Features

Book Quiz: Diverse Families in NZ Picture Books

Three years ago, we asked Thalia Kehoe Rowden to put together a list of picture books showing a variety of family set-ups. At the time, she had to go beyond our shores in order to complete the list. Since then,…

The Reckoning: Who are they written for?

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori continues with this installment of The Reckoning from University of Waikato senior lecturer Nicola Daly, where she explores different approaches to text layout in bilingual picture books! With a growing number of options in…

The Mahy Questionnaire: Stacey Morrison

This month we have a very special Mahy Questionnaire to kick off our Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori coverage, from none other than champion Te Reo Māori advocate Stacey Morrison (Te Arawa, Ngāi Tahu). Stacey is a radio and…

A Day In The Life: Isobel Joy Te Aho-White

If you paid attention to our NZCYA Awards coverage, you would have seen one book appear more than any other! Santa’s Worst Christmas – and it’s te reo Māori verison, Te Kirihimete i Whakakorea – was a finalist in four…

My Childhood Books: Miro Bilbrough

Filmmaker and writer Miro Bilbrough reflects on a childhood backdrop of whimsical watercolour illustrations and the allure of Jadis’ icing sugar drenched Narnian confections—with vital appearances from Snufkin and Sparrowhawk. Miro’s memoir In the Time of the Manaroans is out…

Book List: Queer kids need books too…

Way back in 2017, Cathy-Ellen Paul did a great list of Queer Books for School Libraries, and we thought it was about time to add to that list! Queer kids need books! And so do we all—books help us empathise…

The Giselle Clarkson Comic: Number 29

If you are as committed to children’s books as Giselle and The Sapling team are, no doubt you’ve found yourself pondering many branded purchases linked to your favourite picture book. Nothing made Sarah happier when her kids were little than…

The Mahy Questionnaire: Kathryn van Beek

Another month, another Mahy Questionnaire! This time we’re featuring successful playwright and award-winning author-illustrator Kathryn van Beek. Her most recent picture book Bruce Goes Outside, sequel to the much-loved Bruce Finds a Home, is out now! Read on to find…

The Reckoning: Teaching Stories From This Land And Beyond

Here’s a new instalment of The Reckoning from writer and teacher Tania Roxborogh. She considers the use of Māori in classrooms and stories from here in Aotearoa and beyond – and she discusses her new book Charlie Tangaroa and the…

Ngā Pakiwaitara o tēnei Whenua me Taitua

Nā Tania Roxborogh tēnei arokatenga i tuhi. Hei tāna, te whakamahi o te reo Māori ki roto o ngā akomanga me ngā pakiwaitara o Aotearoa me taitua, ā, e matapakia ana tōna pukapuka Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature From the…