Sarah Forster reviews three recent junior fiction reads from some of Aotearoa’s most accomplished writers. Below, by David Hill This book takes you underground and leaves you there, gasping for breath until the very end. It is pure David Hill,…
This round of junior fiction reviews is brought to you by Lucy Black, featuring a non-fiction graphic novel, a new gold rush-era read, and a story for horse lovers. Moko To The Rescue: Heroic Dolphin of New Zealand, written by Matthew…
Sea Week is coming up next month so editor Linda Jane has put together an ocean-themed list, with non-fiction books covering from the shore to the deep sea. Look, I love any excuse to talk about both nature and books…
This week writer and former Sapling co-editor Thalia Kehoe Rowden has some thoughts about a number of books that could do with better rhyme and rhythm, but is delighted with one new title. In a country that has produced such…
Emmaline Pickering-Martin reviews two stunning middle-grade books written by Pasifika authors. Mata Lulu, written by Lani Young and illustrated by Bella Young The novelty of laying in bed reading to my children wore off quite early for me as a…
Leila Austin reviews five picture books bursting with brightness, colour, and energy. Boingo and the Golden Balloon, by Dylan Coburn Storyboard artist and art director Dylan Coburn’s first solo picture book sets out to introduce young children to the concept…
Ceridwyn Roberts brings our first batch of YA reviews for 2023, featuring stories full of space travel, mystery, and more. Na Viro, by Gina Cole Na Viro by Auckland-based writer Gina Cole (Fijian, Scottish & Welsh) has stunning world-building—rich and…
Sarah Forster shares her thoughts on two middle-grade novels set in post-apocalyptic utopian worlds, packed with plenty of adventure, miracle technology, and imaginings of the future. Kidnap at Mystery Island, by Carol Garden I love the cover of this futuristic…
Former teacher, feminist book blogger and parent, Annelies Judson gives an insightful commentary on this batch of very Kiwi picture books. My Mum is the Queen of the Road by Jennifer Beck & Lisa Allen My Mum Is The Queen…
The Sapling editor and picture book author Linda Jane Keegan gives a summary and her two cents on 20 bird books released this year. Some might suggest (okay, they have suggested, multiple times) that there are too many bird books…