Swings + Roundabouts Spring 2020

Resource REVIEWS ABIGAIL AND THE RESTLESS RAINDROP By Matthew Cunningham Illustrated by Sarah Wilkins Picture Puffin; RRP: $19.99 Paperback Join Abigail on a rainy-day adventure to explore the marvellous movement of water around the Earth. Abigail is a curious little girl. She likes to discover the answers to really BIG questions. One rainy morning, she thinks of a question that’s SO BIG she can’t concentrate on anything else until she knows the answer. Ideal for the child who wants to know the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything, Abigail and the Restless Raindrop is a bedtime story introducing the hydrologic (water cycle), exquisitely illustrated by Sarah Wilkins. HOUND THE DETECTIVE By Kimberly Andrews Picture Puffin; RRP: $19.99 Paperback Meet Hound, a brilliant detective who ALWAYS solves his case. But this latest trail of clues has him perplexed – could it be that he’s missed something important? This gorgeous, multi-layered and engaging whodunnit by an award-winning writer, has a delightful surprise at the end. Search for clues hidden in the pictures and help Hound to solve the riddle in this delightful return to the world of Puffin the Architect. Readers will love studying each action- packed illustration, poring over the details of Hound’s secret passages and map, spotting the adorable animals lurking in the pictures, and finding the caterpillar hidden on every page. I AM THE UNIVERSE By Vasanti Unka Picture Puffin; RRP: $25.00 Hardback From glittering galaxies to busy city streets, this stunning picture book takes you on a tour around the Universe. “I am the Sun, a mighty fireball of blazing starlight. I am the Moon, an orbiting satellite spellbound by Earth.” I am the Universe is a gorgeous illustrated story about our place in the Universe. It’s a starlit journey through space that will lead you to a wonderful planet brimming with all kinds of life. This stunning story demonstrates the scale of the Universe, and as a creative non-fiction book offers tamariki such a lot to explore from the Milky Way, to depicting the planets in order from the sun, the different moon phases as it travels around Earth, the atmosphere that blankets us, and so much more. It’s one of those books that tamariki who love exploring busy and interesting visuals will enjoy on their own or with reading buddies, and others will enjoy the many discussions that will follow as you read the book together. Perfect for children 3+. September 2020 { 38 }