Vanessa Hatley-Owen’s latest book is The Littlest Lifeguard, illustrated by Lisa Allen (Upstart Press). Vanessa has two previously published books, including Farewell Anahera which was a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. She lives…
A group of Aotearoa authors and illustrators have long felt a need to get more coverage for our locally produced children’s books that don’t have the same marketing reach as international titles. Author Maria Gill tells us about the creation…
Annelies Judson shares her thoughts on four very different—but equally vibrant—picture books to hit the shelves. The Littlest Lifeguard, by Vanessa Hatley-Owen, illustrated by Lisa Allen The Littlest Lifeguard is a lighthearted look at how the smallest of us can…
Editor Linda Jane Keegan took the picture book finalists to Tākaka Primary School to get the opinions from some of the junior classes. They were very receptive and engaged, and loved sharing their thoughts on the books (and anything else…
Vanessa Hatley-Owen is a librarian at Botany Downs Primary School, Auckland. Here, she tells us about the best aspects of her job, what challenges she’s come up against, and about her own book! Tell us about where you work and…
Writer and bookseller Adele Broadbent reviews five New Zealand picture books, including everything from cute creatures to a picture book that tackles PTSD, to a lovely Christmas title. Hollybee Hope wants a Prickly Coat, by Deborah Hinde Deborah Hinde often…