Reviews

Book Reviews: Five Books for Mental Wellbeing

Counsellor Louisa Woods reviews five self-help books designed for a variety of ages, issues, and experiences. Let It Flow, by Rebekah Lipp and Craig Phillips I have come to expect great things when it comes to Rebekah Lipp and Craig…

Book Reviews: Te ao Māori pukapuka

We’re continuing our celebration of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori with reviews of five pukapuka centred in te ao Māori, brought to us by Maraea Henare. My First Words About Tikanga Māori, written by Stacey Morrison and illustrated by…

Reviews: Three Non-fiction Books

This batch of non-fiction reviews is brought to you by Sue Esterman, featuring a collection of New Zealand adventurers, a collection of Kiwi sports heroes and an epic illustrated biography. Epic New Zealand Adventurers, by Maria Gill and Marco Ivancic…

Reviews: Two Middle-Grade Stories

Two international novels with links to New Zealand: one rooted in Aboriginal culture, the other with Russian folklore, both filled with adventure. Fiona Giles reviews these middle-grade reads. A Wolf for a Spell, written by Karah Sutton and illustrated by…

Reviews: Five Picture Books

Annelies Judson brings us another batch of reviews of some of the latest picture books to hit the shelves. Lucy and the Dark, written by Melinda Szymanik and illustrated by Vasanti Unka I’m front-footing this review because it deserves to…

Reviews: Five Board Books

There’s more to board books than meets the eye, and a good board book will help young children develop a lifelong reading habit. Belinda Whyte shares with us her reviews of five board books for the littlest readers. As a…

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: Four New Picture Books

Thalia Kehoe Rowden reviews four new books aiming to help children process their feelings and understand their place in the world.  Pearl in a Whirl, written by Catherine Roberton and illustrated by Fifi Colston A good book for a good…

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…

Reviews: Two New YA Books

18-year-old Stella Weston finds lots to rave about with two new gritty and complex YA novels that explore themes of mental health, budding relationships, and complex family dynamics. Catching A Falling Star, by Eileen Merriman Catch a Falling Star, expertly…