Giselle Clarkson’s new book, Omnibird, is a delightful dive into all things avian. As it’s popping up on ‘best of 2025’ lists all over the place, we asked her what inspired the book. Writer and illustrator Giselle Clarkson has done…
Illustrator Hope McConnell gives us an insight into her working day, from Vogels to PJs A day in my life starts, without fail, by enjoying two poached eggs on a slice of Vogels and a homemade flat white. My mornings…
Josh Morgan was recently presented the Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award. We at The Sapling quite agree with the panel’s statement that ‘The breadth and vigour of his work excites, inspires and engages inquisitive young minds to become life-long readers’. Briar…
Writer Anders Sparring and illustrator/writer Per Gustavsson performed to more than 1000 children at the 2025 Auckland Writers Festival. They are the Swedish creators of The Pinchers, a junior chapter book series based on a family of criminals. Julia Marshall,…
Erica Harrison and Hannah Tunnicliffe met at the school gate, and discovered a shared passion for children’s books. They chat with Annelies Judson about their new collaboration, Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum. I meet Erica Harrison and…
Katherine Hurst chats with Sarah Wilkins about her new book, Diary of a Marine Biologist, scientific curiosity, AI and sea anemones. Katherine Hurst: Can you tell me a little about your background? How did you get into illustrating? Sarah Wilkins:…
Australian author Inda Ahmad Zahri finds a moment between writing, illustrating, being a doctor, campaigning for social justice and parenting to answer some questions about what inspires her diverse work and just where she finds the time. Nida Fiazi (NF):…
Award-winning author Maria Gill interviews Olympian Lisa Carrington and illustrator Scott Pearson about their new books Lisa Carrington Chases a Champion and Ko Lisa Carrington me te Toa Whakaihuwaka. I last interviewed Lisa Carrington for a children’s nonfiction book called…
Award-winning illustrator Hilary Jean Tapper illuminates the craft, quandaries and processes of creating children’s books with three visiting international illustrators. Picture book illustration is a small profession within New Zealand, with few opportunities to come together to celebrate and nurture our…
Author Steph Matuku and illustrator Zak Ātea of The Dream Factory and Te Wheketere Moemoeā interview each other about their inspiration, careers, and dreams for the future. Zak: What is your most treasured book you used to read as a…