Fascinating facts aren't just found in Frank Worsley's famous expedition to Antarctica, but also in our local shores, with captivating creatures and interesting snippets about our current Prime Minister. Writer Raymond Huber reviews two exciting new non-fiction books from publisher New Holland and Sapling's Sarah Forster reviews the latest biography by David Hill and Phoebe Morris. Ice Breaker! An Epic Antarctic Adventure, by Maria Gill, Illustrated by Alastair Hughes (New Ho

Glyn Harper’s and Maria Gill’s latest books are both part of the final year of publishing in commemoration of the centenary of WWI. Bobby the littlest war hero, for 4- to 8-year-old children, is about a canary in the tunnels during WWI, who was used to alert tunnellers to the build-up of dangerous gases, saving their lives. Anzac Animals is for 8- to 12-year-olds, featuring 20 stories about animals that went to war, including mascots and working animals from WWI and WWII. Mar

Esther Kiernan reviews four very different recent releases from Aotearoa, taking in a few centuries, and the breadth of New Zealand and beyond. Mr Gloomingdale’s Christmas, written and illustrated by Andy Conlan Mr Skinny, Mr Greedy, Mr Bump – no, it’s Mr Gloomingdale, and you probably don’t need much help to guess what his problem is. Although this book appears to be written, illustrated, and published by an Aucklander, the Christmas setting is very much northern hemisphere,

Of the hundreds of children's books featuring our national bird, here are some all-stars that will help children and adults alike get to know these fascinating creatures better. Inside spread from It's My Egg and You Can't Have It, illustrated by Heather Hunt One of my very favourite books when I was little - I remember it from kindergarten age - was Kahu the Cautious Kiwi, by Brian Birchall, illustrated by Hadley Hodgkinson. I just tracked down a second-hand copy of it, and

Do you want to be sure you're getting top-shelf books for your favourite people this Christmas - or on any gift-giving occasion? We are making it easy for you! Here is our selection of the very best New Zealand books of 2017 for fact-finders. Aotearoa: The New Zealand Story by Gavin Bishop Published by Penguin Random House NZ RRP $40.00 You heard it here: this book is going to win every prize going. Aotearoa tells the story of our nation, from the big bang, via dinosaurs, th

Each of these three new non-fiction titles presents fascinating information in an engaging and imaginative way. Coincidentally, they all deal with themes of journeys and/or exploration. Gillian Candler wrote a Reckoning about factual books, while Maria Gill had some thoughts on creative non-fiction, and Ned Barraud took us through a day in the life. Here, Philippa Werry reviews their latest work. Toroa's Journey, by Maria Gill, illustrated by Gavin Mouldey Maria Gill’s twin p

Non-fiction writer Maria Gill ponders the nature of a creative non-fiction story for children and how creative non-fiction stories are categorised. Toroa's Journey, by Maria Gill and Gavin Mouldey, is released this week by Potton & Burton. Abel Tasman: Mapping the Southern Lands, is released on 1 November by Scholastic NZ. Spread from Maria Gill's book Abel Tasman: Mapping the Southern Lands, illustrated by Marco Ivancic (Scholastic NZ) I fell in love with creative non-fictio

Barbara Murison, MNZM, was one of the most dedicated supporters of children's literature in New Zealand for over 60 years. Through her career as a librarian, and as a reviewer and manuscript assessor, she was a wonderful person to have on our team. Here are some messages from her friends in this community. Please feel free to send yours to be added at editors@thesapling.co.nz. Sarah Forster, The Sapling I met Barbara Murison in 2007, on the doorstep of her home in Ngaio, whe