Great libraries work to collect content that reflects the communities they serve. But what if not enough of that content exists? Claudia Palmer speaks with Kate Innes-Monsalve about the impact of Auckland Council Libraries’ publishing programme five years in and…
Annelies Judson reviews three new picture books. Alice and the Strange Bird, written and illustrated by Isaac du Toit Isaac du Toit is a talented artist, and illustrated multiple picture books before the age of 20. Last year he won…
Harriet Elworthy shares quickfire reviews for two new Easter publications. First, let me admit that I came to these reviews a little begrudgingly as I’m wary of books published around marketable events in the calendar. There’s nothing inherently wrong with…
Nida Fiazi reviews four board books, with advice from her son. Good Night Belly Button by Lucie Brunellière Gecko Press has slowly been taking over my baby’s library and for good reason. Good Night Belly Button by Lucie Brunellière is…
Annelies Judson attended the Storylines Awards Day and shares her reflections on the event. It is 10.45 am on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I am at the National Library in Tāmaki Makaurau. In the entrance area, people are given a…
Sarah Elton tells us about her journey to becoming the librarian at Bellevue School, the joy of reading aloud, and how to encourage creativity and enthusiasm when it comes to reading and creating a safe space for kids to be…
Belinda Whyte reviews two new collections for children and educators. Get Out! Go Wild! Outdoorsy Stories for Kids, by Marion Day As a literacy teacher in regional New Zealand, I meet many students who are passionate about hunting, fishing, and…
Erica Harrison and Hannah Tunnicliffe met at the school gate, and discovered a shared passion for children’s books. They chat with Annelies Judson about their new collaboration, Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum. I meet Erica Harrison and…
Claudia Palmer encounters Dunedin City Libraries’ mobile library service, the bookbus, and learns about its legacy across the city. After 75 years, this unique service has become much more than just a place to borrow books. It’s Wednesday, 9.38 am,…
Alex Adank and Becks Popham review four new picture books. The Tractor Has A Wobbly Wheel, by Tim Saunders and Carla Martell A new picture book from Tim Saunders, writer and farmer, and Carla Martell (best known for last year’s…