Swings + Roundabouts Autumn 2021

DUGGIE THE BUGGY By Sam Wallace Illustrated by Shaun Yeo Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 Paperback Duggie the Buggy is the debut picture book of ‘Coast FM’ radio host and television celebrity, Sam Wallace, alongside the vibrant illustrations by the talented Shaun Yeo. The book central heroes are Duggie the Buggy, whose dune racing days are over, but after catching up with his friend Ronnie the Rocket – plans and dreams are hatched and which spark an adventure that takes them out of this world… Ronnie the Rocket was bright as a spark, his cheerfulness drew Duggie out of the dark. Ron told him a story about his big dream, and together they hatched an incredible scheme. Duggie the Buggy helps reminds children to dream and set goals despite the setbacks (Ronnie the Rocket was a bottle rocket!). The rhyming text and graphic-styled illustrations offer further scope for the possibilities and the creative use of the imagination. The book will be enjoyed by tamariki who enjoy both an adventure and challenge, and who love all things mechanical such as cars and rockets 3+. MARVELLOUS MARVIN By Nadia Lim Illustrated by Fifi Colston Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 Paperback Marvellous Marvin is inspired by a true farm story from the TV personality and cook Nadia Lim who rescued four eggs during a freezing winter in Arrowtown, Aotearora in 2020. The catchy rhyming text about this rather cute and endearing chicken and the adventures he gets into both on the farm and in the family home will delight young readers who will enjoy Marvin's adventures as he starts to find his place. Marvin is a handsome boy, bright-eyed, with a tickly tum. A bundle of sooty feathers, and a fluffy white bum! The book also includes family photos of Marvin in the farmhouse and garden, as well as chicken farm facts for those tamariki who are inquisitive. Plus for those who like baking there is also a ‘Nadia’s Egg-cellent Fluffy Saturday Pancakes Recipe’. Alongside the family photos are Fifi Colston’s endearing illustrations, which show a very cheeky chicken! This book will be enjoyed by tamariki 3+. MOON & SUN By Melinda Szymanik Illustrated by Malene Laugesen Upstart Press; RRP: $19.99 Paperback Moon knows she can never be as bright and warm and beloved as her sister, Sun. She hides away, shy and sad, only coming out at night. But maybe Moon is more important that she realises. I am ALONE. And UNLOVED. “What? Unloved? Have you forgotten? How people risked everything to come visit you? They will never visit ME NEVER. I am too far away. And too fiery. What I would give, to be as COOL as you”. Moon & Sun is a touching book that explains that we all have something to offer and even if we are different to someone else, these are our strengths, and that collectively our differences are needed to make the world a better place. By having the lead characters as the Sun and Moon makes the story relatable to many children, with their prior knowledge of these elements (and possibly learn a few facts along the way), plus together with the exquisite and dreamy illustrations, this book is a great edition to your early learning centre bookshelf. March 2021 { 41 }