It’s really cool that each year more and more local publishers are putting out children’s books in celebration of Matariki. We’ve put together a quiz with seven questions (one for each star) to see if you’ve been paying attention ……
New Zealand’s school librarians are passionate, engaged professionals who know how to get students of all ages and reading levels into reading. This, by Ebenezer Moses of Tamaki College, is the fourth in our series about the School Librarians of…
Author and illustrator Paul Beavis shares the behind-the-scenes work (and doubt, angst and inspiration) that goes into making his picture books, like the just-released What Are You Supposed to Be?.
Music journalist Nick Bollinger shares a moving account of the place books had in his three daughters’ childhoods and his own parenthood. When I was a child, my favourite thing was being read to. I can still remember the smell…
David Hill explains the pain required to gain in the wild world of book reviewing, and offers his reckons about how we could do it better – and why we should. I had an email a while back, disapproving of…
John McIntyre from The Children’s Bookshop in Wellington was here once a month to answer your child-related reading questions. He was a top children’s bookseller until his death earlier this month. This is his final column. Dear John, My 12-year-old…
Never be stuck for something to do! Keep your hands and brain busy with glue, tape and scissors – and have crafty fun with Fifi! Flying Furballs is Donovan Bixley’s airborne adventure series which pitches cats against DOGZ. This craft…
Every two weeks we compile, for your browsing pleasure, cool children’s book happenings (and peripherally related news) from around Aotearoa, the world and the internet. Cool stuff from New Zealand… An amazing kids’ lit festival is happening soon in Upper…
Award-winning fiction (for grown-ups) writer Pip Adam recalls her earliest introductions to story through television and magazines, and resurrects the magic of 1970s Disney. As a kid I loved TV. I lived for it. I often say there weren’t many…
Like the rest of the New Zealand children’s book community, The Sapling has been rocked by the news that our hero John McIntyre passed away at the weekend. Editors Jane and Sarah wanted to share a few words in respect…