Graphic Novels

The Reckoning: Science in Comics

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…

Reviews: Two Graphic Novels

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…

Reviews: Three New Junior Fiction Releases

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…

Book Reviews: Two YA Books

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…

Interview with Richard Fairgray

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…

THE SAMPLING: Four-color Heroes

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…

Black Sand Beaches and Scary Stories: Richard Fairgray

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…

Book List: Queer kids need books too…

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…

Jonathan King on The Inkberg Enigma

The latest curiously good Aotearoa title from Gecko Press is packed with mystery, evocative illustration and all kinds of goodness! The Inkberg Enigma, by Jonathan King, is out now – but before you rush out to buy a copy, you…

Book List: Comic Books for Kids and Teens

Children’s comics embrace all the possibilities inherent in good fiction. They are original, compelling and relevant, but also of increased importance for reluctant readers, and those who value the written word and illustration. Here, Monty Masseurs and Nicola Crombie from…