Briar Lawry reviews new books from some of the shining stars of Aotearoa kids lit, and Annelies Judson reviews a collaboration with Cleft New Zealand. The Witch of Maketu and the Bleating Lambs, by Anika Moa, illustrated by Rebecca ter…
Briar Lawry finds lots to unpack with two new reads to hit the shelves: a classic gritty YA story that tells a tough tale, and an illustrated novel with an unconventional form. Whakaari, by Marion Day Young adult books are…
Briar Lawry reviews two pukapuka inspired by pūrākau Māori—featuring a retelling of the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku and an action-packed adventure set in a post-apocalyptic world. Stories inspired by pūrākau Māori are nothing new—it’s a growing and evolving space…
Begone, hiatus! Lets bring back the most vital space for discussing Aotearoa’s fabulous kids books! Editor Sarah hands over the reins to Linda Jane and both put in a call for greater diversity on the page and behind it. For…
The Sapling is dead, long live The Sapling. Just kidding. The Sapling is most certainly not dead—but we have run out of puff, and we are taking a break. In case you aren’t subscribed to our email, here’s a bit…
Time for another batch of picture book reviews to keep you abreast of the latest developments in the world of Aotearoa illustrative goodness. Editor Briar has examined new releases from Donovan Bixley, Susan Brocker and Raymond McGrath, Melinda Szymanik and…
Sometimes, we need a little escapism with a side of pep in our reading. A little pick-me-up. And fantasy can be just the thing. After all—if it’s for middle readers, it (almost) always will have a happy ending, making any…
It’s no secret that we’re big Margaret Mahy fans around these parts. Between our Mahy questionnaire, and being, well, living and breathing humans who love children’s books and live in Aotearoa, it’s kind of a foregone conclusion. An exciting Mahy-related…
To kick the month off right, we’ve got four wonderful books from New Zealand publishers, with everything from a parable on bravery, to some unlikely housemates, an unlikely friendship, and a soothing book for bedtime. All reviewed by the incomparable…
The rising of Matariki is just around the corner and councils, schools and organisations around the country are celebrating the occasion in all kinds of ways. But if you can’t get out to a Matariki event (whether it’s kapa haka,…