The Sampling

THE SAMPLING: The Mapmakers’ Race

We’re pleased to present an excerpt from The Mapmakers’ Race (Gecko Press), a new novel by Eirlys Hunter and illustrated by Kirsten Slade. Kate De Goldi says the book is ‘one of the most poised, stylish children’s books [she has] read in a long time … An utter delight’.

THE SAMPLING: A Kiwi book about bullying

Only Freaks Turn Things Into Bones by Steff Green and illustrated by artist Bree Roldan, is a picture book about bullying and a cute grim reaper, who doesn’t have any friends because all the kids are afraid of him. Its creators are currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter to raise money to publish the book.

THE SAMPLING: Secret World of Butterflies

We are very pleased to have permission to publish the first three spreads of the Giselle Clarkson-illustrated picture book, Secret World of Butterflies, written by Courtney Sina Meredith (Allen & Unwin NZ/Auckland Museum).

THE SAMPLING: 1918: Broken Poppies

1918: Broken Poppies is the fifth and final book in Scholastic NZ’s ‘Kiwis at War’ series, which commemorates New Zealand’s involvement in the First World War. Author Des Hunt based this book on the experiences of two of his uncles who fought in WWI.

THE SAMPLING: Go Girl!

Go Girl: A Storybook of Epic NZ Women by Barbara Else is a collection of inspiring true stories about New Zealand women who have done extraordinary things. There’s Dame Whina Cooper, Janet Frame, Farah Palmer, Lucy Lawless, Kate Sheppard, Nancy Wake, Sophie Pascoe, Margaret Mahy, Lydia Ko, Merata Mita, Rita Angus, Te Puea Herangi — and many more.

THE SAMPLING: Dawn Raid

Dawn Raid is the 28th book in Scholastic NZ’s ‘My New Zealand Story’ series, which brings to life significant events in our history as seen through the eyes of fictitious child diarists.

THE SAMPLING: Lyla

Lyla has just started her second year of high school when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake shakes Christchurch to pieces. Devastation is everywhere. While her police officer mother and trauma nurse father respond to the disaster, Lyla puts on a brave face, opening their home to neighbours and leading the community clean-up.

THE SAMPLING: Rosie Joy—Here, There And Everywhere

It’s spring on the farm and springtime is always busy at Rosie Joy’s. There are crops to plant and baby lambs everywhere. Rosie Joy and her best friend Polly take on a special spring project involving chickens, peggy squares, famous explorers and some pretty big words!