Samantha Montgomerie examines New Zealand’s literacy crisis. News of our plummeting literacy rates shadows our long white cloud. It would seem our meadow has not been cultivated to allow the seeds of literacy to thrive. Promises of a structured literacy…
I am Jellyfish by Ruth Paul (Puffin) is a charming story about a jellyfish who is driven to the depths of the deep blue ocean by swordfish – while she is there, she works out her true purpose. Keep your…
Fifi Colston has come up with this smart, simple craft to complete with your little ones in the final few days leading up to Christmas, inspired by The Christmas Tree Tangle, by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Sarah Davis. Keep your…
Gecko, by Raymond Huber, illustrated by Brian Lovelock is the second Nature Storybook title from its creators. The book introduces the very young to the world of the gecko, one of the most varied lizard species on the planet. Keep…
The Best Loved-Bear by Diana Noonan, illustrated by Elizabeth Fuller is a Kiwi classic picture book. First released 23 years ago, this book, like the bear it is named after, has withstood the test of time and was re-released this…
Award-winning illustrators Ali Teo and John O’Reilly have been working together for over 15 years, having illustrated many picture books. Their most recent collaboration has been on Sarah Grundy’s debut picture book, The Curious Ar-Chew. The Curious Ar-Chew won the…
Pūtangitangi Walks is a rhythmic new picture book from Stephanie Thatcher, author of last year’s The Other Brother, among other great picture books for young readers. Keep your hands and brain busy with glue, tape and scissors – and have…
Never be stuck for something to do! Keep your hands and brain busy with glue, tape and scissors – and have crafty fun with Fifi! Not the monster you ordered? Make your own from the box it came in! A…
Never be stuck for something to do! Keep your hands and brain busy with glue, tape and scissors – and have crafty fun with Fifi! Would you put your finger in the mouth of a shark? No? Well, here’s a…
John McIntyre from The Children’s Bookshop in Wellington is a top children’s bookseller. He’s here once a month to answer your child-related reading questions. Dear John, My 11-year-old has just come out as a trans girl. I’d love to buy…