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Book Reviews: New non-fiction from Aotearoa

Fascinating facts aren’t just found in Frank Worsley’s famous expedition to Antarctica, but also in our local shores, with captivating creatures and interesting snippets about our current Prime Minister. Writer Raymond Huber reviews two exciting new non-fiction books from publisher New Holland and…

Business as unusual for S. Taranaki libraries

South Taranaki Librarians have been running online events with some of our favourite New Zealand authors. Pamela Jones writes about how their libraries have been responding to their patrons unique needs in unusual times. As Librarians our mission and purpose…

A Day in the Life: Illustrator Heather Hunt

Heather Hunt has made a name for herself as a go-to illustrator for evocative illustrations for picture books about native manu, especially kiwi! In her latest work – Mr Kiwi Has An Important Job – Heather took on the role…

Across the Ditch: From the ear to the page

The Sapling co-editor Nida Fiazi reviews the first picture book retelling of her favourite childhood folktale Buz-e-Chini. She recalls the nightmare that revived Afghan oral storytelling traditions within her family, and shares how this helped improve her oral literacy as…

The Giselle Clarkson Comic: Number 27

Today is editor Sarah’s birthday, and she’s going to shelter in one of her favourite books. Would you join her in Carrie Hepple’s Garden? Or perhaps up the cherry tree? Or if you are missing your friends, perhaps you’d join…

The Mahy Questionnaire: Fleur Beale

You know it, you love it – it’s the Mahy Questionnaire! This month’s instalment features award-winning author Fleur Beale. She tell us all about holey floors, and getting bitten by a chair. 1. Describe yourself in three words Very very…

Interview: Eileen Merriman and Pamela Morrow

Eileen Merriman has published three books for young adults, and one for adults in the past three years, including her March release A Trio of Sophies. Pamela Morrow has just published her first book for young adults, called Hello Strange….

Digital Libraries are Open….And we love them for it.

Libraries are no longer able to provide a physical space but their online game is strong. They are bringing you activities, storytimes and competitions to keep the kids (and adults) entertained. When the lockdown kicked in and libraries had to…

Book Quiz: Old Books, New Illustrations

Some beautiful new picture books that have hit shelves in recent years have had roots of an older vintage. So our latest quiz challenges you to pick the illustrator of the reissues of eight Kiwi books. We’ve included the covers…

Book Reviews: A Series To Get Kids Hooked

Rachel Moore reviews the first two titles in the series for mature junior readers. These books deal with many of the issues our kids face and gives them techniques to cope. You can read the excerpt from the first book,…