Reviews & Recommendations

What Comes Next? A Series of Unfortunate Events

Grace Hancox 0 Comments

Finding new pukapuka for your tamariki can be a challenge, especially when they can get through a big series in just a couple of weeks. Well, the library is here to help! In our series “What Comes Next?” we try and tackle the tricky challenge of helping you find the next book after a great series. If you haven’t seen our blog from last month on Ranger’s Apprentice, then be sure to check it out if your tamaiti loves fantasy or archery! This month we are focusing on the delightfully dreary Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket, with humorous recommendations for those who enjoyed the series.

A Series of Unfortunate Events has delighted children with the Baudelaires woeful escapades for well over two decades now and the series has only grown in popularity following the Netflix adaptation. While no one is quite like Lemony Snicket, we’ve put together our best picks for tamariki who loved this series.

Younger Kids:

Luckily for tamariki there are heaps of excellent books which lean into the darker side while remaining humorous and fun. The Spiderwick Chronicles are a great fit for tamariki who like fantasy with just a little bit of scary, and so is the hilarious Floods series by Colin Thompson. Chris Riddell brings us a gothic mystery complete with a ghostly mouse in Goth Girl, and if you found yourself rooting for the villain, then check out The Crims by Kate Davies which features a whole family of criminals.

The field guide / DiTerlizzi, Tony
“When the Grace children go to stay at their Great Aunt Lucinda’s worn Victorian house, they discover a field guide to fairies and other creatures and begin to have some unusual experiences. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.” (Catalogue)
Neighbours / Thompson, Colin
“Nerlin and Mordonna Flood have seven children, most of whom were made in a cellar, using incredible mystical powers. Betty is a normal little girl – but she’s a useless witch. Her attempts at magic often go wrong, with unexpected yet welcome results. When the next-door neighbours rob the Floods, they find out what the Floods do to bad neighbours” (Adapted from catalogue)
Goth Girl and the ghost of a mouse / Riddell, Chris
“A deliciously dark offering from the award-winning author-illustrator of the Ottoline books” (Catalogue)
The Crims / Davies, Kate
“When her notoriously inept family of criminals is wrongly accused, Imogen, the only truly skilled criminal, uses her skills to clear their names.” (Catalogue)

Older Kids:

For the older ones who want that dark-humor vibe after reading or rereading A Series of Unfortunate Events we have got you covered. Skullduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy is another fantasy with darker vibes that older kids are sure to love, and Ms Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs is perfect for older kids who love a bit of mystery. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman has been on my TBR for ages, and if you ever need to laugh about doomsday then look no further than this excellent book. And if you want even more Neil Gaiman then check out The Graveyard Book which features another child in unfortunate circumstances, raised by ghosts in a graveyard after the murder of his parents.

Skulduggery Pleasant / Landy, Derek
“When twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her weird uncle’s estate, she must join forces with Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton mage, to save the world from the Faceless Ones.” (Catalogue)
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children / Riggs, Ransom
“After a family tragedy, Jacob feels compelled to explore an abandoned orphanage on an island off the coast of Wales, discovering disturbing facts about the children who were kept there.” (Catalogue)

 

 


Good omens : the nice and accurate prophecies of Agnes Nutter, witch / Pratchett, Terry
“According to the Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch – the world will end on a Saturday. Next Saturday, in fact. People have been predicting the end of the world almost from its very beginning, so it’s only natural to be sceptical when a new date is set for Judgement Day. But one fast-living demon and a somewhat fussy angel would quite like the Rapture not to happen.” (Adapted from catalogue)


The graveyard book / Gaiman, Neil
“After the grisly murder of his entire family, a toddler wanders into a graveyard where the ghosts and other supernatural residents agree to raise him as one of their own.” (Catalogue)

We hope you’ve enjoyed these recommendations, we certainly had fun diving into the dark and twisty humour that Lemony Snicket does so well! Catch you again next time for recommendations on a classic children’s series which centres cuddly creatures that you might just have at home.

2023 NZCYA Book Awards: Winners Announced!

Stephen Clothier 0 Comments

It’s hard to believe another whole year has rolled around since Gavin Bishop’s luminous Atua: Māori Gods and Heroes took the literary world by storm during the 2022 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, but last night at a joyous ceremony at the Pipitea Marae here in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, the 2023 NZCYA Book Award-winners were announced, to much fanfare and celebration.

This year, the Supreme Winner was multi-talented author and illustrator Mat Tait, for his book Te Wehenga: The Separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku. This beautifully-crafted pukapuka not only won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award, but also the Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction, and it is the first reorua/bilingual book ever to take out the Supreme Award. Our most heartfelt congratulations go to Mat, who has created a taonga to be treasured for generations to come.

Find Te Wehenga: The Separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, and the books that won the other categories on the night, on our catalogue below. For more literary greatness, be sure to check out our earlier post highlighting all of the finalists as well — congratulations to you all for your marvellous contributions to the world of children’s books in Aotearoa.

Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award; Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction

Te Wehenga : the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku / Tait, Mat

Judges’ comments: Te Wehenga: The Separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku presents the Māori creation pūrākau in a bold design using universal elements recognised across iwi. The bilingual text is poetic, and integrated into the artwork on each page in a way that draws readers into an interactive experience, inviting them to turn the book as they become immersed in the darkness of the space between Papatūānuku and Ranginui. The production values are exceptionally high, and the result is a book that is — like the story — a taonga, to be shared, closely read and enjoyed in both te reo Māori and te reo Pākehā… [Read more on the New Zealand Book Awards Trust website]

Our thoughts: This book feels like something genuinely special to hold. The story is one that will be familiar to many New Zealanders, as it has been told and re-told in multiple guises over the decades, but the way in which the artwork and bilingual text work together to engross the reader here is something truly unique. The initial darkness of the illustrations brings the reader physically closer to the page, challenging them to discern the beautiful details glowing softly in the dimness. As life flows into the world, the artworks too brighten, and the feeling of reaching the final, glorious spread is something similar to taking a deep breath after holding it for a long time. We hope you all enjoy experiencing this story as much as we did.

Picture Book Award

Duck Goes Meow / MacIver, Juliette

Judges’ comments: Bold, munificent colours saturate the page, with animals rotund and lively, their hand-lettered animal sounds seamlessly blending into a flawless rhyming text. Readers are taken on a hilarious jaunt as these animals negotiate and encourage Duck to say the right thing, anticipation and humour building with each page turn. The little duck plucks at the heartstrings by being true to itself, and challenging our assumptions. Duck Goes Meow distills all the elements of a great picture book into a celebration of the unexpected, with a conclusion that surprises the animals and readers alike.

Our thoughts: We are so happy for author-illustrator pair extraordinaire Juliette MacIver (a local Wellingtonian!) and Carla Martell — this win is so thoroughly deserved! The absolute beauty of this book is in its simplicity — the design is clear, the humour perfectly-pitched for very young readers, and the text carries the reader inevitably through to the surprising, sweet ending. Plus it’s the favourite book of this children’s librarian’s 19-month-old niece — how could it not win?!

Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction

Below / Hill, David

Judges’ comments: From the squeeze of the hourglass on the cover, to the story’s heart-thumping climax, a gripping sense of claustrophobia pervades this novel. The restricted point of view, oppressive setting and accelerating sense of danger conspire to close the reader in, yet the writing feels expansive. Relationships, reactions and conflicting positions are skilfully drawn, as two pre-teens rely on ingenuity and analytical thinking to help them survive in the collapsing heart of a mountain. As the stakes get higher and the chances of survival lower, the reader is left gasping. Below is a white-knuckled, powerful read, from one of Aotearoa’s most exceptional storytellers.

Our thoughts: Below is palpably the work of an experienced author at the absolute top of his game. It seems anything David Hill takes his pen to turns to gold, and this book is no exception — it’s fast-paced and engrossing, while still taking the time to explore the nuances of each of the characters we meet and expand upon their relationships in a way that makes the whole dynamic feel authentic. We found this one to be absolutely un-putdownable, and we suspect you will find the same.

Young Adult Fiction Award

Iris and me / Werry, Philippa

Judges’ comments: Iris and Me is audacious and daring, much like its subject Iris Wilkinson, who wrote poetry, fiction and journalism using the pen name Robin Hyde. This exploration of Iris’ life is astonishingly original. Written in verse with a unique narrative voice, this is heartbreaking yet hopeful historical fiction. The book is impeccably researched and exquisitely written, and its quality is clear from its charming cover to its extensive endnotes. The many hardships that Iris suffers — including mental health issues, disability, and poverty — are sensitively handled and give insight into the life of an important New Zealand author while being relevant to rangatahi today. This is poetry our young people can relate to.

Our thoughts: The judges describe this book as audacious — certainly it’s true that crafting a book in verse is a bold and impressive endeavour, especially one which flows and sings as naturally and compellingly as Iris and Me. What really shone through for us was that in this rich, kaleidoscopic exploration of the life of a significant, and today sadly underappreciated, New Zealander — her perseverance, her bravery in the face of misogyny and adversity, her suffusing love of travel and humanity despite her struggles — there is something in this book for almost every reader to resonate with. We are lucky to have had the opportunity to speak to Philippa about the creation of this book earlier this year — watch her full interview with our Fiction Specialist Neil here.

Russell Clark Award for Illustration

A portrait of Leonardo : the life and times of Leonardo da Vinci : a literary picture book / Bixley, Donovan

Judges’ comments: Donovan Bixley excels in this illustrated biography of Leonardo da Vinci. Relishing the challenge, he plays joyously with puns and puzzles while demonstrating masterful use of tools that were developed by the great artist himself. Composition, perspective, light and colour are used to great effect, with a strong underpinning of drawing and digital skills, creating a vibrant historical read that is also a fluent and delightful feast for the eyes. A Portrait of Leonardo is enticing and accessible to young readers, a great example of words attributed to the master: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

Our thoughts: How exciting to see Donovan recognised for his consummate skill as an illustrator and storyteller with this award! A Portrait of Leonardo is a fresh and energetic take on the biographical form, and one could sit for hours, nose pressed against the page, following the pencil strokes and vibrant flashes of colour as they move from image to image, linking the whole story into one deliciously detailed whole. A fitting tribute to one of history’s greatest ever artists and inventors, and as Donovan said during his acceptance speech, a take on his life that could only have been envisaged in New Zealand. This book is a triumph, and well deserving of its win in an absolutely stacked field.

Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for Te Reo Māori

Kua whetūrangitia a koro / Te Paa, Brianne

Judges’ comments: Matariki te tohu o maharanui. Matariki te tohu o te pito mata. Matariki te tohu o te ao hou. Kua Whetūrangitia a Koro is a traditional Māori narrative tailored to fit a new world and new audience. The significance of this story, its context, and its poetic use of te reo Māori place it in a stratosphere of its own. Much like Matariki, Kua Whetūrangitia a Koro represents authentic Māori stories being told in te reo Māori that will inspire and educate Māori, Pākehā, and all people of New Zealand and the world. Haramai tētahi āhua!

Our thoughts: Something about this pukapuka ataahua feels incredibly warm and embracing, even while it takes you on the absolute emotional rollercoaster that it does. The poetry of the reo and the simple tangibility of the illustrations infuse this book with a sense of spirituality and wonder while also giving it a quality of ‘groundedness’ that will make this a staple for any whānau who are looking for ways to navigate through tough situations, like the loss of a loved one. This is a book that will take your hand and sit beside you as long as you need, and we are grateful to Brianne Te Paa and Story Hemi-Morehouse for bringing it into the world for all to learn and grow from.

New Zealand Society of Authors Best First Book Award

The Lighthouse Princess / Wardell, Susan

Judges’ comments: The Lighthouse Princess stands out as a picture book that combines poetic writing and whimsical illustration to create a sum that is greater than its parts. This clever alchemy is all the more astounding considering it is both the writer’s and the illustrator’s first foray into publication. With details that draw a child’s eye into the world of the Lighthouse, and language that lures us from page to page, Rose Northey and Susan Wardell take the reader to an escapist hideaway on a rocky coast inhabited by creatures both real and imagined. Like the boy in the story, once invited in, many will choose not to leave.

Our thoughts: Okay, we did say this last year as well, but the category of Best First Book is becoming increasingly hotly contested as, year by year, more and more extremely talented writers and illustrators throw their hats in the ring. As librarians, it’s incredibly exciting for us to see such an assured debut from author Susan Wardell and Wellington-based illustrator Rose Northey — and we simply cannot wait to see what they both choose to create next. This picture book is absolutely charming and engrossing from cover to cover, and we predict it will soon become a firm bedtime or storytime favourite with whānau all over the country. Ka rawe!

What comes next? Ranger’s Apprentice

Grace Hancox 0 Comments

Finding interesting new pukapuka can be a challenge, especially after your tamariki have devoured a big series in a matter of weeks. That’s where the library can help! In “What Comes Next? Wings of Fire” we looked at a series which is huge with children at the moment, and who can blame them when the series is all about dragons. This month we tackle the classic Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan and show you some of the fabulous pukapuka perfect for fans of the series.

Ranger’s Apprentice is an awesome series with lots to offer kids of all interests. The entire series has twelve books (plus two novellas), and if you haven’t read the spinoff series Brotherband or The Royal Ranger, then we would definitely recommend them. Now for the important bit, here are our recommendations for what to read next after Ranger’s Apprentice.

Younger Kids:

There is so much excellent fantasy for tamariki out there that it was difficult to pick favourites, but we’ve put together some fantastic pukapuka sure to appeal to those who loved Ranger’s Apprentice. Rowan of Rin by Emily Rodda and Redwall by Brian Jacques are both classic fantasy series which have been loved by young readers for decades. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer and Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend are newer additions to children’s fantasy with interesting characters that kids will love.

Rowan of Rin / Rodda, Emily
“Rowan sets out to solve a riddle and save his home” (Catalogue)
Redwall / Jacques, Brian
“To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Brian Jacques “New York Times” bestselling first book of his Redwall saga, the book that started it all is now available in this gorgeous slipcased edition. Illustrations.” (Catalogue)
Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl / Colfer, Eoin
“No human being had ever got the better of a fairy, but twelve-year old Artemis Fowl, a criminal genius, is determined to get hold of the famous fairy gold and put his brilliant master plan into action. But these are no ordinary fairies.” (Catalogue)
Nevermoor : the trials of Morrigan Crow / Townsend, Jessica
“Morrigan Crow is cursed, doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday. But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange man named Jupiter North appears. He whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass four difficult and dangerous trials — or she’ll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Older Kids:

If you’re on the older side and looking for a great read with Ranger’s Apprentice vibes then read on! For more old-timey fantasy adventures, then adopted Kiwi classic The Hobbit, or the Beka Cooper series by Tamora Pierce are excellent choices. If you want fantasy/magic/self-discovery with a more modern setting then The Left-Handed Booksellers of London is an awesome read, as is the “utopian” Scythe by Neal Shusterman.

The Hobbit : or There and back again / Tolkien, J. R. R.
“This classic children’s tale introduces readers to the world of Lord of the Rings as well as Hobbits, eleves, dwarves and dragons. Artist Jemima Catlin’s charming and lively interpretation brings Tolkien’s beloved characters to life in a way that will entice and entertain a new generation of readers.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
The left-handed booksellers of London / Nix, Garth
“Eighteen-year-old art student Susan Arkshaw arrives in London in search of her father. However, a chance encounter with Merlin catapults her into a world of secret societies, magic, and more than a few books. Susan and Merlin become involved in an urgent task to recover the grail that is the source of the left-handed booksellers’ power, before it is used to destroy the booksellers and rouse the hordes of the mythic past.” (Adapted from Catalogue)
Scythe / Shusterman, Neal
“In a world where humanity has conquered death and disease, the only way to die is to be gleaned by a scythe. Rowan and Citra have no interest in joining this world, but when they are chosen as apprentices by a scythe, they have little choice. As their training progresses, Rowan and Citra learn more about the many problems facing scythes and what they discover may have deadly consequences.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Terrier / Pierce, Tamora
“Pierce begins a new Tortall trilogy introducing Beka Cooper, an amazing young woman who lived 200 years before Pierce’s popular Alanna character. Beka grows throughout the trilogy from an eager apprentice to a capable and confident leader.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

We hope you’ve enjoyed these Ranger’s Apprentice recommendations as much as we enjoyed researching them, just remember not to joust or shoot arrows (unless it’s at targets) in real life! Catch you again next time for recommendations on a classic children’s series which follows the seriously unfortunate lives of three siblings.

What Comes Next? Wings of Fire

Grace Hancox 0 Comments

One of the most difficult things for parents is finding a good pukapuka for their child who has just finished an incredible series that kept them hooked for weeks (or perhaps more realistically, a few hours!) Well, the library has got you covered! Last month in our blog, What comes next? Diary of a Wimpy Kid, we looked at some comedy gold for kids and teens alike with lots of relatable characters and laugh-out-loud stories. Now, we turn to fantasy as we recommend what to read after finishing Wings of Fire by Tui T. Sutherland.

Tui T Sutherland’s Wings of Fire series is immensely popular with tamariki — set in a fantasy world with dragons, prophecies and plenty of action, it’s easy to see why kids keep coming back for more. Wings of Fire currently has fifteen books, divided into three story arcs of five books each. There is also a super cool graphic novel adaptation of the first six books, so if you have a tamaiti who prefers comics or graphic novels, then that is a great way of introducing them to lots of awesome stories in a different format to traditional books. Anyway, let’s get to the important bit, here are our recommendations for what to read next after Wings of Fire.

Younger Kids:

If you’re looking for more awesome children’s fantasy then we have got you covered. For more pukapuka with dragons check out The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill, which is perfect for tamariki who enjoyed the graphic novel version of Wings of Fire, or How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell which is simply awesome.  If you’re after more fantasy with far less dragons, then check out The Keeper of the Lost Cities series by Shannon Messenger or Inkheart by Cornelia Funke.

Keeper of the lost cities / Messenger, Shannon
“At age twelve, Sophie learns that the remarkable abilities that have always caused her to stand out identify her as an elf, and after being brought to Eternalia to hone her skills, discovers that she has secrets buried in her memory for which some would kill.” (Catalogue)

The Tea Dragon Society / O’Neill, Katie
“After discovering a lost Tea Dragon in the marketplace, apprentice blacksmith Greta learns about the dying art form of Tea Dragon caretaking from the kind tea shop owners.” (Catalogue)

Inkheart / Funke, Cornelia
“Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can “read” fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.” (Catalogue)
How to train your dragon / Cowell, Cressida
“Chronicles the adventures and misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third as he tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan, the Tribe of the Hairy Hooligans, by catching and training a dragon.” (Catalogue)

Older Kids:

If you’re on the older side and looking for the next good thing after Wings of Fire then Eragon has dragons galore, as does the Dragonkeeper series by Aussie author Carole Wilkinson. If you want fantasy but need a break from the dragons then check out Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce (and honestly anything else by her, she’s pretty awesome) or the His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman (you may recognize the first book as the inspiration for the Golden Compass film).

Eragon / Paolini, Christopher
“In Aagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon finds a mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny, magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters.” (Catalogue)
Tempests and slaughter : a Tortall legend / Pierce, Tamora
“Arram Draper, Varice Kingsford, and Ozorne Tasikhe forge a bond of friendship that sees them through many changes as student mages at Imperial University of Carthak.” (Catalogue)
Dragonkeeper / Wilkinson, Carole
“Ancient China, Han Dynasty. A slave girl saves the life of an ageing dragon and escapes her brutal master. Pursued by a ruthless dragon hunter, the dragon and the girl cross China carrying with them a mysterious stone that must be protected. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.” (Catalogue)

Northern lights / Pullman, Philip
“Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world…” (Catalogue)

Doing this blog has also made us think maybe we should do a whole blog post just about dragons… something for another time perhaps. Catch you next time with more pukapuka recommendations for what to read after a series featuring archers, knights and royalty on a fantastic adventure.

What Comes Next? Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Grace Hancox

One of the most difficult things for parents is finding a good pukapuka for their child who has just finished an incredible series that kept them hooked for weeks (or perhaps more realistically, a few hours!) The library has got you covered! Last month, in our blog What comes next? Percy Jackson and the Olympians, we looked at some action-packed titles with incredible world building and influences from different cultures! This time around we recommend what to read after finishing Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a great series for young readers that really captures the weird and whacky nature of middle school (for us non-Americans, that’s like intermediate here in Aotearoa). Greg Heffley has a lot of lessons to learn throughout the series, and he is certainly relatable for many tamariki figuring out where they fit in. Luckily there are lots of books in the series, but once you’ve devoured them all it’s hard to find the next good thing. So, without further ado, here are our picks for what to read after Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Younger Kids:

If you’re looking for more middle school hijinks then Dork Diaries or Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life are sure to take your fancy, or if you’re after the humour of Jeff Kinney in a different setting, then check out the Long-Lost Secret Diary series by Tim Collins or the Treehouse series by Andy Griffiths.

Tales from a NOT-SO fabulous life / Russell, Rachel Renée
“Fourteen-year-old Nikki Maxwell writes in her diary of her struggle to be popular at her exclusive new private school, then of finding her place after she gives up on being part of the elite group.” (Catalogue)

 


Middle school, the worst years of my life / Patterson, James
“When Rafe Kane enters middle school, he teams up with his best friend, “Leo the Silent,” to create a game to make school more fun by trying to break every rule in the school’s code of conduct.” (Catalogue)


The long-lost secret diary of the world’s worst dinosaur hunter / Collins, Tim
“Anne is a 14-year-old girl in Victorian England obsessed with collecting dinosaur fossils and frustrated by the lack of respect she gets from male scientists. Seizing the opportunity to search for fossils in the USA, she finds herself being sucked into the notorious Bone Wars, a rivalry between American professors wanting to be the first to make new discoveries by whatever means necessary. (Adapted from Catalogue)


The 13-storey treehouse / Griffiths, Andy
“Andy and Terry’s 13-storey treehouse is the most amazing treehouse in the world! It’s got a bowling alley, a see-through swimming pool, a tank full of man-eating sharks, a giant catapult, a secret underground laboratory and a marshmallow machine that follows you around and shoots marshmallows into your mouth whenever you’re hungry. Well, what are you waiting for? Come on up!” (Catalogue)

Older Kids:

For tamariki on the older side looking for a Young Adult book with the same vibe as Diary of a Wimpy Kid then check out Not my Problem, the comedy-sci-fi classic Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, or the Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. All of these books have the comedy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, with slightly older kid problems!

Not my problem / Smyth, Ciara
“When Aideen agrees to help class swot Maebh deal with her crazy workload, she doesn’t expect to end up reluctantly pushing Maebh down the stairs. Aideen becomes the school ‘fixer’: any problem a student has, Aideen will sort it out, from stealing confiscated mobiles to breaking into parties. But Aideen’s own life is a mess and after spending more time with the uptight Maebh and chatterbox Kavi, Aideen starts to wonder: can every problem be solved?” (Adapted from Catalogue)


The absolutely true diary of a part-time Indian / Alexie, Sherman
“Budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white farm town school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.” (Catalogue)


The hitchhiker’s guide to the galaxy : a trilogy in four parts / Adams, Douglas
“A one-volume edition charting Arthur Dent’s odyssey through space in the first four titles in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series.” (Catalogue)
Catch you next time for more pukapuka recommendations… the next set might just have something to do with dragon scales and fire breath!

What comes next? Percy Jackson and the Olympians

Grace Hancox

One of the most difficult things for parents is finding a good pukapuka for their child who has just finished an incredible series that kept them hooked for weeks (or perhaps more realistically, a few hours!) Well the library has got you covered! Starting with Percy Jackson “What comes next?” will provide suggestions for books tamariki might like if they enjoyed popular children’s fiction series.

Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series is one of the most popular children’s fiction series out there, and for good reason. Who doesn’t love monsters, gods, and a bunch of really cool kids saving the world? Finding something to read after such a great series is hard, but here are our top picks for what to read next. We haven’t included Rick Riordan’s other books, all of which are set in the same world as Percy Jackson, but if you haven’t read them yet then check out Heroes of Olympus (The continuation of Percy Jackson with Roman mythology), Magnus Chase (Norse mythology), The Kane Chronicles (Egyptian Mythology) and Trials of Apollo (A new adventure in the Percy Jackson world).

Younger Kids:

If you’re after more books with the same flavour as Percy Jackson but with mythology from a wide variety of cultures, then check out Rick Riordan Presents titles, we’ve picked two of our favourites which feature Hindu and West African mythology respectively. We’ve also included other children’s fantasy books, so there should be something for everyone.

Aru Shah and the end of time / Chokshi, Roshani
“When twelve-year-old Aru Shah’s schoolmates dare her to prove that the museum’s Lamp of Bharata is cursed, she doesn’t think there’s any harm in lighting it. Little does Aru know that lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees an ancient demon who freezes her mother in time – and it’s up to Aru to save her.” (Catalogue)

Tristan Strong punches a hole in the sky / Mbalia, Kwame
“Seventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend Eddie. While trying to rescue Eddie’s notebook from an unexpected foe Tristan punches the Bottle Tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The forests of silence / Rodda, Emily
“Deltora is invaded by the evil Shadow Lord when the magical gems from the Belt of Deltora are stolen. Two unlikely companions set out to find them and to save their land from the tyrant.” (Catalogue)


The hound of Rowan / Neff, Henry H
“After glimpsing a hint of his destiny in a mysterious Celtic tapestry, twelve-year-old Max McDaniels becomes a student at Rowan Academy, where he trains in “mystics and combat” in preparation for war with an ancient enemy that has been kidnapping children like him.” (Catalogue)

The fairy-tale detectives / Buckley, Michael
“Orphans Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are sent to live with an eccentric grandmother that they have always believed to be dead.” (Catalogue)

Older Kids:

If you’ve come back to Percy Jackson or discovered it later in life and are looking for similar flavour in your Young Adult reads, then here are our suggestions for you. We’ve got some mythology inspired and other excellent fantasy books sure to appease older readers who loved Percy Jackson.

Lore / Bracken, Alexandra
“Every seven years there is a hunt offering mortal descendants of gods the opportunity to claim their divinity by killing any of nine immortals made mortal for one night. Lore Perseous has no desire to participate in the Agon, embittered because her family was killed by a rival who then ascended to godhood. When a childhood friend asks her to help, and a wounded god offers an alliance, Lore overlooks the steep cost of this decision in exchange for vengeance.” (Catalogue)

Season of the bruja / Duran, Aaron
“From a young age, Althalia knew she would someday be the last of her kind – a bruja, tasked with keeping the power and stories of the ancient ways from fading fully into history. But the prejudice her people have always faced continues, and after a seemingly random encounter with a priest, Althalia feels the weight of hundreds of years of religious oppression coming down upon her and her abuela. She must realize her destiny and prevent the church from achieving its ultimate goal – destroying the last bruja.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The gilded ones / Forna, Namina
“The blood ceremony determines whether Deka will become a member of her village. Already different because of her unnatural intuition, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. But on the day of the ceremony her blood runs gold.  Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be– not even Deka herself.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The Raven Boys / Stiefvater, Maggie
“Though she is from a family of clairvoyants, Blue Sargent’s only gift seems to be that she makes other people’s talents stronger, and when she meets Gansey, one of the Raven Boys from the expensive Aglionby Academy, she discovers that he has talents of his own–and that together their talents are a dangerous mix.”
(Catalogue)

The warrior heir / Chima, Cinda Williams
“After learning about his magical ancestry and his own warrior powers, sixteen-year-old Jack embarks on a training program to fight enemy wizards.” (Catalogue)

Read with Pride for Kids!

Grace Hancox

Now that Wellington Pride is over you may be wondering how to introduce tamariki to LGBTQIA+ stories. Why teach children about the LGBT community, you may ask? Firstly, it helps teach children about the diverse people they will meet during their lifetimes, and it also helps them understand family structures different to their own and learn about the rainbow community.

Also, many tamariki have family members who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, or may be a part of the community themselves, and we think all of our readers should be able to find books on our shelves that reflect their experiences of the world.

Our libraries have many excellent books for tamariki of all ages to learn about the LGBT community, so we’ve made a list to get you started. You can also ask our friendly librarians to point you in the right direction if you’d like additional suggestions, or if you know of a great LGBT book for kids that we don’t have, you can recommend it to our selectors here!

Picture Books:

Julián is a mermaid / Love, Jessica

“One day, Julian notices three women spectacularly dressed up. Their hair billows in brilliant hues, their dresses end in fishtails, and their joy fills the train car. When Julian gets home, daydreaming of the magic he’s seen, all he can think about is dressing up just like the ladies in his own fabulous mermaid costume. But what will Abuela think about how Julian sees himself?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

My shadow is pink / Stuart, Scott

“Inspired by the author’s own little boy, ‘Shadow’s’ main character likes princesses, fairies and things ‘not for boys’ and he soon learns (through the support of his dad) that everyone has a shadow that they sometimes feel they need to hide. This is an important book for a new generation of children (and adults alike) which exemplifies the concepts of unconditional love, respect and positive parenting.” (Catalogue)

Heather has two mummies / Newman, Lesléa

“When Heather goes to school for the first time, someone asks her about her daddy, but Heather doesn’t have a daddy. Then something interesting happens. When Heather and her classmates all draw pictures of their families, not one drawing is the same. It doesn’t matter who makes up a family, the teacher says, because “the most important thing about a family is that all the people in it love one another.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The name I call myself / Namir, Hasan

“This sophisticated picture book depicts Ari’s gender journey from childhood to adolescence as they discover who they really are. Throughout this beautiful and engaging picture book, we watch Ari grow up before our very eyes as they navigate the ins and outs of their gender identity. Who will Ari become?” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Children’s Fiction:

Proud of me / Hagger-Holt, Sarah

“Becky and Josh are almost-twins, with two mums and the same anonymous donor dad. Josh can’t wait until he’s eighteen, the legal age when he can finally contact his father, and he’ll do anything to find out more, even if it involves lying. Becky can’t stop thinking about her new friend, Carli. Could her feelings for Carli be a sign of something more? Becky and Josh both want their parents to be proud of them, but right now, they’re struggling to even accept themselves.” (Catalogue)

Unicorn power / Tamaki, Mariko

“Welcome to Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp for Hardcore Lady Types. The five scouts of Roanoke cabin–Jo, April, Molly, Mal, and Ripley–love their summers at camp. They get to hang out with their best friends, earn Lumberjane scout badges, annoy their no-nonsense counselor Jen. and go on supernatural adventures.  This adaption of the graphic novels features same-sex parents, and trans and lesbian characters.”  (Adapted from Catalogue)

Better Nate than ever / Federle, Tim

“An eighth-grader who dreams of performing in a Broadway musical concocts a plan to run away to New York and audition for the role of Elliot in the musical version of “E.T.”” (Catalogue)

Answers in the pages / Levithan, David

“When Donovan leaves a school book on the kitchen counter he doesn’t think anything of it. But soon the entire town is freaking out about whether the book’s main characters are gay, Donovan’s mom is trying to get the book removed from the school curriculum, and Donovan is caught in the middle. Donovan doesn’t really know if the two boys fall in love at the end or not–but he does know this: even if they do, it shouldn’t matter. The book should not be banned from school. (Adapted from Catalogue)

2022 Round-Up: Children’s Non-Fiction

Joseph Robinson

Following up our twin blogs rounding up some of the best picture books of 2022 and some of the best children’s fiction of 2022, now it is time for non-fiction to shine!

This isn’t an exhaustive list, but we are taking the opportunity to highlight some of our favourite books published in 2022!

If you’d rather browse through the newest books we have added to our shelves, head on over to the New Material page on our website.

 

Tāwhaki : the deeds of a demigod / Mead, Sidney M

We might be cheating with this one, as it is a republication of a classic work by Hirini Moko Mead, first published in 1996. But this edition has beautiful illustrations by Scott Pearson.

Like Māui, Tāwhaki was a powerful demigod. This wonderful book shares three of the adventures of Tāwhaki.

Squawk! : Donovan Bixley’s forest birds of Aotearoa / Bixley, Donovan

After his 2021 book, Donovan Bixley’s draw some awesome : drawing tips & ideas for budding artists, was shortlisted in New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults, Bixley is right back at it with another amazing pukapuka!

If you are interested in knowing more about the top New Zealand children’s books of this year, have a read of our previous post about the 2022 NZCYA Book Award winners. If you haven’t already, these books are definitely worth checking out!

You don’t know what war is : the diary of a young girl from Ukraine / Skalietska, Yeva

At the front of our minds this year, has been the international conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Wellington is home to thousands of people of Ukrainian and Russian descent, some of whom have moved here this year to escape the conflict.

You might still have a lot of questions about what is happening and why. Earlier this year, we prepared a blog called understanding Ukraine and Russia: a guide for kids and their adults. We hope this will be useful for your whānau.

Another way that you can learn more is through this pukapuka, a diary by a 12-year-old girl who is experiencing the conflict directly.

Roar squeak purr : a New Zealand treasury of animal poems

Here’s a fun compendium of over 200 animal themed poems from Aotearoa New Zealand! If you’re in the mood for more local poetry, don’t forget to check out Tūhono. a journal of poetry by Wellington children / 2021 (wcl.govt.nz), the 2021 edition that Wellington City Libraries published this year!
LGBTQ+ icons : a celebration of historical LGBTQ+ icons in the arts / Keehnen, Owen
“From music to movies, literature to dance – the arts have always been influenced by the work of LGBTQ people. LGBTQ+ Icons spotlights the history and contributions of 50 pioneering artists who lived and worked around the world….” (Abridged from Amazon catalogue)

Before music : where instruments come from / Pimentel, Annette Bay
“Music doesn’t come out of nothing. It always starts somewhere… with something… with someone. Discover how music is made in this survey of musical instruments from around the world. Organized by material-from wood to gourds to found objects and more-Before Music marries a lyrical core text with tons of informational material for curious readers. In the narrative text, readers will encounter makers as they source their materials and craft instruments by hand, drawing the line from the natural world to the finished product and its sound. The sidebars offer much more to discover, including extensive instrument lists, short bios of musical innovators, and more”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)
Egg carton crafts / Rathburn, Betsy
“How can you reuse a leftover egg carton? This colorful title offers eight fun ideas! An introduction explains the importance of reusing items, and a materials and tools list puts everything you need in one place. Step-by-step instructions combine with bright, easy-to-understand photos to guide readers through the process of making each craft. Along the way, tips provide hints to make crafting easier or remix crafts into new creations!” (Catalogue)
breath with me coverBreathe with me : using breath to look after my tinana, hinengaro and wairua / Tutagalevao, Abel Junior
“Your breath is a taonga that you can use anytime to calm you. Breathing is easy to do and can help relax your tinana,hinengaro, and wairua. We can be on our way to a happy day!” (Catalogue)
The very hungry caterpillar’s very first encyclopedia
“This first encyclopedia covers all the big topics for little learners, including science, history, space, and the natural world. Explore deep underground and high in the sky, travel the globe on ships and trains, and find out about dinosaurs, plants and animals, the human body, and much, muche more. The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s Very First Encyclopedia features vibrant photography alongside more than 250 timeless illustrations from the World of Eric Carle, giving young children a charming overview of everything they need to know”– Page 4 of cover.” (Catalogue)

playing with fire book cover imagePlaying with fire = Ta’alo i le afi / Riley, David

David Riley is a gem, writing some more phenomenal retellings of Pasifika stories in 2022! You might have seen some of his wonderful books in our Pacific Language Week posts during 2022!

“Fire is one of the most precious elements we know. You can cook with it. You can dry things with it. You can even sit around it and tell stories like this one. But how did fire get to Samoa?”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)

 

 

Author Interview: Bill Nagelkerke

wcl staff
Header - Kids Blog - The Ghost House

Click this banner to go straight to the interview!

What better way to celebrate Halloween than checking out an interview with author Bill Nagelkerke about his spooky new children’s novel The Ghost House!

The Ghost House revolves around 13-year-old David, whose family has moved to a house on the edge of the Red Zone in Christchurch. When David ventures into the forbidden Red Zone he stumbles upon an old villa that survived the earthquakes! The house speaks to him and begs him to help.

Bill Nagelkerke has written short stories, poems, plays and books for all ages, as well as translating other people’s books from Dutch into English.

He has won the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture Award. His children’s book, The Ghosts on the Hill was a Storylines Notable Book and joint winner of the 2021 Storylines What Now Kids’ Pick Award.

The Ghost House is a poignant and eerie supernatural tale aimed at readers 8 – 13 years that carefully navigates the line between being deliciously spine tingling without ever crossing the line into becoming full out frightening. It is beautifully and evocatively written using very carefully chosen words and language to describe the settings and characters.

Click the above banner to go to the interview, or click here: https://www.mixcloud.com/wellingtoncitylibraries/bill-n/

This interview was done in conjunction with The Cuba Press, and Caffeine and Aspirin, the arts and entertainment review show on Radioactive FM. This interview was conducted by Neil Johnstone.

Find out more about Radioactive FM on their website!

You can reserve a library copy on our catalogue or buy your own copy through The Cuba Press! Check out the full range of titles by Cuba Press here!


Here’s some of Bill’s other books available at your library!

Stop the tour : the diary of Martin Daly, Christchurch, 1981 / Nagelkerke, Bill
“It is 1981 and Martin senses big trouble brewing at home. The South African rugby team has been invited to tour New Zealand. Martin’s sister, Sarah, is out to stop the tour in protest against South Africa’s apartheid system. His rugby-mad dad is equally determined that the tour should go ahead. Martin wishes the whole thing would simply go away … Then a new school leads to a new friendship, and Martin is faced with a choice. He can walk away or he can become involved in something that will end up being bigger than anybody could have predicted”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)
Ghosts-on-the-Hill-cover-webThe ghosts on the hill / Nagelkerke, Bill
“The year is 1884. The place is Lyttelton, a small and bustling harbour town. Elsie is waiting for the fish to bite. She has her reasons for coming down to the waterfront so often, the main one being the memory of the lost boys. She was one of the last to see them alive, and now she is haunted by what happened to them. When the opportunity comes for Elsie to follow in their footsteps over the Bridle Path, and put their ghosts to rest, she doesn’t hesitate. ‘I’ll be careful,’ she says. But no one knows that the weather is about to change for the worse.”–Publisher information.” (Catalogue)

Emily the Dreadfuls and the Dead Skin Gang / Nagelkerke, Bill
“Emily, the hero of ‘Emily’s Penny Dreadful’, is back. She has an idea for a new ‘dreadful’ story, this time all about a group of burglars who call themselves the Dead Skin Gang. At the same time, Emily starts her own gang, the Dreadfuls. Her best friend Robin, isn’t too keen on joining, while Uncle Raymond doesn’t like all the noise the Dreadfuls make. But then the next door neighbour’s dog goes missing, and the Dreadfuls (and Uncle Raymond) have a job to do”–Back cover.” (Catalogue)
Old bones / Nagelkerke, Bill
“Jamie and his dad have lost the farm in the floods. But Dad’s new partner, Sue, doesn’t seem that upset by the destruction of the farm. The trio move into a large old house in the city, right beside the Avon. While the adults seem content to put their energies into the new house and circumstances, Jamie has a bad feeling about the house and is terrified of the closeness of the river. Something bad happened in this house, he just knows it. Suggested level: intermediate, junior secondary.” (Catalogue)

Kua tā te taimi? : ko he tala Hamoa mai Niu Hila / Nagelkerke, Bill
“Tua and his class are preparing for special visitors. While everyone is getting ready, Tua can’t stop asking, “Is it time yet?” Suggested level: junior, primary. Also available in Cook Islands Māori, Niue language, Sāmoan, and Tongan.” (Catalogue)

Ready to Read More Challenging Books? Let Us Help!

Kath Read

So have you read everything you can find in your library’s junior collection?  Are you looking for books that are a bit more challenging to read?  Do you want to read books that are a bit more grown up than a lot of the books you’ve read so far?  Are you ready to start exploring Young Adult books?  Maybe you’re one of those kids that reads really well for your age?

Never fear, your librarians are here to help you find books that are challenging and exciting, but not too boring, confusing or grown up for you!  There are LOTS of books that fit this category, it’s just hard to find them sometimes.  We’ve been putting together a list of books from both the Young Adult collection and the Adult collection that are suitable for you.  Check these out…

Northern lights / Pullman, Philip

“Lyra Belacqua and her animal daemon live half-wild and carefree among scholars of Jordan College, Oxford. The destiny that awaits her will take her to the frozen lands of the Arctic, where witch-clans reign and ice-bears fight. Her extraordinary journey will have immeasurable consequences far beyond her own world…” (Catalogue)

The book thief / Zusak, Markus

“Trying to make sense of the horrors of World War II, Death relates the story of Liesel, a young German girl whose book-stealing and story-telling talents help sustain her family and the Jewish man they are hiding, as well as their neighbours.” (Catalogue)

Leviathan / Westerfeld, Scott

“In an alternate 1914 Europe, fifteen-year-old Austrian Prince Alek, on the run from the Clanker Powers who are attempting to take over the globe using mechanical machinery, forms an uneasy alliance with Deryn who, disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service, is learning to fly genetically-engineered beasts.” (Catalogue)

Noughts & crosses / Blackman, Malorie

“Callum is a Nought – a second-class citizen; Sephy is a Cross. In their world, Noughts and Crosses don’t mix. Can Callum and Sephy find a way to be together? In what has already become a modern classic, award-winning author Malorie Blackman tackles the issues of prejudice and racism in a way that will thoroughly engage and inspire readers.” (Catalogue)

The house in the Cerulean Sea / Klune, TJ

“A magical island. A dangerous task. A burning secret. Linus Baker leads a quiet, solitary life. At forty, he lives in a tiny house with a devious cat and his old records. As a Case Worker at the Department in Charge Of Magical Youth, he spends his days overseeing the well-being of children in government-sanctioned orphanages. When Linus is unexpectedly summoned by Extremely Upper Management he’s given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage, where six dangerous children reside: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Linus must set aside his fears and determine whether or not they’re likely to bring about the end of days.”  (Adapted from Catalogue)

Lumberjanes [1] : beware the kitten holy / Stevenson, Noelle

“Five best friends spending the summer at Lumberjane scout camp… defeating yetis, three-eyed wolves, and giant falcons… what’s not to love?! Friendship to the max! Jo, April, Mal, Molly and Ripley are five best pals determined to have an awesome summer together…and they’re not gonna let any insane quest or an array of supernatural critters get in their way!” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Euphoria kids / Evans, Alison

“Ever since the witch cursed Babs, she turns invisible sometimes. She has her mum and her dog, but teachers and classmates barely notice her. Then, one day, Iris can see her. And Iris likes what they see. Babs is made of fire. Iris grew from a seed in the ground. They have friends, but not human ones. Not until they meet Babs. The two of them have a lot in common: they speak to dryads and faeries, and they’re connected to the magic that’s all around them. There’s a new boy at school, a boy who’s like them and who hasn’t yet found his real name. Soon the three of them are hanging out and trying spellwork together. Magic can be dangerous, though. Witches and fae can be cruel. Something is happening in the other realm, and despite being warned to stay away, the three friends have to figure out how to deal with it on their own terms.” (Catalogue)

Echo : a novel / Ryan, Pam Muñoz

“Lost in the Black Forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and finds himself entwined in a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica–and decades later three children, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California find themselves caught up in the same thread of destiny in the darkest days of the twentieth century, struggling to keep their families intact, and tied together by the music of the same harmonica.” (Catalogue)

There are lots of other books that are suitable for young readers progressing in their reading skills, so talk to your local librarians if you need some help finding more. You can also email the Children’s Librarian for personalised help!

Also, if there are books from the Young Adult or Adult collections that you have read and enjoyed, share them with us in the comments below, we’ll add the best ones to our list!