BRAT: Winter 2001 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
Christine Johnston
I’ve written novels for adults and teenagers, lots of short stories, a couple of plays and the libretto for an opera. Everything I write seems to have a different evolution. Sometimes the story or the situation is the strongest element. Sometimes it’s a character, a persistent voice (an enthusiastic teenager, a grumpy old woman) that sets things in motion. I say "what if…" and off I go. But is can be something even vaguer; a phrase I’ve overheard, or just the beginning of an idea, a tiny spark that I hope will catch fire if I believe and work on it.
Recently I was walking under pine trees. I like the scent of pine needles and I’ve always had happy associations with pines, but that day the pine forest seemed very sinister. It was dark and the tall trees showed very little foliage, just the columns of their trunks. The needles were spread thickly, poisoning the ground for any undergrowth. Even the cones I picked up were prickly. I remembered that in fairy tales bad things happen in the woods. I began to think about people who have been marched into the forest to be shot. I’m still thinking about this idea; it needs time to ferment, but I’m sure there’s a story in it.
Judith Holloway
My imagination is always full of characters, ideas for plots, interesting landscapes, and important issues I want to explore. I only wish I had the self-discipline to lasso them all in and shuffle them into books and stories on my computer. The trouble is, Life intervenes. World events to worry (uselessly) about. The garden. Visitors. Organisations I’m involved in. Family things. Friendships. House improvements. Marvellous plays and films to go to. Thousands of books to read. Great food and wine. If a fairy gave me a couple of wishes I’d ask for at least another seventy years of life—and a gaoler to tie me up to my computer chair for at least six hours a day. At the moment I have three novels in the computer (all at different stages of completion) —and a big, fat self-correcting spelling book for kids of all ages (nearly finished). Watch this space!
Tim Tipene
I live in an old creaky house, next to the bush and overlooking the sea. I live with my best friends: a big fat, grey cat called Mr T; Lord Flashheart, the cheeky rooster who wakes me each morning; seven lovely ladies who gives me eggs for my breakfast; and Catherine, who has to read all of my stories.
I am a crazy creator, who loves to share his dreams. When the night is at its darkest and the wind is roaring through the trees, there I am, snug in bed, writing as fast as I can. During the day, I put on my Warrior suit and venture out to be with the Warrior Kids. The Warrior Kids and I play awesome games. We roll and cartwheel. We also share our good times and our not so good times.
New Publications
The books listed are readily available now for your schools, libraries and homes from all good booksellers throughout New Zealand.
Te Mura a Tangaroa by Mokena Potae Reedy, Ministry of Education/Huia, $14.95.
This 180-page Maori language chapter book follows the adventures of twins Morehu and Whakahana, their cousin, and their dog when they are transported into the past by a magical mere. The story follows Te Mere and is the second volume in the Te Uira-Mai-te-Rangi trilogy. 8–12 years.
Supa Heroes — Te Wero by Robyn Kahukiwa and translated into Maori by Keri Kaa, Mauri Tu Limited, $19.95.
Twins babies are rescued from a rubbish bin and cared for by children of Ranginui and Papatuanuku. When they have grown up, they are endowed with special powers by the gods and sent back to their people to fight injustice. The first in a series, this picture book is beautifully illustrated and well-suited to being read to young children. 5–7 years.
Jane and the Magician by Martin Baynton, Walker Books, $14.95.
The prince needs cheering up, and Jane, ‘a fully qualified, highly trained knight of the King’s Guard’, is called in to search for the court’s recently exiled magician. This is a fairytale with a thoroughly modern heroine who encounters adventure, danger, and challenge and, of course, a happy ending. Great illustrations. 7–8 years.
I Am Leather — Man by Ged Maybury and Anna Venczel, Cape Catley Limited, $14.95.
Jake’s recently divorced parents are busy getting on with it, and Jake manages to slip through the cracks and do a prolonged ‘home alone’. Teenage domestic fiction set in Auckland. 11–14 years.
The Pipi and the Mussels by Dot Meharry and illustrated by Jennifer Cooper, Reed, $12.95.
Why do pipi live in the sand and mussels cling to rocks? This picture book offers an explanation, with humourous illustrations. 7–8 years.
Nanny Mihi and the Rainbow by Melanie Drewery and illustrated by Tracy Duncan, Reed, $12.95.
Two children stay with their nanny in her whare by the sea, where she encourages them to take interest in the natural world around them by collecting things. This book uses a significant amount of Maori words, and it is a useful way to introduce children to some basic vocabulary. 7–9 years.
The Rock Warriors by Don Stafford and illustrated by Tony Hadlow, Reed, $12.95.
The little people who live on Ngongotaha Mountain live in terror of being attacked by the tipua—ugly, bad-tempered giants that want all good things for themselves. A mythical explanation of the rock columns on the Mamaku Plateau, near Rotorua. 8–10 years.
3, 2, 1 ... Lift Off! by Janine Scott and illustrated by John Bennett, Shortland, $6.95 + GST.
To get over her obsession with rockets, Rosie encourages the people on her street to enter a letterbox competition. Will Rosie’s letterbox be up to scratch, and will she manage to keep away from rockets? A chapter book, 7–9 years.
Look Out of the Window by Lynette Evans and illustrated by Betty Brownlie, Shortland, $3.95 + GST
Different weather passes outside a child’s window, all of which is enticing for play. This book comes complete with the window and has finely detailed illustrations and photographic borders. 5–6 years.
Ambushed by Fleur Beale, Scholastic, $13.95..
Richard moves to the city and wonders why none of the kids in his class will make friends with him. After ruling out B.O., he starts to suspect that some particularly nasty school bullies are involved. An issues-based chapter book, 9–13 years.
Pip the Penguin by Joy Cowley and illustrated by Gavin Bishop, Scholastic, $17.95.
Pip learns that ‘nest is best’ when he strays, against parental advice. Encounters with a skua, seal, killer whale, and Antarctic storm convince him that Ma and Pa penguin know best. Cute picture book with suitably icy illustrations. 6–7 years.
Happily Ever After! Shortland, $6.95 + GST.
Two plays—"The Princess and the Pea" adapted by Carol Krueger, illustrated by Helen Bacon and "The Rat Daughter" by Carol Krueger, illustrated by Lorenzo Van Der Lingen—both about marriage and both ending happily ever after. Suitable for 8–9 year-olds.
Icky Sticky Body, Random House, $16.95.
Based on the children’s scientific TV series "Suzy’s World", this book answers such fascinating questions as What is phlegm? and What happens when you eat baked beans? Twenty burning issues are dealt with using flow charts, photographs, and diagrams. All ages!
Nga Tai Korero by Warren Pohatu, Reed, $14.95.
A collection of fourteen of the most well-known Maori legends, brightly illustrated, with one story per spread. Originally written in English by Warren Pohatu, these have been translated into Maori by Wena Tait. 8–13 years.
Down the Dragon’s Tongue by Margaret Mahy and illustrated by Patricia MacCarthy, HarperCollins, $12.95.
Mr Prospero risks his white shirt, polished shoes, and hand-painted tie and takes his persistent twins to the park. A few slides later, and he’s hooked. A picture book for 6– to 8–year-olds that subverts the parent/child relationship in a way that is sure to amuse.
The Kiwi That Was Scared of the Dark by Bob Darroch, Reed, $12.95.
Little Kiwi is having problems dealing with the realities of being nocturnal. A walk with his mother through the night forest does little to allay his fears. When he attempts to socialise with the frogs, kakapo, possums, and moreporks during the day, he realises that perhaps the dark does have its charms. A picture book for 7– to 8–year-olds.
Teenage Boys Talk by Stephanie Weaver, Random House, $24.95.
A book based on oral interviews with fifty boys aged 13 to 17, recording their thoughts and opinions on topics including racism, sexuality, families, jobs, religion, and anger. Direct quotes are interspersed with some commentary by the author, and the content is detailed and insightful. Written for parents, with questions to reflect on at the end of each chapter.
The Apple Tree and other stories by Lynley Dodd, Mallinson Rendel, $29.95.
A hard-backed edition bringing four Lynley Dodd stories together: ‘The Apple Tree’, ‘The Smallest Turtle’, ‘A Dragon in a Wagon’, and ‘Sniff-Snuff-Snap!’ An eclectic mix of stories – from greedy possums to grumpy warthogs. As beautiful as ever, and particularly nice to read aloud. 6–8 years.
Yes! We Had Dinosaurs by Glenys Stace and Mike Eagle, Penguin, $24.95.
A reference book about palaeontology, looking at the animals and plants of New Zealand and explaining where they came from, when they arrived, and how they got here. A well-organised, well-designed, and appealing book for 12-year-olds plus.
Nature Kids: The Penguin by Barbara Todd; The Kea by John Lockyer; and The Orca by Ingrid N. Visser, Reed, all $12.95.
Three books in the Nature Kids series, aimed at 5– to 8–year-olds, which introduce popular aspects of natural history. Plenty of close-up photographs with some cartoons and additional captioned facts. Plenty of visual appeal and fantastic photographs. Nice books to share with your kids.
Non-fiction
No. 8 Wire: The best of Kiwi ingenuity by Jon Bridges and David Downs, illustrations by Mathew Clark, Hodder Moa Beckett, $24.95.
No8 fencing wire—‘synonymous with makeshift innovation, brilliant inventiveness, and good old Kiwi ingenuity’ the blurb tells us, and the book cashes in on this in a most engaging and fascinating way. All the things you knew about like jet boats, the Britten motorbike, the electric fence—but what about the things you didn’t—the woolrest sleeper, the Thermette, the Fly-by-Wire, the referee’s whistle, the slug fence, the world’s largest crumpet maker, childproof lids and the electronic electronic petrol pump? Presented with the ingenuity the authors celebrate—the text strikes just the right balance between amusement and information, good photos and drawings and witty captions. 11 years +.
Nature Guide to the New Zealand Forest by John Dawson and Rob Lucas, Godwit, $45.00.
Every New Zealand family that even only pokes its nose into any bush should have this book as their ecological field guide. Not only do we get common plants (trees and shrubs, vines and epiphytes, ferns, grasses, fungi and mosses) and animals described, there are also fascinating insights into their interactions. And there are photos, really good photos that do a lot to end the frustration of uninformed viewers trying to identify a plant out of a host of possibilities. 10 years +.
Antarctic Journal: Four months at the bottom of the World by Jennifer Owings Dewey, Harper Collins, $39.9.
What’s it like actually living in the Antarctic? Who are the other people there? What do you do? Jennifer Owings Dewey, who’s clearly quite a name in American children’s scientific writing, lets us know about the layers of clothes, the mandatory sun block, the non-English speaking room mate, falling into a crevasse, and being outside in a gale. Interspersed amongst all this are fascinating facts about the Antarctic itself and the animals that live there— and she both draws and photographs these for her readers. 7 years +.
Cricketing Safari by Stephen Fleming and Nathan Astle, Hodder Moa Beckett, $24.95.
Cricket fans will doubtless have watched every minute of all the games in the lengthy cricket tour the New Zealand team embarked on late last year. Fleming and Astle’s diary provides another source of information about the tour with action shots and the odd bit of landscape by way of illustration. For cricketing enthusiasts 11 years +.
Tears of an Angel, by Suzanne Navart, Self-published.$24.00.
This is the true story of a young woman, Angelica, who becomes mentally ill, of her struggle with mental illness, and how it affects others as the Mother supports and guides her Daughter back to health. An intensely felt story. As the Auckland Counselling Services note, "Unfortunately this scenario is becoming all too common. We agree that Angelica was indeed brave." 13 years +.
Anzacs Stories from New Zealanders at war, by Tony Williams, Hodder Moa Beckett, $29.95.
Twenty-five stories from ANZAC veterans gleaned from interviews and unpublished journals, letters, and diaries give us something of what serving in both world wars and in Korea, Malaysia, and Vietnam, while one survived a concentration camp. For me the most moving things were the underlying reasons for joining up and the comments against war—Williams has gathered the latter at the end of the book as an epitaph—and the book needs to be read for these if nothing else. 12 years +.
Junior fiction
Stories for Kiwi Kidz too Two, written and published by Tauranga Writers for Children, $15.00 or $25.00 (with tape).
The Tauranga Writers for Children provide stories for the Bay of Plenty Q-Phone Storyline, a dial-a-story line free to local children. This is the second printed collection. The stories are described as short, positive, easy to listen to, fun. It’s illustrated by kids, and a big font size makes for easy reading. 7 + for reading alone, but will appeal to younger listeners.
Intermediate fiction
Slide the Corner, by Fleur Beale. Scholastic, $13.95
Greg, thick but loves cars. And really wants to be a rally car driver and a mechanic. He’s not getting far on achieving either of those dreams—until he meets the Chattertons. And then even his parents, who are having a go at starving him into submission, have to eat their words.10–12 years.
The Wild Wests and the Haunted Fridge, by Joy Cowley, Harper Collins, $12.95.
Michael is despatched to his zany cousins while his uptight parents have taken themselves off to Oz. The story, told by Michael, rattles along, taking in a stinking fridge, hi-jinks at a wedding, a bitch on heat, and the puppy that materialises at the end to redeem Michael’s parents and give him the dog he always wanted. 8–10 years.
The Silent One: The moving story of a special relationship, by Joy Cowley, Penguin, $15.95.
Do you remember that marvellous story about the small boy and the wild white stallion in the Camargue? Joy Cowley, in this reprint of the book first published 20 years ago, has much the same story line. A dumb child, Jonasi, is befriended by a white turtle whose existence superstitious villagers, somewhere in an amorphous but less than idyllic Pacific spot, construe as an evil spirit. In the end, Jonasi understands, as the blurb tells us ‘there is only one way to save the turtle —and himself’. 9 –11 years.
Last Cast, by Steve Dickinson,. Scholastic, $13.95.
In Scholastic’s Sport Max series, Last Cast features Zac and Rex, mates forever, casting their lines and hauling in (and releasing) their catches. Readers interests will lie in the various fishing incidents—an early start to anglers’ tales! 8–ll years.
The Sleeper Wakes, by David Hill, Penguin, $15.95.
Another David Hill! Is Mount Taranaki erupting? Corey’s dad thinks so, but that doesn’t mean the locals do. Then, indisputably, things start to happen, and Corey’s dad’s up there. 8–10 years.
Senior fiction
Never lost for words by Amelia Batistich, Auckland University Press, $29.95.
Batistich grew up ‘a Dalmatian child … in a New Zealand town with a French name beside a Maori river’ with stories ‘like yeast working’ in her head and demanding to be written down. The book treats us to both the stories—the pull of a country long since left and the transformation wrought by the refugees on their new country, their desire to fit in—and reminiscences of her own life. Evocative photos of her childhood serve to vividly place the stories. Advanced readers 13 +.
Tiggie Tompson all at sea, by Tessa Duder. Penguin, $15.95.
Tiggie Tompson fans will be delighted at the appearance of the second Tiggie Tompson book. Tiggie’s got a major role in a TV series, there’s a desirable boyfriend, mysterious emails continue to show up on her screen, there’s a story of a young woman from the past, and Tiggie’s crewing on a boat. I’ll leave the reader to see how Duder pulls all this together! 12 years +.
Adult books of interest for secondary school students Non-fiction
Freedom’s Edge, by Victoria Ginn, Hazard Press, $39.95
The account of the 24 year old author’s months in a women’s prison in Afghanistan, with her own excellent photographs. Comment on issues of gender.
Living in the Twentieth Century: New Zealand History in Photographs 1900 — 1980, by Bronwyn Dalley, Bridget Williams Books, $49.95.
Readable discussion of a range of social activities last century accompanied by photographs. Accessible history.
Fiction
Light Readings, by Fiona Farrell, Vintage, $24.95.
Fifteen stories from an award-winning writer. Farrell understands real people, the delicacies of relationships. Students will appreciate her playing with words.
Johanna’s World, Ø E Andresen, translated by Johann Bonnevie, HarperCollins, $24.95.
Presented as fiction, the book is based on the diaries of a 17 year old Norwegian woman who settled in New Zealand in the 19th century. History made into a palatable narrative.
Poetry
A Stone Seat and a Shadow Tree, by Adrienne Jansen, Inkweed, $19.95.
Deceptively gentle poems on a range of topics and experiences. Thoughtful, and thought-provoking.
