Posted
... some more of Bob's book reviews:
Best Mate by Michael Morpurgo
Being by Kevin Brooks
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Featured
...the International Children's Digital Library, and noted that you can preview NZ books on the site on this page of the National Library website
Introduced
... BookBackChat, a (moderated) email discussion of selected books for students, a great tool for getting reluctant readers engaged.
And you?
We'd love to hear what topics you'd be interested in - leave a note for us in the comments!
Friday, 28 September 2007
Thursday, 27 September 2007
Best Mate by Michael Morpurgo
{Alternative title is Born to Run}
Subtitled "The many lives of one incredible dog" that is exactly what it is. Written for middle school children in the same flowing style that characterises Michael Morpurgo's books. Best Mate is rescued as a pup from a bag full of puppies that has been thrown in a canal. He grows up with his saviour, Patrick, and is then dognapped by the cruel and unscrupulous Craig who races dogs.
A change of name and a successful career is followed by a flight from home with a young girl. Life on the road and another change of name puts him in a life of protest with an old man fighting for the survival of an old people's rest home. All through the story the dog is true and faithful to his owners and this makes the ending sad and heartwarming at the same time.
You don't get better writing than this for children. Read it!!
Published by HarperCollins Children's
Reviewed by Bob
Subtitled "The many lives of one incredible dog" that is exactly what it is. Written for middle school children in the same flowing style that characterises Michael Morpurgo's books. Best Mate is rescued as a pup from a bag full of puppies that has been thrown in a canal. He grows up with his saviour, Patrick, and is then dognapped by the cruel and unscrupulous Craig who races dogs.
A change of name and a successful career is followed by a flight from home with a young girl. Life on the road and another change of name puts him in a life of protest with an old man fighting for the survival of an old people's rest home. All through the story the dog is true and faithful to his owners and this makes the ending sad and heartwarming at the same time.
You don't get better writing than this for children. Read it!!
Published by HarperCollins Children's
Reviewed by Bob
Wednesday, 26 September 2007
Get Reluctant Readers Reading with English Online's Book Backchat
Book BackChat, part of English Online is a site where students can participate in a moderated email discussion of selected books with students from around the country. There are 5 book backchat groups coming up this term, for students from years 1-10.The books for this term are:
Kiss! Kiss! Yuck! Yuck!, By Kyle Mewburn - Yr 1-2, starts 23 OctoberSnake and Lizard, By Joy Cowley, illustrated by Gavin Bishop - Yr 3-4, starts 23 October
Best Mate By Michael Morpurgo - Yr 5-6 - starts 5 November
(see review above)
The White Darkness, by Geraldine McCaughrean - Yr 7-8, starts 5 November
Noughts and Crosses, by Malorie Blackman - Yr 9-10, starts 5 November
Reluctant Readers and ICT
Using ICT and books combined can be a great way of getting reluctant readers interested in books. Posting answers to the co-ordinator's questions, and getting involved in email discussions between different schools can also help to develop students' writing skills – and its fun!
To find out more, visit BookBackchat
Tuesday, 25 September 2007
US National Book Festival
Get onto that plane now to visit what must be an amazing day in The Mall, Washington D.C. The Library of Congress has been organising the National Book Festival in Washington since 2001. I guess it helps having a librarian as First Lady.
Being by Kevin Brooks
Kevin Brooks is the mailman of young adult literature, he always delivers, well nearly always.
Being is a book written at breakneck speed about a teenager who is admitted to hospital for an endoscopy. He awakes in the middle of the surgeons cutting into him to overhear a conversation relating to his condition which suggests that he is not human but some sort of human robot. He escapes after a bloody and vicious fight with those conducting the operation and links up with a tough and streetwise 18 year old girl who is in the know with the criminal element.
After being chased all around England they escape to the Continent and that should have been that. But it is not. The ending will have many perplexed and some will say the mailman has not delivered this time. Superbly written with high tension and action. Reminds me of the film Bladerunner. Aimed at Secondary level.
Pub. Penguin London
Reviewed by Bob
Being is a book written at breakneck speed about a teenager who is admitted to hospital for an endoscopy. He awakes in the middle of the surgeons cutting into him to overhear a conversation relating to his condition which suggests that he is not human but some sort of human robot. He escapes after a bloody and vicious fight with those conducting the operation and links up with a tough and streetwise 18 year old girl who is in the know with the criminal element.
After being chased all around England they escape to the Continent and that should have been that. But it is not. The ending will have many perplexed and some will say the mailman has not delivered this time. Superbly written with high tension and action. Reminds me of the film Bladerunner. Aimed at Secondary level.
Pub. Penguin London
Reviewed by Bob
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
A fabulous story of an orphan, Hugo, living in a Paris railway station at the turn of last century winding up the clocks and foraging for a living in what ever way he can. His secret life is threatened when he is caught shoplifting by an old man and meets his young niece. A broken mechanical man left to him by his father holds the key to the mystery of this story.
Nearly 300 pages of this book are told in original black and white drawings that resemble a cinematic storyboard and in these lies another mystery of this book. Wide appeal from middle school through to secondary. Of particular interest to those studying early film makers.
Pub.Scholastic Press.
Reviewed by Bob
Nearly 300 pages of this book are told in original black and white drawings that resemble a cinematic storyboard and in these lies another mystery of this book. Wide appeal from middle school through to secondary. Of particular interest to those studying early film makers.
Pub.Scholastic Press.
Reviewed by Bob
Monday, 24 September 2007
Kids books online: the International Digital Children's Library
Looking for books online? The International Children's Digital Library (ICDL) site makes more than 1900 books in nearly 40 languages available for reading online.
The site is designed to appeal to kids: in addition to author and illustrator searches, you can search the ICDL books by cover colour, by age group, by character (kids, animals, imaginary), and by genre.
In 2002 and again in 2006 the National Library digitised New Zealand children's books to add to the site. There are currently about 50 NZ books on the site, in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Rarotonga / Cook Island Māori and Niuean.
You can get a quick preview of all the NZ books on the ICDL on the National Library website:
Recent NZ children's books
Older & historical NZ children's books
The site is designed to appeal to kids: in addition to author and illustrator searches, you can search the ICDL books by cover colour, by age group, by character (kids, animals, imaginary), and by genre.
In 2002 and again in 2006 the National Library digitised New Zealand children's books to add to the site. There are currently about 50 NZ books on the site, in English, te reo Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Rarotonga / Cook Island Māori and Niuean.
You can get a quick preview of all the NZ books on the ICDL on the National Library website:
Recent NZ children's books
Older & historical NZ children's books
Friday, 21 September 2007
Operation nest egg: Saving New Zealand’s kiwi
by Maria Gill, published Reed 2006
Whether you want to know more about kiwi, are interested in efforts to conserve them, or just want to enjoy a book with NZ content, this title is worth a look. Short blocks of text are interspersed with interesting photographs and the clear headings, along with a good index and glossary, make it a winner for young researchers. The attractive layout and brief but informative text will also appeal to older, reluctant readers.
Reviewed by Melva, Palmerston North
Thursday, 20 September 2007
There Was A Coyote Who Swallowed A Fly, by Jennifer Ward
Illustrated by Steve Gray. Published by Rising Moon, 2007.
A zany coyote replaces the old woman in this retelling of the traditional folk song, I know an old lady who swallowed a fly. The list of what the coyote eats reflects the story's Arizona desert setting; eg. a snake, a lizard, a cacti, to name a few.
The illustrations are bright, vivid and complement the words quite well. It’s a title that should be read out aloud (so teachers and children should have fun making a fair amount of noise). In fact it would be even better combined with music.
In all, a good addition for a collection on music, rhymes, or just as recreational reading at a year 2-4 level (at a pinch with younger children for the illustrations alone).
Reviewed by Robin, Palmerston North
Visit Jennifer Wards website here, read the story behind the story, and read her discussion guide for teachers.
A zany coyote replaces the old woman in this retelling of the traditional folk song, I know an old lady who swallowed a fly. The list of what the coyote eats reflects the story's Arizona desert setting; eg. a snake, a lizard, a cacti, to name a few.
The illustrations are bright, vivid and complement the words quite well. It’s a title that should be read out aloud (so teachers and children should have fun making a fair amount of noise). In fact it would be even better combined with music.
In all, a good addition for a collection on music, rhymes, or just as recreational reading at a year 2-4 level (at a pinch with younger children for the illustrations alone).
Reviewed by Robin, Palmerston North
Visit Jennifer Wards website here, read the story behind the story, and read her discussion guide for teachers.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Being a Boy in Samoa in the 1950's, by Ropeti Fa'afetai
A vibrant collection of six short stories set in Samoa in the 1950's. Accompanying each story are study guides and author introductions, reading/comprehension exercises that could be successfully used with secondary level students. Volume 1 in a series titled Polynesian Literature, it would be an excellent tool for classroom use with Pacific Island students; an engaging set of stories for general reading interest.
reviewed by John Aiono
reviewed by John Aiono
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Mere McKaskill's boil-up by Tracy Duncan
Mere McKaskill wants to make a boil-up so she travels round the neighbourhood collecting the ingredients from different people and inviting everyone to join in. Putting the boil-up together is integrated into the story. Recipe included. Useful for technology production, and social sciences sharing. Reading level 6yr+
Published by Reed
Reviewed by Kathy
Get the low-down on Maori cuisine
A round up of YA blogs
The OEDB's list of the 25 top blogs by librarians (by the numbers) set me on a fantastic blog-hopping trip this morning. Here are my highlights in the teen librarians / YA area - check them out for yourself!
Alt Teen Services [one of the top 25]
"maintained by teen librarians who share ideas, resources, and advocacy about serving teens."
Visit: http://yalibrarian.com/
The YA YA YAs
"All YA, all the time"
Visit: http://theyayayas.wordpress.com/
Teens Matter
"Teens have to matter to libraries before libraries will matter to teens"
Visit: http://teens-matter.blogspot.com/
Teen Librarian
"News and information for librarians who work with teens"
Visit: http://www.teenlibrarian.com/blog.html
Read Alert
State Library of Victoria's Youth Lit blog
Visit: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/services/education/youthlit/readalert/
YALSA - Young Adults Library Services Association
The American Library association's blog on teen services
Visit: http://blogs.ala.org/yalsa.php
Add yourself to this list!
If you're blogging in the YA / teens area, let us know in the comments.
Alt Teen Services [one of the top 25]
"maintained by teen librarians who share ideas, resources, and advocacy about serving teens."
Visit: http://yalibrarian.com/
The YA YA YAs
"All YA, all the time"
Visit: http://theyayayas.wordpress.com/
Teens Matter
"Teens have to matter to libraries before libraries will matter to teens"
Visit: http://teens-matter.blogspot.com/
Teen Librarian
"News and information for librarians who work with teens"
Visit: http://www.teenlibrarian.com/blog.html
Read Alert
State Library of Victoria's Youth Lit blog
Visit: http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/services/education/youthlit/readalert/
YALSA - Young Adults Library Services Association
The American Library association's blog on teen services
Visit: http://blogs.ala.org/yalsa.php
Add yourself to this list!
If you're blogging in the YA / teens area, let us know in the comments.
Monday, 17 September 2007
The Joys of Reading Aloud
Whether you’re a parent, librarian or teacher the joy of reading aloud is such a great way to create readers, and it costs nothing! Perhaps it’s that combination of undivided attention, the sharing of emotions generated by plot and character and the knowledge that reading aloud helps generate a life long enjoyment of reading - not to mention literacy and comprehension skills.
So keep an eye out for our bookmarks promoting this blog. On the back there’s a handy 10 tips for reading aloud.
1. Set aside a time each day to read aloud
2. First, read the book yourself
3. Make sure your listeners are comfortable
4. Show the cover
5. Read out the title and author/illustrator
6. Suggest things to look or listen for during the story
7. Read at a moderate pace (not too fast!)
8. Change your voice to fit the mood, character, or action
9. Maintain eye contact with your audience
10. Share your thoughts about the story
And here’s some great websites which provide more ideas to set kids on that life long journey.
http://www.rif.org/parents/tips/tip.mspx?View=11
http://www.randomhouse.com/rhpg/promos/greatbooks/boys/tips.html
http://childrensbooks.about.com/cs/readalouds/ht/readaloud.htm
http://www.bookitprogram.com/parents/readaloudtips.asp
Oh and this wee gem of an article;
Well no, not by judging this group of librarians who gathered round Bob Docherty at conference listening in rapt attention as he read extracts from LIANZA Children’s book award winners.
The Authors who Got You Hooked – Favourites Revealed (so far…)
Thanks to all the people who have shared their favourite first books and authors after our post What Book Got you Hooked?
After one week of comments, some clear favourites have emerged:
The winning author, so far, is P D Eastman, with Go Dog Go, and Are You My Mother?
In second place is the beloved Enid Blyton, with The Famous Five, and The Magic Faraway Tree.
3 authors are vying for third place. They are:
Maurice Gee, our only Kiwi author on the shortlist (so far…), with The Halfmen of O, and Under the Mountain series
A A Milne – Pooh Bear stories, as well as his books of poems
Dr Suess – Green Eggs and Ham, and his other stories
Its interesting to see that these favourites are all still loved by children, and continue to be great books to share at school and at home.
What do you think? The votes are tight, and easily influenced... Let us know what book got you hooked, here.
The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd
Set in 1964, Lily is living on a peach farm in South Carolina with her harsh and unyielding father. She has grown up believing she had accidentally killed her mother when she was just four years old. Lily’s only friend is Rosaleen, a black servant.
When racial tension explodes one sultry summer afternoon, Lily and Rosaleen become fugitives. They find sanctuary in the home of three beekeeping sisters where Lily starts another journey of self discovery and reconciliation.
The Secret Life of Bees (2002, Viking) by Sue Monk Kidd, is a gutsy, uplifting, funny and sad story that will tug at your heart strings and challenge your values. Highly recommended for intermediate and secondary students.
Reviewed by Pat
When racial tension explodes one sultry summer afternoon, Lily and Rosaleen become fugitives. They find sanctuary in the home of three beekeeping sisters where Lily starts another journey of self discovery and reconciliation.
The Secret Life of Bees (2002, Viking) by Sue Monk Kidd, is a gutsy, uplifting, funny and sad story that will tug at your heart strings and challenge your values. Highly recommended for intermediate and secondary students.
Reviewed by Pat
Friday, 14 September 2007
Books to hook the young ones!!
How wonderful to read of the variety of books that got us hooked on reading. Central Bloggers have been busy reviewing some great reads that will help to hook the next generation.
Tennis Balls and Rotten Shrimp
Are you looking for a high interest sports novel that will appeal to year 7 plus students? A lively text between 4-6 sentences on most pages and fun cartoony pictures? Then this is the book for you...the plot is great, Jemma loves to play pranks on others but her pranks backfire. She's in major trouble at home and at school. In her efforts to get noticed she discovers how to play tennis with the help of her brother and others.
In the 64 pages and 7 chapters of this novel, Tim Power (2006, Picture Window Books) not only tells how Jemma learns to cooperate, but also included a glossary, tennis technical terms, tennis court equipment, basic rules and training tips.
Reviewed by Fiona
Rubbish! Everything you ever wanted to know about rubbish, landfills, recycling and worms.
This is a very useful resource on rubbish and how to deal with it. The style of the book, by Rachael Goddard (2007, Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd) is informal and chatty, with an emphasis on New Zealand information.
The book is introduced by a cartoon character called Kevin the Cockroach who pops up in the first few chapters with interesting facts and comments about rubbish and landfills. Waru Worm takes over for the chapters on worms and reducing waste.
The layout is captivating, drawing the reader in. There is variety on every page, with a mixture of text boxes, containing checklists, facts, figures and humour, and cartoons, diagrams and photos. It includes easy to follow instructions on how to make a worm farm, a compost heap and how to do a waste audit.
The book finishes with a quiz, a glossary, and a short list of websites, including a US home schooling site that has some useful links.
The target audience for this book is years 5-8
Reviewed by Heather, Palmerston North
I see a kookaburra!: discovering animal habitats around the world
This delightful book, by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page, will become a firm favourite with children as they learn how a variety of animals live and thrive in very different environments, from scorching deserts and steamy rain forests to muddy ponds and salty oceans.
There is something for everyone. Children will have fun searching for the eight animals that live in each habitat, then enjoy reading short intriguing facts on the next page. The last 5 pages have compact facts about each animal.
The illustrations are clever collages of cut and torn paper and are so distinctive that they will enhance anyone’s' own artwork. It would also suit those who enjoy playing with language and exploring some poetical techniques - "a sea urchin, a colorful pincushion" or "a great blue heron standing very still as it waits to spear a fish".
Reviewed by Fiona, Palmerston North
Tennis Balls and Rotten Shrimp
Are you looking for a high interest sports novel that will appeal to year 7 plus students? A lively text between 4-6 sentences on most pages and fun cartoony pictures? Then this is the book for you...the plot is great, Jemma loves to play pranks on others but her pranks backfire. She's in major trouble at home and at school. In her efforts to get noticed she discovers how to play tennis with the help of her brother and others.
In the 64 pages and 7 chapters of this novel, Tim Power (2006, Picture Window Books) not only tells how Jemma learns to cooperate, but also included a glossary, tennis technical terms, tennis court equipment, basic rules and training tips.
Reviewed by Fiona
Rubbish! Everything you ever wanted to know about rubbish, landfills, recycling and worms.
This is a very useful resource on rubbish and how to deal with it. The style of the book, by Rachael Goddard (2007, Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd) is informal and chatty, with an emphasis on New Zealand information.
The book is introduced by a cartoon character called Kevin the Cockroach who pops up in the first few chapters with interesting facts and comments about rubbish and landfills. Waru Worm takes over for the chapters on worms and reducing waste.
The layout is captivating, drawing the reader in. There is variety on every page, with a mixture of text boxes, containing checklists, facts, figures and humour, and cartoons, diagrams and photos. It includes easy to follow instructions on how to make a worm farm, a compost heap and how to do a waste audit.
The book finishes with a quiz, a glossary, and a short list of websites, including a US home schooling site that has some useful links.
The target audience for this book is years 5-8
Reviewed by Heather, Palmerston North
I see a kookaburra!: discovering animal habitats around the world
This delightful book, by Steve Jenkins & Robin Page, will become a firm favourite with children as they learn how a variety of animals live and thrive in very different environments, from scorching deserts and steamy rain forests to muddy ponds and salty oceans.
There is something for everyone. Children will have fun searching for the eight animals that live in each habitat, then enjoy reading short intriguing facts on the next page. The last 5 pages have compact facts about each animal.
The illustrations are clever collages of cut and torn paper and are so distinctive that they will enhance anyone’s' own artwork. It would also suit those who enjoy playing with language and exploring some poetical techniques - "a sea urchin, a colorful pincushion" or "a great blue heron standing very still as it waits to spear a fish".
Reviewed by Fiona, Palmerston North
Wednesday, 12 September 2007
LIANZA Children’s Book Awards
Hot from Rotorua, the LIANZA Children’s Book Awards were announced yesterday morning and the winners are:
Elsie Locke Award: Red Haze by Leon Davidson
Russell Clark Award: Three Fishing Brother’s Gruff by Ben Galbraith
Te Kura Pounamu Award: Matatahi by Robyn Kahukiwa
Esther Glen Award: Genesis by Bernard Becket
Both Ben Galbraith and Bernard Beckett were on hand to receive not only their awards but spontaneous applause from the audience, Ben for his acknowledgement to the Wellington City Libraries;
“If they didn’t have such a large selection of picture books, I wouldn’t have been inspired to write this book.”
And Bernard for his brief insights into the subversive potential of books and the wry observation that it was wonderful to have books recognised at a conference largely focused on the digital realm.
Create Readers caught up with judges (above left to right) Bob Docherty, Eddie Neha, Kathertine Chisholm and Helen O’Carroll immediately after the awards where they shared their thoughts on the judging - and the state of children’s publishing in New Zealand.
One of the strongest fields this year was the fiction with six finalists announced - but the judges noted they could have easily named 15! Despite that they also noteds a dearth of junior fiction and were eager to see more chapter books published for the year three to five age group.
Ditto non fiction, not many entries here but what appeared on the shortlist impressed the judges - and some were outstanding especially those that (for kids) highlighted aspects of our history and culture for the first time.
A record 17 Te Reo Maori entries were received for the Te Kura Pounamu Award a number that speaks volumes about the steady progression of Te Reo Maori publishing for children.
The judges also noted a very strong line-up of picture books for the Russell Clark Award . Those that made it to the shortlist stood out for both their excellence in illustration and also story.
Our congrats to all the winners and please keep them coming!
Tuesday, 11 September 2007
Australia's first teenage book choice award
insideadog.com have introduced a new teen choice book award - the longlist consists of 10 Australian books and 10 international books. No New Zealand titles on the list as yet - but we know that it is only a matter of time.... Check out "the inkys" longlist here
Monday, 10 September 2007
What Book Got You Hooked?
Can you remember the book that first turned you on to reading? Leave us a comment, below. Maybe we can develop our own top 50 list of "first books".
A number of authors and celebrities recently participated in "What Book Got You Hooked?"- a national awareness campaign from First Book, a United States children's literacy organisation that provides new books to children from low-income families.
The top five titles that created readers were:
(1) Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene
(2) Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
(3) Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
(4) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
(5) The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.
You can see the full list here
Don't forget to let us know your first book, by clicking here.
From Maxine and Lisa
A number of authors and celebrities recently participated in "What Book Got You Hooked?"- a national awareness campaign from First Book, a United States children's literacy organisation that provides new books to children from low-income families.
The top five titles that created readers were:
(1) Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene
(2) Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
(3) Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
(4) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
(5) The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss.
You can see the full list here
Don't forget to let us know your first book, by clicking here.
From Maxine and Lisa
Friday, 7 September 2007
Hot, Hot YA Series: Uglies by Scott Westerfield
Uglies, by Scott Westerfield, Simon Pulse, New York, 2005.
Set in a future time, after the Rusties (that's us) have ruined the earth, everything is now safe, controlled, and happy. Tally Youngblood is 15, and an ugly. Like all her 15 year-old friends, who are still living in the imperfect bodies they were born with, she can't wait for her operation, at 16, to make her into a pretty. After the operation, Tally will be gorgeous, just like everyone else, and she will no longer worry her pretty little head about anything except what to wear for tonight's party.
Then Tally meets Shay, another ugly who, shockingly, doesn't want to become a pretty. Shay wants Tally to run away with her to a place called The Smoke, where people stay ugly all their lives! Tally, rejecting her offer, is finally about to have the all-important operation, when she meets the sinister and scary Dr Cable, a "special", who gives Tally an ultimation. Use Shay's cryptic instructions to find The Smoke, and betray their location, or forever remain an ugly.
This is a fast-paced, action-filled adventure, with daring hoverboard rides, and conflict with a dangerous enemy. It has strong, believable male and female characters, and meaty themes about beauty, freedom, individuality and environmentalism.
Uglies has won a number of awards and places on "best" lists, including the American Library Association Best Books for Young Adults (2006), the School Library Journal Best Books of the Year (2005), and the VOYA Top Shelf Fiction for Middle School Readers (2005).
This book, and its sequels Pretties (Simon Pulse, New York, 2005) and Specials (Simon Pulse, New York, 2006) have become a top series for young adults. All three books keep up the same pace and excitement, with issues of friendship, loyalty and love, and development of the thought-provoking themes. A new book, Extras, set in the same world just after the events of this series, is due to come out later this year. And there's an Uglies movie in the pipeline. This series is great for teens of both sexes, and also suitable for intermediate students with good reading levels. And I stayed up past my bedtime reading it too!
For more information, visit Scott Westerfields website or blog, or look at this discussion module.
Thursday, 6 September 2007
Collecting Children's Picture Books
Ever wondered what happens to old award –winning books? At Collecting Children's Picture Books they have been searching for first edition Caldecott Medal prize winners from the last 70 years. Apparently it is impossible to put together a complete set of Caldecott Medal prize winners - at least at the moment.
Wouldn't it be interesting to do a similar sort of thing with children's literature here in New Zealand for the LIANZA award winners and the New Zealand Post (formerly Aim) children's book awards?
For a round-up of book awards here in New Zealand, and overseas go here
Wouldn't it be interesting to do a similar sort of thing with children's literature here in New Zealand for the LIANZA award winners and the New Zealand Post (formerly Aim) children's book awards?
For a round-up of book awards here in New Zealand, and overseas go here
Wednesday, 5 September 2007
Alone on a Wide Wide Sea - Michael Morpurgo
Just brilliant. If you don't read this you are mad. Rarely does a book start and end with the same sentence, but this one does giving it the final unity that the two parts of this story deserve and indeed must have.
Arthur Hobhouse aged 6 is an orphan shipped out to Australia for a better life after World War II. His story is as heart-rending as it is honest and uplifting. Michael Morpurgo's love of animals and the countryside shows through big time as does his love of the sea. Arthur's life forms part one of this book while his daughter Allie tells the second part while sailing home to England in a yacht built by her father.
Linked by the song London Bridge is falling down and by the epic poem Rime of the Ancient Mariner this is simply a stunning story. Aimed at Intermediate and Secondary school pupils but adults shouldn't miss out either.
Publisher - HarperCollins.
Review by Bob Docherty
Hear Michael Morpurgo speak about Best Mate: The Many Lives of One Incredible Dog and Alone on a Wide Wide Sea at Christchurch City Libraries, Centre for the Child, 7.00pm, Friday 7th September.
Arthur Hobhouse aged 6 is an orphan shipped out to Australia for a better life after World War II. His story is as heart-rending as it is honest and uplifting. Michael Morpurgo's love of animals and the countryside shows through big time as does his love of the sea. Arthur's life forms part one of this book while his daughter Allie tells the second part while sailing home to England in a yacht built by her father.
Linked by the song London Bridge is falling down and by the epic poem Rime of the Ancient Mariner this is simply a stunning story. Aimed at Intermediate and Secondary school pupils but adults shouldn't miss out either.
Publisher - HarperCollins.
Review by Bob Docherty
Hear Michael Morpurgo speak about Best Mate: The Many Lives of One Incredible Dog and Alone on a Wide Wide Sea at Christchurch City Libraries, Centre for the Child, 7.00pm, Friday 7th September.
Take a Kid Outdoors - Colin Moore
Everything the family needs to know about fun in the kiwi outdoors is found in this great introduction to the New Zealand bush. Read about tramping, fishing, fun in the snow, cooking outdoors and much more while Moore’s suggestions of fun activities including "give your walk a theme" or "making a miniature garden" provide practical advice for family fun. The colourful photos along with wonderful sketches describe a range of pursuits from making a hobo stove to tying on a fishhook.
Littered throughout the book are helpful hints from a range of New Zealanders suggesting fun places to visit, such as Michelle Ward, Huntly saying take a kid to Mangaokewa Reserve, King Country with a brief explanation of the joys awaiting visiting families.
If you are looking for a book for the family, for ideas and inspiration or advice to start enjoying the great kiwi outdoors then Take a kid outdoors is for you.
Published by New Holland Publishers NZ
http://www.newhollandpublishers.co.nz/
-reviewed by Tracey Dyett
Littered throughout the book are helpful hints from a range of New Zealanders suggesting fun places to visit, such as Michelle Ward, Huntly saying take a kid to Mangaokewa Reserve, King Country with a brief explanation of the joys awaiting visiting families.
If you are looking for a book for the family, for ideas and inspiration or advice to start enjoying the great kiwi outdoors then Take a kid outdoors is for you.
Published by New Holland Publishers NZ
http://www.newhollandpublishers.co.nz/
-reviewed by Tracey Dyett
Tuesday, 4 September 2007
Dan and Diesel by Charlotte Hudson, illustrated by Lindsey Gardiner
Dan's brother has a dog with super powers. When he is with Dan, Diesel can go anywhere and do anything -'No Dogs Allowed' signs do not apply to him--and in the company of Diesel, Dan feels he can conquer the world.
The fact that Dan is blind and Diesel his guide dog is never explicitly stated in this subtle, unsentimental book, where everything is seen through the eyes of Dan's hero-worshipping younger brother.
This original slant on the topic makes Dan and Diesel an excellent book for enquiry-based learning, as Hudson's understated text, as well as Gardiner's clever use of both colour and its absence, will encourage young readers to ask questions on every page.
- Reviewed by Cecily Fisher
This book is one of a number recommended by Children in the Picture, an organisation which aims to promote the inclusion of disabled children in early years' picture books.
If you feel like doing some oohing and aahing look at puppy walking, and see the socialisation of the guide dogs of tomorrow.
The fact that Dan is blind and Diesel his guide dog is never explicitly stated in this subtle, unsentimental book, where everything is seen through the eyes of Dan's hero-worshipping younger brother.
This original slant on the topic makes Dan and Diesel an excellent book for enquiry-based learning, as Hudson's understated text, as well as Gardiner's clever use of both colour and its absence, will encourage young readers to ask questions on every page.
- Reviewed by Cecily Fisher
This book is one of a number recommended by Children in the Picture, an organisation which aims to promote the inclusion of disabled children in early years' picture books.
If you feel like doing some oohing and aahing look at puppy walking, and see the socialisation of the guide dogs of tomorrow.
Monday, 3 September 2007
Illustrated myths and legends of the Pacific
Books of traditional stories from Pacific Island countries are rather thin on the ground, so this new edition of A.W. Reed’s “Myths and legends of the Pacific” (illustrated by Jennifer Cooper. Auckland [N.Z.] : Reed, c2007) is very welcome.
The text of the stories is unchanged from the original 1969 edition, but the larger format, clear typeface and abundant colour illustrations combine to make this a far more accessible book for young readers.
Jennifer Cooper makes interesting use of traditional Pacific Island patterns and motifs in her artwork, and every page has an illustration of some kind. A.W. Reed’s retellings lend themselves well to reading aloud.
There are 23 stories from 17 countries, including New Zealand. A real treasure for every New Zealand school library!
- Pamela, Palmerston North
The text of the stories is unchanged from the original 1969 edition, but the larger format, clear typeface and abundant colour illustrations combine to make this a far more accessible book for young readers.
Jennifer Cooper makes interesting use of traditional Pacific Island patterns and motifs in her artwork, and every page has an illustration of some kind. A.W. Reed’s retellings lend themselves well to reading aloud.
There are 23 stories from 17 countries, including New Zealand. A real treasure for every New Zealand school library!
- Pamela, Palmerston North
LIANZA children's Book Awards shortlist announced
The Library and Information Association of New Zealand Aotearoa, last week, announced its shortlist for the LIANZA Children’s Book Awards 2007 in all four categories - fiction, non-fiction, illustrated book, and te reo Māori.
These awards celebrate the unique contribution made to cultural heritage and national identity by New Zealand children’s authors and illustrators. Four awards are offered. They are: the Esther Glen Award, the Russell Clark Award, the Elsie Locke Award, and the Te Kura Pounamu.
Check out the shortlists in each category here
These awards celebrate the unique contribution made to cultural heritage and national identity by New Zealand children’s authors and illustrators. Four awards are offered. They are: the Esther Glen Award, the Russell Clark Award, the Elsie Locke Award, and the Te Kura Pounamu.
Check out the shortlists in each category here
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
This story chronicles Afghanistan from the time of the monarchy, through the civil war, the Taliban and up until today. As a curtain raiser the author preludes the plight of women, their oppression and the hardships they have to endure.
The story is about Mariam, an illegitimate daughter of a wealthy landlord, who scorned by society, is forced to live in a remote part of Kabul. At a tender age of fifteen she is forced into marriage to forty-five year old Rasheed. Mariam lives her life in continuous fear of Rasheed's volatile temper that escalates when she cannot bear a child, especially a male child.
Around eighteen years later Rasheed, who is over sixty years old, takes on another wife Laila, who is only fourteen years old. Laila, an intelligent girl has every reason to have hopes and ambitions. Her life is shattered when she loses both her parents in a rocket attack. Faced with prostitution and starvation, Laila agrees to marry Raheed. What follows is Laila and her fight for what she wants to accomplish.
The novel is about friendship, self-sacrifice, family and a need for acceptance against the political upheavals of Afghanistan.
- Reviewed by Janice Rodrigues
The story is about Mariam, an illegitimate daughter of a wealthy landlord, who scorned by society, is forced to live in a remote part of Kabul. At a tender age of fifteen she is forced into marriage to forty-five year old Rasheed. Mariam lives her life in continuous fear of Rasheed's volatile temper that escalates when she cannot bear a child, especially a male child.
Around eighteen years later Rasheed, who is over sixty years old, takes on another wife Laila, who is only fourteen years old. Laila, an intelligent girl has every reason to have hopes and ambitions. Her life is shattered when she loses both her parents in a rocket attack. Faced with prostitution and starvation, Laila agrees to marry Raheed. What follows is Laila and her fight for what she wants to accomplish.
The novel is about friendship, self-sacrifice, family and a need for acceptance against the political upheavals of Afghanistan.
- Reviewed by Janice Rodrigues
Wish List
Here at Create Readers we love lists. And what better way to profile and celebrate New Zealand books than a list, or in this case two. Enter Storylines who have recently published two booklets of annotated lists. Reading on Up: Books to share with children from eight to twelve years old covers off both NZ non fiction and fiction while the updated Reading with joy: Picture book to share with children from birth to eight years includes both recently published picture books like Dad’s Takeways but also earlier classics like, The Nickle Nackle Tree.
As a bonus both booklets are free and also contain, yep, another list, “Ten Reasons to read to your child.” Number 9 particularly grabbed my attention, “Because one day they will read to you!
Both booklets are available from Storylines. To order your free copies email childlitnz@storylines.org.nz.
As a bonus both booklets are free and also contain, yep, another list, “Ten Reasons to read to your child.” Number 9 particularly grabbed my attention, “Because one day they will read to you!
Both booklets are available from Storylines. To order your free copies email childlitnz@storylines.org.nz.
Epic - Conor Kostick
Celia Keenan, a book reviewer for the Sunday Independent boasts that Epic by Conor Kostick, was “the most important Irish novel of this year” (2004) – an audacious statement, but in my view, a deserved one.
Epic is one of those novels that you simply can’t put down; it is set sometime in the future, in a world where an online multi player computer game has become the major forum of political arbitration for the real world. To succeed in the game is to succeed in real life – however opportunities to become skilled players belong to the rich and the privileged only. Enter Erik and his group of friends, the children of humble farmers, who set out to thwart the game and bring down a political system of rampant inequality.
The novel bounces back and forwards between the “real world” and the “online” one – both worlds are vividly imagined and the action in each is equally gripping - an effective narrative device which kept this reader on the edge of her seat to the very last word. A brilliant novel for readers aged 12 – 20+ .
Visit Conor Kostick's blog at http://conorkostick.blogspot.com/
Epic is one of those novels that you simply can’t put down; it is set sometime in the future, in a world where an online multi player computer game has become the major forum of political arbitration for the real world. To succeed in the game is to succeed in real life – however opportunities to become skilled players belong to the rich and the privileged only. Enter Erik and his group of friends, the children of humble farmers, who set out to thwart the game and bring down a political system of rampant inequality.
The novel bounces back and forwards between the “real world” and the “online” one – both worlds are vividly imagined and the action in each is equally gripping - an effective narrative device which kept this reader on the edge of her seat to the very last word. A brilliant novel for readers aged 12 – 20+ .
Visit Conor Kostick's blog at http://conorkostick.blogspot.com/
The World of Wearable Art - photography by Craig Potton
ISBN 1 877333 53 0
This book features some of the best garments produced for the World of Wearable Art shows from the last 15 years. This annual event has grown from its origins as a promotion for Suzie Moncrieff's art gallery in Nelson in the 1980s, to the extravaganza that it is today. This production is a great cultural draw card for Wellington and now spans a two week period, attracting some 30,000 visitors to its current site. The show has expanded to feature many different categories, which attracts both national and international designers.
The concept is a distinctly New Zealand one -- the garment is an artistic expression that adorns the body but does not have to be commercially viable as one intended for the fashion industry might. The skills and craftsmanship of the painter, sculptor, textile artist, engineer and designer are all utilised in their production.
This beautifully illustrated book has minimal text but would be very useful for both the art and fashion student alike. This title is aimed at the adult market, but would be an excellent choice as a high interest item for secondary students not keen on reading but are being encouraged to get into books. There is no technical information offered, the intention here is purely for inspiration.
See the World of Wearable Art website for other publications and DVD --
http://www.worldofwearableart.com/
Suzanne Hardy
This book features some of the best garments produced for the World of Wearable Art shows from the last 15 years. This annual event has grown from its origins as a promotion for Suzie Moncrieff's art gallery in Nelson in the 1980s, to the extravaganza that it is today. This production is a great cultural draw card for Wellington and now spans a two week period, attracting some 30,000 visitors to its current site. The show has expanded to feature many different categories, which attracts both national and international designers.
The concept is a distinctly New Zealand one -- the garment is an artistic expression that adorns the body but does not have to be commercially viable as one intended for the fashion industry might. The skills and craftsmanship of the painter, sculptor, textile artist, engineer and designer are all utilised in their production.
This beautifully illustrated book has minimal text but would be very useful for both the art and fashion student alike. This title is aimed at the adult market, but would be an excellent choice as a high interest item for secondary students not keen on reading but are being encouraged to get into books. There is no technical information offered, the intention here is purely for inspiration.
See the World of Wearable Art website for other publications and DVD --
http://www.worldofwearableart.com/
Suzanne Hardy
New Zealand Book Month Starts Today: 3 - 30 September 2007
To help celebrate NZ Book Month, Secondary School and Public Libraries have this week all been sent copies of the Six Pack Two, a book of six NZ short stories, chosen from hundreds of entries. They have also been sent free display packs containing posters promoting NZ Book Month and the Six Pack Two, brochures about a list of 50 Great NZ Books, and Storylines booklets promoting NZ Children's literature.
For ideas about how your school or library can celebrate NZ Book Month, go here.
You can also see a list of some of the best NZ books published this year.
For ideas about how your school or library can celebrate NZ Book Month, go here.
You can also see a list of some of the best NZ books published this year.
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