The Water Bottle Written by Philippa Werry Illustrated by Burak Akbay Oratia Books; RRP: $22.99 Paperback If you are looking for stories to support ANZAC day, The Water Bottle, will be a great addition to your library (it was published last year). More suited for older children, from 4+, this book is written through the eyes of a young Turkish girl, Derya, who moves to New Zealand and Tom whose great-greatuncle fought and died at Gallipoli. Among the heirlooms Derya’s family bring is a water bottle that an Anzac soldier gave her great-grandfather after he’d been wounded at Gallipoli. This book offers two sides of the conflict and shows how we can bridge gaps, compassion for others and the value of friendships. The superb illustrations are by Turkey illustrator, Burak Akbay. Gotcha! A Funny Fairy Tale Hide-and-Seek By Clotilde Perrin Translated by Daniel Hahn Gecko Press; RRP: $41.99 Hardback and large book format This lift-a- flap book will have appeal for children 3+. It is one of those books that offer more and more as the child ages with 40 big and small flaps throughout the book to explore. At its basic, there are three ‘monsters’ chasing a child who finds themselves hiding in three fairy tale houses – with the three little pigs, Hansel & Gretal and Sleeping Beauty. Each house is full of hiding places for the reader to explore. Until finally the reader stands up to the monsters and fears no more. This empowering book uses the love of fairy tales that many enjoy, and humour, along with interactive illustrations that engage the reader. A special book for a child to explore on their own, in small groups or with an adult. New Zealand Seashore Guide By Sally Carson & Rod Morris Potton & Burton; RRP: $49.99 Hardback This 416 paged book is a great teaching resource, particularly if you live near the coastline, mudflats or an estuary. Did you know New Zealand Aotearoa has the tenth longest coastline in the world! This geographic diversity supports a wide range of seashore life, all of which is photographed and described comprehensively within the book. For many of the species there is the common name, the scientific name and the te reo Māori name. Honestly every time I open the book and read a page I learn something new, and if it’s about a species we have on our local inlet that we visit often I know that this knowledge will be shared and enjoyed by tamariki cultivating further curiosity and encouragement of valuing our marine treasures. There are some teacher notes on the publisher’s website, and although catering for school-aged tamariki, there are a few gems for ECE kaiako as well. March 2023 { 41 }
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