It’s been awhile since I last posted. So much has been happening.
Firstly, I was caught up in the excitement and chaos of selling my home and buying another. After 32 years in my home there was lots of packing and giving away things I’d gathered over the years. It was also an emotional time remembering all the things that had happened there, especially watching my son grow up and all the friends who stayed in our house. Lots of good memories, but it was time to move. It just took up most of my time.
Secondly, we have of course been in lockdown with lots of limitations but it has given me a chance to catch up on some reading. So here is a selection of new picture books just out from Scholastic NZ.
I do hope you are all safe and happy in your bubbles and finding quiet times to read a book or two.
As our prime minister says. Stay home. Be kind.
Happy reading.
Dozer the Fire Cat. Inspired by true events
By Robyn Prokop
Illustrated by Jenny Cooper
ISBN 9781775436171

In 2019 New Zealand had its largest wildfire since 1955 and in the back of this picture book you can learn more about what happened during this time.
Dozer is based on a real cat that went missing during these fires. Dozer is gorgeously illustrated by Jenny Cooper who brings his personality out in the open. He is very cute, indeed.
Author Robyn Prokop shares his escape from the fires and how his family worry so much when he goes missing. There is no sign of him for several days and the fires are so bad, they fear the worst. I do love a happy ending and for Dozer and his family, there is one but it is what happens in between that becomes the story of Dozer. Sweet story with sweet illustrations.
Moas’s ark
By Peter Millet
Illustrated by Shaun Yeo
ISBN 9781775435846

Author Peter Millett brings us a reimagining of the classic story of Noah’s Ark. It is very much a funny kiwi tale with good rhymes, and rhythm. After forty days Noah delivers the animals safely on land except the Moa, tuatara and the kiwi who he takes all the way to Aotearoa. They go through choppy seas and long days to finally reach their destination. I think poor old Noah is glad to see them depart his ark.
Artist Shaun Yeo brings even more humour to the story with his delightful illustrations.
If you want to know more about how the author came up with the idea you can read an interview with him here.
If you want to read the book then click here. Check out page 6-7 and watch as the ark sits precariously on the top of a huge wave in the middle of stormy seas.
Huge thanks to the good people at Scholastic NZ for sharing a free digital copy of this book. So sit back and enjoy for yourselves.
Nee Naw goes bananas
By Deano Yipadee
Illustrated by Paul Beavis
ISBN 9781775436195

Nee Naw is back with his friends in a new adventure. He may be a little fire engine but he always manages to find himself in the middle of a big adventure. This time he is caught up with helping at a monkey sanctuary where the monkeys cause mischief and mayhem. Check out what happens when the cheeky monkeys fill Nee Naw’s tank with bananas.
Paul Beavis adds plenty of humour with his bright and quirky illustrations.
You can listen to the CD as well.
Kia kaha! Together standing strong
By June Pitman-Hayes
Illustrated by Minky Stapleton
Maori lyrics by Ngaere Roberts
ISBN 9781775436225

A timely picture book about learning to accept each other and our differences.
Kia kaha! kia kaha!
Together, standing strong.
We join our hands in friendship,
that’s how we get along.
Aimed at younger children, the book goes through different scenarios showing ways we can help each other. It includes cultural acceptance, disabilities as well as basic kindness, well reflected in the illustrations. There is also a CD to sing along to in both English and Te Reo Māori.
Ideal for pre-schools and kindergartens.
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