Flit the Fantail and the Matariki Map
Written and illustrated by Kat Quin
ISBN 9781775436355
This is the third picture book about Flit the fantail. His popularity is as strong as ever. Flit’s cheeky smile is always what I notice first. His big brown eyes, beautiful wings and feathers, along with that smile, help create a very cute and likeable character. I’m delighted that his little ladybird friend is back to keep him company again.
Flit can’t sleep, he is restless and fascinated by the glowing moon in the night sky. He decides he wants to catch the moon. He flits down to the forest floor and when he looks back up into the sky he notices nine special, sparkling stars. His friend Keri, the Kiwi asks what he is doing awake at this time of night and when Flit tells him he wants to catch the light, Keri offers to help. Together they set off through the night but they soon realise they are actually quite lost. With some help from the wise old Ruru, the adventurous pair learn that by following the bright lights of the nine stars of Matariki, they can find their way home again.
Much like sailors of old, the stars will guide the pair back through the forest and to the safety and warmth of their families.
The illustrations are produced with 2B pencil and Adobe photoshop providing a gorgeous softness and just the right amount of cuteness. This is a lovely addition to the Flit the Fantail stories and a sweet introduction to the stories of Matariki.
There is also a Te Reo Maori edition available.
Takahe trouble (Inspired by true events)
By Sally Sutton
Illustrated by Jenny Cooper
ISBN 9781775437109
What do two Takahē friends do when they are tired of the same routine and same surroundings? Well, if you are as curious as Walter and Manaaki are, then you escape, runaway and have an adventure. These two takahē did exactly that. They searched for fast cars and scary rats. They met a dog, a stoat and had a jolly good, scary, but very interesting adventure before they were caught and returned safely home again.
Sally Sutton shows her love of language with her very onomatopoeic choice of words.
Toddle-toddle-toddle, chatter, chatter, chatter.
A lovely reminder that home is often the best place to be. Jenny Cooper is one of my favourite illustrators. I love the quirkiness of her characters and their facial expressions. You can tell what they are thinking and feeling, especailly when they are being cheeky.
The last page provides details, and a photo of the real Walter and Manaaki. The two Takahē now live on Motutapu Island; a predator free place where they can still have adventures but always be safe.
I’m an Inky Octopus
Written and illustrated by Stephanie Thatcher
ISBN 9781775436898
Inky the Octopus takes us on a trip around her home beneath the sea. Playing tag with her friend the jellyfish, Inky darts in and around the rock pools, through the ocean and through the kelp. She showcases her abilities to change colour and spurt out ink when danger is near.
This is a fun rhyming picture book, but it is also a great wee introduction to sea life and the life of an Inky Octopus. Who knew they had three hearts, or even nine brains? I didn’t. You will have to read the book to find out what colour their blood is, as well as other interesting facts. Who wins the game of tag? You’ll have to read the book to find that out too.
The illustrations were created using pencil watercolour and they really are very sweet. Inky is certainly having fun.
There is a Te Reo Maori edition as well.