Time of the Eagle by Sherryl Jordan

A terrific story for lovers of adventure/fantasy. While this is a sequel to Secret Sacrament it is not necessary to have read the earlier book, as Sherryl Jordan fills in detail where necessary, and every chapter is headed by a relevant quote from the previous book.

Avala is the 16 year old heroine of the story set in a world that is divided into four tribes, Shinali, Navoran, Igaal and Hena, of which the Navorans dominate through the evil emperor Jaganath.
Avala is part Navoran part Shinali and is destined to fulfill a prophecy to bring about the Time of the Eagle in which all tribes will unite to destroy the evil Jaganath.

The day after her 16th birthday Avala sets out to gather herbs and discovers an Igaal warrior near death. She helps him back to his tribe and because of her skills as a healer is made a slave in the Igaal tribe. From then on the action starts big time to effect the Time of the Eagle. There are huge battles, great philosophical discussions and even a romance until the prophecy is fulfilled. A long book with great detail of the differing cultures of the various tribes.

Avala's role as a healer, amidst the brutality of the world around her, brings a very civilising and feel good factor to an impressive story. Suitable for high level intermediate readers through to secondary students and even adults. A very good read this.

Two titles by marine biologist Dr Mark Norman

The Penguin Book: Birds in suits
by Dr Mark Norman. Published by Black Dog Books.

What's so special about penguins? There are 17 different species. In this, the first of three written by Dr Mark Norman, they are described by their physical attributes and their characteristics. Succinct text and illustrations cover the essentials of each penguin type including where they live, numbers of penguins, predators, food, breeding and the depth they swim in the sea. Each page has a clearly laid out format. There is also a glossary, index and other odd facts about penguins. This book can be used with good readers at year 3 for quick facts plus older readers.

The Antarctica Book: Living in the freezer
by Dr Mark Norman. Published by Black Dog Books, 2007.

Come and explore new images of the many animals in the pack ice and outer islands of Antarctica. Fall in love with the seals and penguins, and be enthralled by the intricate detailed shape of the water bears, mites and sea spider. Another superb book in the series from Dr Mark Norman who has visited Antarctica and is a research scientist. The information comes in a variety of illustrations, quick facts in boxes and factual descriptive text. A joy to expand on existing knowledge of Antarctica, this title would suit year 5 plus and also those with an interest in descriptive language and art.

Reviewed by Fiona

The great number rumble.

A story of math in surprising places.

By Cora Lee & Gillian O'Reilly Published by Annick Press Ltd, 2007

This book is a wonderful blend of fiction and non-fiction. Sam, who is "crazy about maths", finds out that the Director of Education has removed maths from the curriculum. Sam makes a bet with the director that he can convince everyone that maths "is not only important, but exciting too, and part of everything we do." Sam and his friends cover all sorts of everyday activities that involve maths, discussing and explaining them. It covers example such as music, 3D computer animation, golden rectangle, Pascals triangle and perspective, and includes biographical notes on several famous mathematicians. A fascinating read.

Reviewed by Heather

Why why why do clocks have hands?

...and other interesting questions about inventions.
Miles Kelly Publishing Ltd, 2007

This book is in the "Why why why" series that includes titles on such diverse topics such as pirates, the earth, dinosaurs and the weather. This title provides answers to questions about inventions such as transport, telescopes, and household appliances. It is in question and answer form, with colourful photographs and cartoon drawings. There are also boxes with additional information and suggested activities on each page, and there is quiz at the end complete answers and references back to the text. An easy book to dip into.

This is an interesting, non-fiction read that is likely to appeal to boys in the junior to mid primary age group.

Reviewed by Heather

Kimchi & Calamari by Rose Kent

The author Rose Kent lives in New York. Kimchi & Calamari is her debut novel for young adults. Her inspiration for this novel, she says came 'wrapped in a blanket drinking a bottle of soy-milk'. She is referring to her son Connor who was adopted from Pusan in Korea.

Joseph Calderaro is a Korean boy who lives with his adopted Italian parents in America. He has just celebrated his fourteenth birthday. As a part of the Italian tradition he is presented with a gold chain and a pendant in the shape of a goat's horn. This is a 'corno' worn by Italian men to bring good luck and ward off the evil eye. Joseph refuses to wear it for obvious reasons. This infuriates his father and sets off his father's Mad Meter.

The main plot of the book begins when Joseph's class is given an essay to write. The assignment Tracing Your Past: A Heritage Essay leaves him bewildered. Joseph does not know much about his Korean ancestry and does not feel his Italian adopted family is the way to go.

However his first attempt is a fabrication based on a random search on the internet. Joseph is made to redo the assignment. This makes him think about himself and his birth parents and this sets him on a quest to discover more about himself. Joseph meets up with a couple of Korean families and learns a bit about himself. He calls himself an ethnic sandwich, Korean from the outside and Italian from the inside and sometimes vice versa.

A great debut novel by Rose Kent. Full of humour, expression and witticism, the book has its poignant moments. Joseph comes across as a very likable character, funny yet pensive. The book has subplots that tie in very nicely with the main story. Credit goes to the author for her delicate handling of the topic of adoption of Joseph and his age-related struggle for a sense of belonging and identity.

Just the book for intermediate or junior secondary levels on the topics of adoption and identity.

Reviewed by Janice Rodrigues

Tahi-One Lucky Kiwi by Melanie Drewery

Designed and illustrated by John O'Reilly and Ali Teo

Much more than a picture book. The message is about protecting kiwi. A fictional tale, facts about kiwis and the clever use of multi layered images, both hand drawn and digitised on each double page spread engage the reader.
A real life conversation between a schoolboy and his teacher, teaches us about the plight and the future of a kiwi who has been caught in one of the perils of the bush, a gin trap! Because of this "monstrous contraption with giant silver jaws" the kiwi loses a leg and is aptly named Tahi. It's difficult for a kiwi to live with one leg, so help is called upon and a very clever man at the Wellington Artifcial Limb Centre comes to the rescue. Tahi, certainly is one lucky kiwi.

reviewed by Heather law

Blogs, blogs and more blogs...

You might be thinking about starting your own blog or wiki for your school, class or school library and you want to look at some good examples already in existence? There are several directories worth visiting - the first is Blog without a Library, which is a directory of (mostly US) school library blogs and wikis.

Have a look also at International Edubloggers Directory This directory has only recently started but may be something to keep an eye on to see what other people are doing.

For New Zealand specific examples, take a look NZ edublogs - a wiki set up to collect "a list of New Zealand education-related blogs and podcasts". Educators can add their own blog or wiki to the list - something to consider as NZedublogs has the potential to become an exceptional NZ blog repository and a valuable resource for all New Zealand educators.

“Arts and crafts of Ancient Greece” by Ting Morris

This attractive art book is part of a wider series that features a range of ancient cultures, including Ancient China, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Rome, Aztecs and Maya, and Native Americans. The book is aimed at the Year 4-6 reader and is simply laid out on the page – each topic taking no more than a double page spread and being amply illustrated with photographs. Interspersed throughout the book are clear instructions for making various crafts – in this case an actor’s mask, a clay amphora, and painting a mural. An extensive glossary at the back of the book helps out with unfamiliar words. The whole series is well designed, clear and easy to read and would be a very useful addition to any school library’s collection.

Suzanne Hardy

(Image of Greek mask is taken from flickr and was published by Richard Thomas- it does not appear in the book)

Out of the Egg - written and illustrated by Tina Matthews

The Red Hen wants help but does not get any - and this makes her very angry with the other animals on the farm. The story may sound familiar at the beginning but then along comes the little red chick who teaches her mother and the uncooperative farm animals the values of sharing and forgiveness. A small surprise awaits the cat, the rat and the pig at the end.
Simple and easy to read, the author Tina Matthews has used limited primary colours against black and white illustrations for greater visual impact. This book can be used as a good example of alternative fairy tales and the teaching of values.

reviewed by Janice Rodrigues

A New Zealand read for teenagers!

Face it by Denis Martin
Published by Penguin 2006

Three teenagers are left on an island farm in the Malborough Sounds for a holiday while parents return to work. Greg tries to help when some strange visitors have difficulty with their boat’s engine. Then everything goes wrong. They witness a murder…and have to run for their lives. How can they survive when no one else knows that anything is amiss? Fortunately Lawrence and his sister Libby have spent many holidays on the farm, and know their way around the old tunnels and gun emplacement built during the war. But will that be enough?

Reviewed by Lynn

Weather watch New Zealand

By Sandra Carrod, published by Reed 2007

Why is the West Coast so wet? Why is Wellington so windy? Why is Auckland’s weather so changeable?

Here at last is a weather book with all NZ content. A large format book, it is attractively set out and generously illustrated with diagrams and photographs (all NZ). Interesting facts and explanations are accompanied by simple practical activities.

A two-page map of NZ on which the chapters are rearranged according to location follows the contents page. A detailed index completes the package.

This is a great book, which would be enjoyed by all young NZ weather watchers and, has also been shortlisted in the non-fiction section of the New Zealand Post Awards for Children and Young People.

Reviewed by Melva

Zillah by Penelope Todd

Not a bad read this but I think you need to have read the two previous titles in this Watermark trilogy to fully understand the character development particularly of Zillah and Joseph. Like the two previous books Watermark and Dark, this is also a psychological drama, with the tension lasting to the last page of the book.

Zillah has returned from a trip to Spain, where an incident happened that she needs to resolve. Joseph had a mental breakdown in the previous book and still has some healing to do particularly as regards his relationship with Zillah. Both main characters meet in the West Coast setting of the previous books, with drama being created by other interesting characters who have there own reasons to be in this isolated world.

Penelope Todd uses the flashback technique to bring Zillah's Spanish ordeal out and it basically works well. Through the story both Zillah and Joseph move from adolescence into the adult world and the Watermark Series comes to a satisfactory conclusion. Aimed at Senior Secondary level.

Published by Longacre

Reviewed by Bob

Kiwi Moon

Gavin Bishop is certainly on a roll. Two of his books are finalists in the 2008 New Zealand Post Book Awards for NZ Children; Rats! and Snake and Lizard and now leaping into life come two plays adapted from a couple of Bishop’s picture books. Both will be touring New Zealand later this year.

First, is Kiwi Moon (one of his best picture books IMHO). Aimed at younger readers the play incorporates a novel mix of puppetry, performance and music and will be initially performed at Wellington’s Capital E McKenzie Theatre this month. From there it’s off on tour - one that will cover most of our major metropolitan centres.

And there’s more. Later in the year a theatrical adaptation of Bishop’s moving book, Hinepau will also take to the stage in Wellington. It’s a play pitched at a slightly older audience than Kiwi Moon but it also will do the rounds - from Whangarei to Invercargill. Make sure you catch one or both. Details here.

Image sourced from Capital E

Welcome to the Ancient Olympics by Jane Bingham

In the ancient Olympics there was an event called the pankration where fighters were allowed to punch, bite and scratch – hardly the behaviour we would like to see in the Olympics today. However in Welcome to the Olympics there are many other ancient events described which are indeed the forerunners to modern events.

With the Olympics coming up later this year in Beijing this book is bound to be popular in school libraries. As usual with other books in this series, this is easy to read, well set out and illustrated in an interesting way.

It suits the junior end of the primary school - Year 3 and up (approximately 8 years and older), and covers topics such as the origin of the games, events at the ancient Olympics, the city of Olympia in Greece, ceremonies and feasts as part of the ancient Olympics and ancient Olympic superstars.

It is sure to be well read by those children who prefer reading non-fiction, especially when there are “nice pictures”.

Published by Raintree

Reviewed by Beth

Joy Watson is coming to the Manawatu!

The Manawatu Reading Council (NZRA) are pleased to present Joy Watson (author of Grandpa books like Grandpa's Shed and humorous poetry)as guest speaker at their Annual General Meeting.


When: Thursday 13 March 2008
4 to 6.30 pm
Where: Central Normal School Library, Featherston Street, Palmerston North

Free food, drinks and ...
AGM followed by Guest Speaker, Joy Watson

Joy's love of words and love of children are the catalysts for her writing books for children. Encouraging young people to read and write is very dear to her heart. Joy has published 15 books. She enjoys visiting schools to talk about her work. She looks forward to sharing her successes with members and guests.

RSVP: Monday 10 March to Yvonne ylovelock@lyttonstreet.school.nz

Two new titles of Traditional tales and Legends

Indian Tales: a Barefoot collection

Written by Shenaaz Nanji and Christopher Corr.
Barefoot Books, 2007

Eight traditional tales, each showcasing a different region of India. Shenaaz Nanji’s lively retellings are perfect for reading aloud, and Christopher Corr’s bold and colourful artwork makes this a very inviting book to pick up. Each story is complemented by a double page spread of information about the cultural traditions of the region where the tale is set. All in all, a gem of a book for multicultural primary school classrooms!

Reviewed by Pamela

Robin Hood : outlaw of Sherwood Forest


Written by Paul D. Storrie, illustrated by Thomas Yeates.
Published by Millbrook Press Inc. 2007 (Graphic Universe Series )

Not the complete legend of Robin Hood but several of his adventures in an easy and breezy format. I can see why this graphic novel approach to well known stories persuades reluctant boy readers to read. I had no problem following it till the end.

I therefore would recommend this book for lads in a year six class right up to senior secondary level…….a rollicking read.

Reviewed by Robin (no relation)