Many books are worth reading more than once, and some are worth publishing more than once. Here we highlight a few titles re-released this year.
First published in 2022 in the US and UK, this lyrical poem works beautifully in picture book format. The illustrations are full of whimsy and energy, with the words artfully in, around and on top of them.
Annie & Moon | Ko Annie rāua ko Marama
By Miriam Smith & Lesley Moyes
Translated by A. T. Mahuika
Published by Puffin
RRP: $21.00
Editor Linda Jane says she will always have a soft spot for Annie & Moon because when reading as a kid she thought her sister looked like Annie. Now published as a bilingual edition with text in te reo Māori appearing below the reo Pākehā. It was originally published in 1988 by Mallinson Rendel Publishers.
Ngā Atua | Māori Gods
By Robyn Kahukiwa
Translated by Kiwa Hammond
Published by Oratia
RRP: $22.99
Newly in paperback and a bilingual edition with English and Māori text. A lovely introduction to the atua of Aotearoa. First published by Mauri Tū.
A First Book of New Zealand Backyard Bird Songs
By Fred van Gessel
Published by White Cloud Books
RRP: $29.99
Presumably republished following Upstart Press acquiring New Holland Publishers (who published the first edition in 2019), this is a great way for kids to get familiar with some of Aotearoa’s most common backyard birds. As a board book it is sturdy in little hands, and each spread has photos and information about the manu featured. Hear their calls at the press of a button!
This Joy Cowley and Robyn Belton classic celebrated its 40th anniversary this year! (This has made Linda Jane realise she is almost as old as Greedy Cat). More Greedy Cat titles are also back for another generation to enjoy. Greedy Cat was first published in 1983 by School Publications Branch, Department of Education.