Transport, friendship, noisy library-users, pizza nights and child-fearing dentists are all covered in this line-up of new Aotearoa picture books. Kay Benseman reviews. Double Dippers (Big Little Blue #3), by Raymond McGrath (Scholastic NZ) This was my first read of a…
By Raymond McGrath Raymond McGrath’s delightful graphic novel series, Big Little Blue, is all about focusing on different facets of wellbeing to offer children valuable lessons on coping strategies, resilience, and understanding emotions – all wrapped up in a fun…
Comics and graphic novels are a wonderful medium for kids and adults alike. Science communicator Katherine Hurst talks us through how science is portrayed in comic form and gives some great examples. It’s 2023, so hopefully there’s nobody out there…
Cartoonist and illustrator Eddie Monotone gives us his hot takes on a story set in a far-distant Aotearoa and a poignant portrayal of bullying. Project Nought, by Chelsey Furedi The premise of Project Nought is simple: what if a teenager…
This round of junior fiction reviews is brought to you by Lucy Black, featuring a non-fiction graphic novel, a new gold rush-era read, and a story for horse lovers. Moko To The Rescue: Heroic Dolphin of New Zealand, written by Matthew…
Cassie Hart reviews two YA books that delve into the mythical realm. From a retelling of Hades and Persephone to a mystery novel with a supernatural twist, these novels are sure to offer ultimate escapism. Lore Olympus Volume Three, by…
Richard Fairgray is an award-winning creator who has published over 200 titles, ranging from children’s books like Gorillas in Our Midst and My Grandpa Is a Dinosaur to graphic novels like Black Sand Beach, Blastosaurus and Cardboardia. Here, Charlotte Fielding…
By Richard Fairgray Four-Color Heroes is a touching love story which follows two star-crossed young men who—in spite of their disparate backgrounds—find escape and one another through the pages of a comic book. The coming-of-age romance is set in a…
Editor Sarah talked to award-winning comic and picture book author/illustrator Richard Fairgray all about his latest hauntingly good series Black Sand Beach. Read on to find out about his creative process, humour, character inspiration and more! What comes first in…
Way back in 2017, Cathy-Ellen Paul did a great list of Queer Books for School Libraries, and we thought it was about time to add to that list! Queer kids need books! And so do we all—books help us empathise…