Each creature has an illustrated image, a paragraph or two of interesting information, as well as a small map of New Zealand with the areas of habitat highlighted.

Most of the damage done to these creatures are from animals introduced to Aotearoa from the early European days in the 1800’s. Possums, stoats, rats, rabbits, and the like, have decimated habitats, killed off bird and insect populations and continue to be a huge problem in our country.

Despite being just over 80 pages long, this book delivers so much more than page numbers.

The Hamilton’s Frog, for example, is one of the world’s most primitive frogs. There are reportedly only about 300 left. It would be incredibly sad if these little frogs, or any of the other thousands in danger, were lost forever. The message behind this book has to be one of conservation and the need for people to become involved to try and make a difference.

Lots to look at and lots to learn.