BRAT: Autumn 2003 Issue
BRAT is published as part of the Book Council's quarterly magazine Booknotes.
It includes profiles of authors on the Writers in Schools programme, and a round up of recently published New Zealand books for children and young people.
To receive the latest issues of BRAT hot off the press, join the Book Council.
Books for Readers and Teachers
Making the Most of the Children’s Book Festivals
With the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Festival just around the corner we thought it was a good time to start thinking about this year’s children’s book events. With the aim of ensuring that teachers, librarians and children make the best of an exciting year we outline upcoming festivals and offer some suggestions for possible events and activities.
The year begins with the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Festival, a ten-day festival celebrating the importance of children’s books, reading and writing with hundreds of events nationwide.
This year the Festival runs from 31 March to 8 April.
Every year the Festival celebrates New Zealand’s best-known children’s authors and illustrators with author tours, book related activities at schools and libraries, and, of course, the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards. This year the Storylines Festival of Children’s Literature will run from 16–22 June. As in past years, this year’s Festival promises to celebrate children’s literature with nationwide events including the Story Tour which last year visited 450 schools and centres.
Some suggestions for the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Festival as well as the Storylines Festival are as follows: • Encourage students to present a review of a favourite book on local radio. Many of the Regional Co-ordinators arrange for children to review shortlisted books on their local radio station during the Festival.
• Encourage students to read more of their favourite writer’s work.
• Encourage students to find out more about their favourite writer. A good place to get information is on the Book Council’s website, www.bookcouncil.org.nz Encourage students to take a look at KAPAI (Kids Authors Pictures and Information) where they can read authors’ answers to a series of eclectic and interesting questions.
• Encourage students to write stories or poems of their own, or to illustrate a book cover.
• Encourage students to make a poster for their favourite book or character from a book. Alternatively, encourage students to illustrate a page or a scene from a favourite story.
• Organise a book character parade where students dress up as their favourite characters. Activities could include students acting out scenes from their favourite stories.
• Encourage students to write a new ending for a favourite book.
• Get students to write an essay explaining which character they would like to be, and why.
• Design a board game around a shortlisted book or a favourite book.
• And finally, do encourage children to complete a voter card for the Children’s Choice Award. Remember that each completed card will put the school into the draw for $250 of Booksellers Book Tokens!
Now is a good time to organise your Writers in Schools visit. Getting in early gives you the best chance of getting the writer you want on the date you want. Giving us plenty of time will ensure a great visit for you and your students. It’s not too early to start thinking about Nestlé Write Around New Zealand. This national creative writing competition, funded by Nestlé New Zealand Limited, gives Year 7 and 8 students a chance to win a share of $60,000 worth of prizes. Students are asked to write a story of up to 500 words in English or te reo Mäori. Entry forms are posted to schools and public libraries at the start of Term Two. There are 10 zones throughout the country with 150 zone finalists, 30 zone winners and one national winner from Year 7 and 8. In addition to the competition there will be workshops with New Zealand authors in public libraries around the country. The workshops are scheduled for late May and June.
For more information about any of the festivals or Writers in Schools please visit our website, www.bookcouncil.org.nz
New Publications Here are some great new books to get the year off to a flying start.
Picture Books Amazing Alphabetical Alliterations, by Roger Twiname, Reed, $14.95, pb. Facts and fun are mixed up in this tongue-twisting, alliterative adventure reminiscent of Sesame Street. For example, brought to you by the letter K are a klutch of New Zealand birds—a kiwi with a koru crown—and one tree. Astonishing additions could be made … 5 years plus.
One Chocolate Fish: A New Zealand Counting Book, by S W Norrie, illustrated by Ross Kinnaird, Reed, $12.95, pb. Featuring classic Kiwi foods like chocolate fish, hokey-pokey ice creams and Anzac biscuits engaging in typically Kiwi activities like bungy jumping, picnics and reading. Just to push the format, it ends with one pavlova, covered in hundreds and thousands. Pre-school to 7 years.
The Immigrants, by Alan Bagnall and illustrated by Sarah Wilkins, Mallinson Rendel, $24.95, hb. Maria must travel from Sydney to Nelson to tell her father that his wife has died. With the help of Ihaia and the company of a flock of silvereyes, she stows away on a ship to make the week-long journey. When she’s not cooking for the crew, Maria marvels at the ocean, the weather, and the various birds—while always keeping watch over her precious silvereyes. Gentle illustrations and a unique story rich in careful detail bring the past alive. Five years plus.
Hairy Maclary’s Show Business, by Lynley Dodd, Mallinson Rendel, $16.95, hb. In Riverside Hall on Cabbage Tree Row, the cat club are having their annual show, and outside the hall Hairy Maclary manages to untie himself from one of the cabbage trees and bust in to the hall. Although he causes unprecedented chaos, Hairy Maclary still manages to win himself a prize. 2–5 years.
Slinky Malinki, Open the Door, by Lynley Dodd, Mallinson Rendel, $16.95, hb. Slinky Malinki and Stickybeak Syd the parrot are home alone and getting into mischief. They shred a shirt, tangle towels, roll up a carpet, and indulge in other similar activities, opening the front door on the last page to none other than Hairy Maclary. What happens next is anyone’s guess. 2–5 years.
The Little Köwhai Tree, by Witi Ihimaera and illustrated by Henry Campbell, Huia, $24.95, pb. One of New Zealand’s most well-known writers tells the tale of the little köwhai tree, who is lonely and wishes for a baby brother. One day, a kindly kötuku drops a seed at the base of the köwhai, and the tree must then protect the seed from the dangers of the forest, including a wild pig, a weka, a dog, and a hunter. The dense illustrations in Campbell’s distinct style bring an added dimension to the story through the inclusion of various fairy tale characters. 4–7 years.
Where Does the Tüi Go?, by Andrew Crowe and illustrated by Peter Campbell, Heinemann Primary, $9.95, pb. This story is part of Heinemann’s Wild Stories series, which explores New Zealand’s fauna and flora. Through each of the seasons, the book examines what the nectar-loving tüi eats, from köwhai in spring to the pink püriri flowers in winter. A useful introduction to the tüi’s habits and to some of New Zealand’s most common native trees. A small fact file about the tüi is included on the inside back cover. 4–7 years.
Takahë: Lost and Found, by Andrew Crowe and illustrated by Peter Campbell, Reed, $9.95, pb. This book tells the true story of the rediscovery of the takahë in the Murchison Mountains after it had been considered extinct for fifty years. Curious about the bird from childhood, Geoffrey Orbell persisted in his hunt for the takahë until he was finally rewarded in the 1940s. Part of Heinemann’s Wild Stories series, the book has a brief synopsis about the takahë on the inside back cover, including where they can been seen today. 5–9 years.
When the Morepork Calls, by Andrew Crowe and illustrated by Peter Campbell, Reed, $9.95, pb. Another story from Heinemann’s Wild Stories series, this book describes the life of the morepork, or ruru, New Zealand’s native owl. It also explores the bush at night and the nocturnal creatures that both keep the morepork company and provide it with sustenance. More information about the morepork on the inside back cover. 5–9 years.
A Pükeko in a Ponga Tree, adapted by Kingi M Ihaka and illustrated by Dick Frizzell, Reed, $12.95, pb. A reprint of a New Zealand classic based on the traditional Christmas carol. The book has clean, bold, and attractive artwork and contains the musical score in the back. All ages.
Kapai Goes Jet Boating, by Uncle Anzac (Jon Gadsby), Random House, $16.95, pb. Another book in the series that features Kapai the Kiwi tackling, among other things, adventure sports. This time, he takes on a river near Queenstown and goes jet boating with his friends Uncle Slim, Pipi, and Tamatea. Written in rhyming verse, the book contains a lot of New Zealand vernacular as well as some Mäori. 6–8 years.
When the Tuatara Came, by Andrew Crowe and illustrated by Peter Campbell, Reed, $9.95, pb. This picture book describes and illustrates New Zealand in prehistoric times, introducing children to the creatures that inhabited our country during the time of the dinosaurs. More in-depth information about the tuatara is included on the inside back cover. Attractive illustrations. 6–8 years.
Louie the Tüi Learns to Sing, by Janet Martin and illustrated by Ivar Treskon, Jampot Productions, $14.95, pb. This is the second picture book from Janet Martin, who also published Abigail Fantail. Written in rhyme, it tells the tale of a tüi who envies the song of other birds but can only summon a croak himself. He is eventually helped by Annie the Granny, who specialises in nurturing birds and playing her guitar. 4–6 years.
Intermediate Fiction Another 30 New Zealand Stories for Children, edited by Barbara Else, Random House, $24.95, hb. Short stories varied in tone and content from well-established New Zealand writers, including Patricia Grace, Kate De Goldi, Janice Marriott, and Fleur Beale as well as less well-known writers. A resource that would be great to use for reading aloud to 8 to 12-year-olds. Some black and white illustrations by David Elliot.
Not Raining Today, by Wendy Catran, Lothian, $12.95, pb. A first novel from scriptwriter Catran which reveals the harrowing reality of life in Tibet under Chinese rule, told through the eyes of a 13-year-old nun. 10–12 years.
Senior Fiction Boy Next Door, by Penelope Todd, Longacre, $16.95, pb. Thirteen-year-old Hilary has lived alone with her dad ever since her mum died when Hilary was a kid. Things begin to change when Joe moves in next door. His unconventional relationship with his mother prompts Hilary to explore her hazy memories of her own mother and the circumstances of her death. Another excellent novel from one of New Zealand’s best writers of teenage fiction, which sensitively deals with death and coming to terms with loss and family secrets. 12–15 years.
Wish Away, by Julia Owen, New House Publishers, $12.95, pb. Cherry is five months pregnant, and she hasn’t told anyone —not even her best friend, Tina. At fifteen, she feels bewildered and alone. Things don’t improve when she finally tells her parents, and Cherry temporarily moves in with Tina’s older sister so that she can decide about her future. A sympathetically told story about making difficult decisions and the complexities of family relationships. 13–16 years.
When the War Came Home, by Sarah Ell, Scholastic, $13.95, pb. Jimmy works as a messenger boy in central Auckland, and he sometimes feels over-whelmed by the feelings of responsibility he has for his mother and younger siblings, especially since his father was reported missing in action in the First World War. Jimmy’s family leaves town for a few weeks just before a terrible flu epidemic strikes, and Jimmy is left with his taciturn uncle, who is a recently returned soldier. Together, they flee Auckland, sailing north on a strange mission that seems to involve more than just escaping the epidemic. An interesting novel that combines a suspenseful adventure with historic detail and recounts a significant period in New Zealand’s past. 12–15 years.
The Nocturnal Cyclist and Other Stories, by Mark Richards, Steele Roberts, $29.95, pb. Three long short stories by a Waiheke-based poet and writer for radio. Freelance journalist Simon Bridger (a respectful nod to our Bub?) lives north of Auckland. He becomes involved in a murder involving marijuana and machine guns, hunts down a millionaire and gets caught up in mayhem in the Bay of Islands. With authentic settings and a good sense of pace, this is also an interesting insight into the life of a freelance writer. 13–16 years.
Non-Fiction First Words in Mäori, Ngä Kupu Tuatahi ki te Reo Mäori, by Paul Tilling, Reed, $14.95, pb. First published in 1998, this has been reprinted twice, proving its popularity as an easy-to-read picture dictionary of everyday Mäori words. Richard Scarry-like scenarios of activities like Camping in the Bush are peppered with labels, and a border of related items. Appendices list months, body parts and so on. 5–8 years.
The Reed New Zealand Picture Dictionary, Reed, $24.95, pb. First published as a Mäori dictionary, this is more advanced then the First Words but just as useful. Pictures are clear and help explain concept words like shiny. Lists of shapes, colours, family relationships etc, and a map of New Zealand add to the information. 8–10 years.
Our Treaty: The Treaty of Waitangi 1840 to the Present, by Ruth Naumann, New House Publishers, $17.95, pb. A comprehensive look at our founding document, its historical context and the implications today. The place, the people and the politics are examined in detail from the initial signing to today’s settlement process. Both sides of the debate are fairly covered. Bullet points and coloured boxes neatly divide up the text. 12 years plus.
Mission to East Timor, by Glyn Harper, Reed, $16.95, pb. A clear account of our defence force’s largest overseas deployment in 35 years. It covers the practical contribution of New Zealand’s navy, air force, army (including medical corps) and the involvement of police and prison officers in the birth of a new country— Timor Lorosae (Timor Sunrise). Of the many photographed at work, only Major General Maurice Dodson is named. There’s also a photograph of soldiers carrying the coffin of their comrade Private Leonard Manning, the only New Zealander killed in action. 10 years plus.
Kiwi Adventures: Sea Fishing with Crimpy, by Daryl Crimp and photographed by Tony Entwhistle, Reed, $12.95, pb. Check the gear, we’re off fishing at the top of the Marlborough Sounds. This logo-laden introduction to sea fishing is strong on safety—Christopher and Jono wear life jackets throughout. There’s a good glossary and clear photos of each stage of the process—except (thankfully) for the knock-‘em-on-the-head bit. 8–12 years.
Kiwi Adventures: Trout Fishing, by Gillian and Darryl Torckler, Reed, $12.95, pb. This book contains valuable information for the keen amateur trout fisher: the trout’s life cycle, necessary fishing equipment, different ways to fish for trout, rules and regulations, trout spotting, safe wading practices, and general safety issues. The story is told from the perspective of Ian, whose grandfather takes him fishing for the first time. 8–12 years.
The Little Book of Kiwi, by Stephen Barnett, Random House, $16.95, pb. The symbol of the Kiwi has many different guises that have been around for many years. This book brings together a selection of some of the most famous and not so famous images, from the one-dollar coin and kiwi shoe polish to images of the kiwi used as ornamentation on buildings and lesser-known stamps. It also contains an introduction, which explains the evolution and meaning of the nickname Kiwi, and a brief explanation of each of the images. 10–12 years plus.
New Zealand Surfers, by Luke Williamson and Grant Dyson, Penguin, $39.95, pb. This book brings together the profiles of twenty-five New Zealanders who love to surf— including well-known personalities such as Gary McCormick, John Kirwin, and Josh Kronfeld. From people who have surfed since childhood to those who discovered the waves in later life, the book demonstrates the diversity of New Zealand’s surfing fraternity. People speak for themselves through the inclusion of a generous amount of direct speech that has been gathered from interviews, and they explain the various reasons they love the sport. Senior secondary.
The Great Penguin Quiz Book, by David Brechin-Smith, Penguin, $24.95, pb. This is a great resource for teachers who organise quizzes or wish to fill in five minutes before the bell goes. The questions in this book are divided into six categories: entertainment, geography, history, science, sport, and art. Each category has six hundred questions that are divided into four levels of difficulty. It also includes special sections on Australia and New Zealand. Senior secondary.
Yates Gardening for Kids, by Janice Marriott, HarperCollins, $16.95, pb. A useful guide for the young gardening enthusiast, this book provides a basic introduction to everything they need to know to allow them to experiment with growing things. It explains the parts of a plant and how they grow, lists the necessary gardening tools, and provides information about sprouting seeds, making compost, garden food chains, and the composition of soil. The book also includes fun gardening activities, such as growing cress in egg shells, sprouting beans, and making cards using sunflower seeds. 8–12 years.
The Pöhutukawa, by Alina Arkins and photographed by Len Doel, Reed, $14.95, pb. A great book for anyone interested in learning more about one of New Zealand’s most celebrated trees, which until recently was in danger of extinction. The book explores the many fascinating adaptations the plant has made to survive in its harsh coastal environment and examines other plants in the same family. It also includes sections on the tree’s life cycle and evolution, ecology, the threats to the pöhutukawa’s survival, and conservation. Part of Reed’s New Zealand Trees series. 10 years plus.
The Shaping of New Zealand, by Brian O’Flaherty, Reed, $14.95, pb. An excellent resource from Reed’s New Zealand Wild series, this book explains the ways in which New Zealand was formed and shaped, from the big bang to the erosion that is occurring today. The information is well presented and is always clear and concise, making this fascinating subject easily accessible. It includes chapters on how the universe was formed, the composition of Earth, continental drift and plate tectonics, the formation of mountains and volcanoes, the seafloor, and erosion. Excellent use of photographs and diagrams. 10 years plus.
I’m Busy!: Year 5 Homework Book, by Russell Andrewes, New House, $7.95, pb. This homework workbook is divided into thirty-eight units, each of which addresses all seven curriculum areas. Each unit also has a theme, such as Easter, Kupë, sports heroes, the water cycle, and famous songs. The book is closely aligned to the New Zealand curriculum and recommends that children spend between thirty to sixty minutes each night working in it. It also includes a removable answers section. Good value for anyone wishing to extend and reinforce their child’s learning. Year five students.
One Lonely Käkäpo: A New Zealand Counting Book, by Sandra Morris, Reed, $12.95, pb. Winner of the Russell Clark Award for illustration in 1992, this 1999 paperback edition counts native flora like tuatara, geckos and dolphins in their habitat. Five frosty takahë feeding in the snow is my favourite. It’s interesting to note how the use of te reo Mäori has gathered momentum—these days we’d call crayfish köura and yellow-crested penguins höiho. 5–8 years.
Harry and the Anzac Poppy, by John Lockyer, Reed, $12.95, pb. Great-Grandma Kate introduces Harry to the story of Anzac through her own father’s letters from the front. The lengthy text is broken up by changes in type—the letters are printed, followed by conversations between Harry and his great-grandmother. 8–12 years.
Skinks, by Jenny Jones, Heinemann Primary, $12.95, pb. A comprehensive (if visually somewhat cluttered) documentation of the skink, one of our two lizard families. Good table of contents, good index and large, clear photos make this an excellent resource. 8–12 years.
The Birds and the Bees, by Genelle Gordon, Random House, $19.95, pb. From the charming cover picture of a girl taking a peek down her companion’s beach baggies, this excellent book for parents explores every aspect of talking to a young child about bodies, birth and sex. Sensible advice is mixed with amusing quotes from pre-schoolers illustrating their take on things from adults’ body hair to their relationships. Adult.
Somebodies and Nobodies, by Brian Turner, Vintage, $34.95, pb. All of us are known—in the sense of being familiar with and/or important to—someone, somewhere, at some time, writes the author. A marvellous memoir, not just of an extraordinary family—Alf and Audrey Turner and their multi-talented sons Glenn, Brian and baby Greg—but of a whole way of life growing up in Otago in the 1940s and 50s. Rabbiting, trout fishing, tramping and generally enjoying the wide open spaces: this is not only a tribute to the somebodies—whose names we know—but the nobodies, who are sometimes more colourful and interesting , and in unusual, startling ways. Secondary/Adult.
COLLECTIONS Seduced by the Sea: More Stories from Seafaring Kiwis, edited by Tessa Duder, HarperCollins, $29.95, pb. Veteran New Zealand writer and sailor Tessa Duder’s satisfyingly fat second collection brings together tales of our sailing heritage from such nautical heroes as the late Gerry Clark and Naomi James, laced with wonderful poems from seasoned sailors like Anne French and Denis Glover. Surprises include a piece on P-class sailing in Wellington by rock star turned solo voyager Andrew Fagan, and Duder’s own experience of the final days of sea travel to Britain. Secondary/Adult.
A Child’s Book of Faeries, collected and retold by Tanya Robyn Batt and illustrated by Gail Newey, Barefoot Books, $29.95, hb. A professional faery herself, Auckland born and based Tanya Batt travels the world telling stories about magical beings who flit from one realm to another. This collection concentrates on Britain and Ireland, bringing together stories about leprechauns, elves, fairy kings and queens from the Victorian era (when faeries were widely celebrated) with poems and tales from Shakespeare, Arthur Rackham, J M Barrie and William Blake, among others. 5–10 years.
Curious Thoughts, by Max Cryer, HarperCollins, $19.95, pb. Listeners to National Radio’s Saturday morning programme will be familiar with Max’s marvellous way with words, and know that he adds a thought for the day from his own reading. Here they are collected up in a bright and breezy little book divided into sections like Animals, Insults and Pun-ishments. Some sections will appeal more to adults but children will find much to amuse them. All ages.
