Reviews: Two YA Books
Briar Lawry finds lots to unpack with two new reads to hit the shelves: a classic gritty YA story that tells a tough tale, and an illustrated novel with an unconventional form. Whakaari, by Marion Day Young adult books are…
Briar Lawry
Reviews: Two te ao Māori Books
Briar Lawry reviews two pukapuka inspired by pūrākau Māori—featuring a retelling of the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku and an action-packed adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world. Stories inspired by pūrākau Māori are nothing new—it’s a growing and evolving space…
And we’re back!
Begone, hiatus! Lets bring back the most vital space for discussing Aotearoa’s fabulous kids books! Editor Sarah hands over the reins to Linda Jane and both put in a call for greater diversity on the page and behind it. For…
LONG LIVE AOTEAROA’S CHILDREN’S BOOKS
The Sapling is dead, long live The Sapling. Just kidding. The Sapling is most certainly not dead—but we have run out of puff, and we are taking a break. In case you aren’t subscribed to our email, here’s a bit…
Book Reviews: New in Aotearoa Picture books
Time for another batch of picture book reviews to keep you abreast of the latest developments in the world of Aotearoa illustrative goodness. Editor Briar has examined new releases from Donovan Bixley, Susan Brocker and Raymond McGrath, Melinda Szymanik and…
Book List: Global Feel-good fantasy
Sometimes, we need a little escapism with a side of pep in our reading. A little pick-me-up. And fantasy can be just the thing. After all—if it’s for middle readers, it (almost) always will have a happy ending, making any…
Revitalising The Boy with Two Shadows – Sarah Greig
It’s no secret that we’re big Margaret Mahy fans around these parts. Between our Mahy questionnaire, and being, well, living and breathing humans who love children’s books and live in Aotearoa, it’s kind of a foregone conclusion. An exciting Mahy-related…
Book Reviews: Brilliant Picture Books
To kick the month off right, we’ve got four wonderful books from New Zealand publishers, with everything from a parable on bravery, to some unlikely housemates, an unlikely friendship, and a soothing book for bedtime. All reviewed by the incomparable…
Book List: Matariki Picture Books
The rising of Matariki is just around the corner and councils, schools and organisations around the country are celebrating the occasion in all kinds of ways. But if you can’t get out to a Matariki event (whether it’s kapa haka,…
The Personalised Adventures of [YOUR NAME HERE]
Remember getting one of those books from a kindly relative that features you – your name and everything! – dropped into a story? Sapling editor Briar certainly does – and she takes a stroll down memory lane before exploring some…