Reviews

Book Awards: The Reo Māori Finalists

Our coverage of the category finalists continues with reviews from a couple of talented tamariki. Elliah and Hineraukura have provided their thoughts on the finalists for the Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for Te Reo Māori, both in…

Book Reviews: Reo Māori Picture Books with Birds

Here are some awesome new book reviews from Mikaere Flavell! He read the books with his niece Māia and wrote up his thoughts for us here at The Sapling. So all you have to do now is get ready for…

Arotakenga Pukapuka: Ngā manu o te wao

He arotakenga pukapuka hou nā Mikaere Flavell ēnei! I pānuitia ngā pukapuka e Mikaere rāua ko tāna irāmutu, ā, i tuhituhi ia i ētahi whakaaro mō The Sapling. Heoi anō, kia reri tātou mō ngā kōrero mō Pīpī Kiwi, Flit…

Book Reviews: New from Reading Warrior

David Riley’s books bring attention to amazing Pasifika people – both those here in Aotearoa and throughout Polynesia and the wider Pacific. His two latest books, Pasifika Coastwatchers and How Tonga got its Name / Ko e Founga Hono Ma’u…

Book Reviews: Kiwi and a monster mum

If there is one thing we can be sure of in New Zealand publishing, it’s that there will be at least a dozen kiwi books published over the year. This batch of reviews includes three books including kiwi that are…

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…

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…

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,…

Book Reviews: New YA from Mountains to Coasts

There are all manner of different YA titles hitting Aotearoa’s shelves this autumn, with a focus on real life storytelling and issues relevant to teen readers. Librarian Dave Tucker shares his take on four new books, including three authors already…

Book Reviews: Picture Books to Look Out For

As a general rule, March is a delightful time in the book industry, New Zealand. New releases are winging their way through the doors, writers’ festivals abound, and local and international awards are cracking their knuckles and revving their engines….