Flit the fantail and the flying flop written and illustrated by Kat Merewether. A gorgeous picture book about friends and not giving up when things get tough.

Flit the fantail and the flying flop

By Written and illustrated by Kat Merewether

ISBN 9781775435105

Scholastic NZ

 

There is so much cuteness in this delightful, fun picture book for young children, that every time I pick it up I can’t help smiling.

Flit is a baby fantail snuggled up safely in his nest. His parents tell him to stay there and wait while they go looking for food. It doesn’t take long before Flit becomes bored and starts wandering about his nest. After stretching out a little too far Flit suddenly finds himself falling down on to the forest floor unable to fly back up to his nest. He seeks the help of many other forest birds to try to find a way back. Wonderful illustrations highlight the many native birds, bushes and trees we have in New Zealand. Lookout for Flit’s wee friend the ladybird who is with him all the way and on almost every double page spread. The language is fun with lots of alliteration and onomatopoeia which makes it a delightful book to read aloud.

This book offers a great message about friendships and supporting each other. There is also a lovely message about having the courage to try new things and believing in yourself. I also love the idea that sometimes things don’t work out the first time we try but if we keep trying and don’t give up, then we will eventually find a way to achieve what we set out to do.

This would be ideal in kindergartens, pre-schools and would be a lovely choice for young readers. Even in early primary school classes this would be a good introduction to New Zealand flora and fauna.

Putangitangi walks by Stephanie Thatcher : New Zealand picture book with heaps of heart and humour

Putangitangi walks

By Stephanie Thatcher

ISBN 9781775434221

Scholastic NZ

 

Cheeky Putangitangi (little duck) is looking for her friend. What will she do when she finds him? A fun rhyming story about two playful little ducks.

Mischievous, funny and gorgeously illustrated picture book about a paradise shelduck  going out for a walk and the antics she gets up to on the way.  Lovely whimsical language, rhyme and rhythm but the heart of this story has to be the illustrations. The wonderful cheeky facial expressions clearly show the mischief and personalities of the ducks and other birds. A lovely touch which I adore is the little frog on every page and his comical smiles.

This is a sweet, funny picture book with lots of appeal which will become a firm favourite. This book is also very much a New Zealand landscape which will make it an ideal gift to send or take overseas for family and friends.

 

Tu Meke Tui! There’s more to being a bird than flying by Malcolm Clarke and illustrated by Flox : lovely NZ picture book about courage & friendship

Tu Meke Tui!

By Malcolm Clarke

Illustrated by Flox

ISBN 9780473343750

Mary Egan Publishing

Tu Meke Tui Face Book page.

 

Tu Meke Tui is a heart-warming story of friendship and encouragement but also acceptance and being proud of who you are. It is about the realization that we are all different but we all have something that makes us special. Most of all, it is about finding the courage to try something new and take risks and find new friends along the way.

This picture book is full of rich, vibrant illustrations depicting some of New Zealand’s native birds and bush.  I love how there is so much of New Zealand’s native wildlife and fauna throughout the illustrations. It would be ideal as a gift to family and friends overseas.

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