- English
New picture book retells Rātā and the tree pūrakau
The Ever-Standing Tree
Te Rākau Tū Tonu
Tim Tipene
Illustrated by Ani Huia Ligaliga
Translated by Kanapu Rangitauira
Modern retelling of a classic story comes to life in picture book about learning respect for nature
A modern interpretation of the classic pūrākau of Rātā and the tree, Tim Tipene’s The Ever-Standing Tree/Te Rākau Tū Tonu highlights the importance of respecting and protecting nature.
In a typical Kiwi suburb, Dad cuts down the tree in the backyard – to get a better view. Overnight, the insects and birds work their magic and put it back together, leaving the family stunned.
A battle of wills between the blade and nature ensues, until Dad finally comes to realise how special the tree is.
Read More
Duffy and the Bullies
Homegrown graphic novel takes the Duffy Books in Homes message to young readers
Duffy and the Bullies
Jeff Szusterman
Illustrated by Ant Sang
Every year the Duffy Books in Homes theatre group visits hundreds of Kiwi schools, sharing the messages It’s Cool to Read and Cool to Achieve while building a keen following for the show’s hero, Duffy.
It’s part of the outstanding work Duffy Books in Homes has done for 30 years to connect children with books.
Now one of those plays comes to the world in a graphic novel, the trendy reading format for children and teenagers worldwide.
Read More
Island Toes — Tamatama’i Vae o Motu
Island Toes
Tamatama’i Vae o Motu
Christin Lozano
Illustrated by Mariko Merritt
Translated by Suzie-Jo Rasmussen
Toes are toes wherever you go, but toes around the Pacific Islands have even more things in common.
They may be flipper toes or jandal toes, clean toes or highchair toes, snorkel toes or swimming underway toes — all around the Pacific, you know that you have island toes.
This colourfully illustrated book takes young readers on a journey around the South Pacific — no shoes needed!
First published in Hawai’i by Bess Press, Island Toes now reaches the South Pacific in Samoan as well as New Zealand English.
Read More
New Nanny Mihi book shares gardening wisdom
Nanny Mihi’s Harvest
Te Hauhake a Nanny Mihi
by Melanie Drewery, illustrated by Suzanne Simpson,
Translated by Kanapu Rangitauira
Publishing ahead of Matariki, Nanny Mihi’s Harvest Te Hauhake a Nanny Mihi is the perfect book to learn about growing a garden, harvesting, and sharing food — letting tamariki (kids) and whānau (families) explore the significance of harvesting for the Māori New Year.
When her mokopuna arrive for the spring school holidays, Nanny Mihi enlists their help to plant seeds in her garden.
As they return each season, the kids see their labours bear fruit, helping Nanny harvest, cook and preserve all the produce.
Read More