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Book List: Maths Books

A self-published maths activity book from a Wellington-based computer programmer and his family (Fun Math 4 Kids of All Ages from Mazmatics) is now available in Aotearoa, and here at The Sapling it got us thinking: what kinds of maths…

Book List: Ramadan and Eid

Ramadan and Eid are fast approaching, so Sapling editor Nida Fiazi has compiled a list of fantastic picture books that celebrate this special time of year for the Muslim community. Ramadan is the name of the ninth month of the…

BOOK LIST: Differently wired, not broken

Writer and neurodiversity coach Anissa Ljanta has put together a starter pack on neurodivergence for children, teens, educators and parents. It’s a lonely thing to feel like you don’t fit in, are always in trouble at school, or chronically struggle…

The Giselle Clarkson Comic: Number 35

In our first comic of the year, Giselle Clarkson explores one of the best—and scariest—parts about being a children’s illustrator: school visits.

Book Quiz: Beach Bound

If you, like our quizmaster, live in a part of Aotearoa affected by the floods, you too may have found starting off February with seaside swimming a bleak prospect. Luckily the world of Aotearoa literature for kids has plenty of…

Interview: Story Hemi-Morehouse

Story Hemi-Morehouse (of Ngāti Koata and Ngāti Toa Rangatira descent) is an award-winning writer-illustrator who burst onto the NZ literary scene after experimenting with her art during the Covid-19 lockdowns. With nine books already to her name, and more on…

The Reckoning: Decolonising pukapuka on Te Tiriti, Part 2 of 2

Following Part 1 of the discussion about the lack of children’s picture books focused on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Barry McLernon (Te Āti Awa & Pākehā Scottish, Dutch ancestry) and Kay Benseman (Pākehā German, Irish, Scottish, Spanish, English ancestry) kōrero…

The Reckoning: Decolonising pukapuka on Te Tiriti, Part 1 of 2

In the first of a two-part series with Kay Benseman (Pākehā German, Irish, Scottish, Spanish, English ancestry) and Barry McLernon (Te Āti Awa & Pākehā Scottish, Dutch ancestry) about Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Kay shares her thoughts about the lack…

HONOURED EARTH: An interview with Bren MacDibble and Zana Fraillon

Rachael King has been enamoured with The Raven’s Song ever since its release last year. Here, she interviews the book’s authors, Bren MacDibble and Zana Frallion, on their creative process, the co-authoring experience, and more. The Raven’s Song burst onto…

Reviews: Two Pasifika Middle-Grade Stories

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…