Reviews

Book Reviews: New Junior Fiction from Aotearoa

Winter has finally come to Aotearoa, and it’s brought with it a fresh batch of junior fiction titles! Here’s librarian Dave Tucker’s takes on four recent releases, including a sports read for reluctant readers, a spooky adventure story, a relatable…

Book Review: Tiger Daughter, by Rebecca Lim

“This is the book I wish I could have read when I was young. Growing up as a New Zealander of Chinese descent in a rural Southland town I was desperate to find a character whose face and voice reflected…

Book Reviews: New Aotearoa Picture books

There are all kinds of strong voices in Aotearoa’s picture book world today and some of the best of the best are women. Freelance writer Carly Thomas reviews five New Zealand children’s books that all fit that criteria and finds…

Book Reviews: New Non-Fiction from Aotearoa

Author Linda Jane Keegan reviews two new non-fiction titles from Aotearoa; the first looks at our changing climate, and the second at the history of our country. Inside Bubble Earth – Climate Change, by Des Hunt (OneTree House) I must…

Book Reviews: Junior Fiction Pony Tales

From the whimsy and sparkle to grim reality, you don’t have to be a pony obsessive to still love a good pony book! Librarian Chelsea Heap has read up on four recent books in the pony genre and shares her…

Book Reviews: The Latest in Aotearoa Picture books

Today we’re thrilled to share some brilliant reviews from writer Cassie Hart, featuring two terrific new (and one old) titles from Aotearoa. We’ve got a kiwi take on a classic rhyme, a bilingual counting book, and a delightful little cat…

Book Reviews: Aotearoa Autumn Young Adult Releases

There’s never a bad time to be a young adult reader, because the world is full of wonderful treats, whether new or old. But it’s an especially good time to be a young adult reader when there are new titles…

Book Reviews: New picture books from Aotearoa

It’s time for a fresh batch of picture books reviews! Rachel Moore takes us through five new fantastic titles from Aotearoa that feature a child in a hurry, the most heartwarming friendship between a boy and a goose, a wildlife…

Book reviews: New non fiction

Author Linda Jane Keegan reviews some new non-fiction from Aotearoa that puts the spotlight on stories of war and disasters, and two books that look at the natural world, from seasons to snappers! Snapper—The Real Story, by Annemarie Florian &…

Book Reviews: Three new titles for teens

The Sapling’s Sarah Forster reviews three fantastic new titles for teens: think epic fantasies and slave trades, tales of religious differences and big decisions, and revisiting and healing from trauma. But as different as these books may be from one…