Swings + Roundabouts Spring 2020

THE KAURI FAMILY By Suzy Cato & Arthur Baysting Illustrated by Craig Fletcher Scholastic; RRP: $17.99 “What’s that there, can you see? I wonder what that thing can be, in the hole beneath the tree. It’s part of the Kauri Family.” This book is a great introduction for young children in thinking about the connection between our trees and the creatures who live amongst it. In this story, the tree is the Kauri and the creatures we are introduced to include the kiwi, the wētā, a kereru, a tuatara… also readers are encouraged to spot other creatures among the illustrations. Children who love ‘guess the riddle’ and ‘search and spot’ books will enjoy this book alongside its catchy and rhyming text and cheerful illustrations that offer further exploration as they search for the various creatures and birds. The book is also available in te reo Māori, Te Whānau Kauri and the catchy text in song, can be downloaded while you read along. This book is perfect for children 2+. THE GIRL WHO WAS SCARED OF EVERYTHING By Emma Pascoe Little Love; RRP: $19.99 Paperback The Girl Who Was Scared of Everything is a special book, that definitely hits the mark in describing the feelings many young children have when overcome with fear - and which offers a positive strategy in how to face these fears and reminds us all the importance of sharing our worries with others who can support us. “She was scared her parents Might vanish one day - What if aliens came down To take them away? When Elaine got scared She would start to feel funny, Her hands would tremble And she’d get a sore tummy.” With descriptive and relatable illustrations along with the everyday fears described in the story, this book is a great way to encourage conversations around feelings and especially fear and offers opportunities for tamariki and kaiako to share ideas in how to move forward or try new things, despite these fears. With one in five Kiwi children being diagnosed with some form of anxiety disorder by the age of 19 (Mental Health Foundation NZ) makes books like this one an important resource to share with young children, 2.5+. 12 HUIA BIRDS / 12 MANU HUIA By Julian Stokoe Illustrated by Stacy Eyles Oratia; RRP: $22.99 Paperpack This beautifully illustrated and haunting story about the huia and its tragic extinction is now in a bilingual (English and Māori) paperback. Translated by Louis McIver with Kanapu Rangitauira, the rhyming text starts with 12 huia birds living in the forest as they always have – first comes a waka with rats and dogs, next European settlers with further loss from habitat damage, fashion and museum collecting and one by one the huia disappear. 12 Huia Birds shares an important conservation message and reminds us of the human impact on the environment in the past and, which is continuing this day. This book offers plenty of scope for discussion and thought on how we can protect New Zealand’s flora and fauna and our precious ecosystem. Children will be drawn to the story with the rhyming text and the captivating stylistic illustrations. The book also has links to an app, educational resources and games. The book will be enjoyed by children 3+. September 2020 { 40 }