Creating a picture book—whether it’s story or illustration or both—is a massive undertaking in its own right. Doing all that and taking the self-publishing route to bring it to fruition is a whole other quest. Hayley Elliott-Kernot takes us through…
There are all kinds of strong voices in Aotearoa’s picture book world today and some of the best of the best are women. Freelance writer Carly Thomas reviews five New Zealand children’s books that all fit that criteria and finds…
Children’s author, storyteller and award winning playwright, Helen Vivienne Fletcher discusses storytime. She takes us through finding the right books, interacting with little listeners and other sage tips for engaging what can be a tough but rewarding audience! It’s 10.25am…
Today we’re thrilled to share some brilliant reviews from writer Cassie Hart, featuring two terrific new (and one old) titles from Aotearoa. We’ve got a kiwi take on a classic rhyme, a bilingual counting book, and a delightful little cat…
It’s New Zealand Music Month, so our quiz for your brain teasing pleasure today is all about singalong books from writers, illustrators and performers from Aotearoa. Good luck! Test yourself, share with a friend, and let us know on Facebook…
It’s time for a fresh batch of picture books reviews! Rachel Moore takes us through five new fantastic titles from Aotearoa that feature a child in a hurry, the most heartwarming friendship between a boy and a goose, a wildlife…
Last weekend, Tara Black attended a masterclass on how to create a picture book, led by Joy Cowley. This was a fundraiser for Featherston Booktown, which Joy is the patron of. This is presented in graphic format, but with a…
The Sapling’s Simie Simpson, reviews four new picture books from Aotearoa that feature a dog searching for a forever home, a racing buggy that reaches for the stars, some local gardens, imaginative play and emotions. The Garden’s Secrets by Sarah…
TV presenter, radio broadcaster and writer Sam Wallace tells us all about his relationship with books as a child, how it changed as he grew older, and the impact of those experiences on his own kids. I wasn’t a bookworm…
Many of our wonderful picture book writers are both musicians and writers. Diana Neild, writer of Daddy Monster A-B-C and the Piggity-Wiggity series (if you don’t know these, look them up!) and June Pitman-Hayes, writer of Kia ora! You can…