Swings + Roundabouts Spring 2020

FRIDAY THE REBEL DOG By Susan Brocker Illustrated by Raymond McGrath Scholastic; RRP: $18.99 Paperback Friday the Rebel Dog is based on a true story about a New Zealand notorious sheep- stealer, James Mackenzie and his loyal working dog, Friday, a black and white collie, who secretly herded a thousand stolen sheep through rugged, unmapped mountain passes before being apprehended and jailed, leaving his faithful dog behind. The text is quite long, but enthralling enough to keep young children engaged, as we watch the adventure unfold from the stealing of the sheep, to the chase between the sheep-stealers and following shepherds and owner of the sheep. The writing is lyrical, descriptive and captivating alongside the graphic styled and quirky illustrations. “Over the campfire at disk, Mackenzie roasted a weka he’d caught in a snare. Friday sensed other hunters nearby too. But they weren’t here hunting for birds. She slunk her tail between her legs and whimpered.” This book is perfect for tamariki 4+ and a great introduction to historical fiction for young children and a must-have if your early learning centre is centred in Mackenzie Country for place-based curriculum. LOLA AND GRANDPA By Ashling Kwok Illustrated by Yvonne Low Little Pink Dog Books; RRP: $24.95 Hardback Lola and Grandpa is a gentle and reassuring story about a close relationship between a young girl and her grandpa, but when her grandpa dies, Lola although devastated at first, learns to cope and accept her sad loss. The story demonstrates how precious memories and time spent together builds a connection, that even when they are separated holds fast. “Lola sits in the sunshine drinking homemade lemonade. A butterfly lands on her shoulder. For a moment time stands still. Memories flood back, filling her heart with love. ‘Time slips away, Grandpa,’ Lola whispers. ‘But love and memories last forever.’” Alongside the gentle text are the touching illustrations that show the emotions of the characters from happy times spent together, Lola’s sadness, to once again Lola feeling peace. I also really liked the connection to nature, with grandpa and Lola on grandpa’s farm and building memories and the connection Lola makes within nature to her grandpa as she remembers their time spent together and finding peace. For children aged 3+. THE BATTLE By Ashling Kwok Illustrated by Cara King EK Books; RRP: $24.99 Hardback Edward puts on this armour and prepares for ‘battle’ as he enters the classroom that is full of dragons and ogres, but after befriending an ogre, Edward starts having fun, and after a while realises his ‘armour’ is holding him back. Once letting his guard down, he discovers that the ‘dragons and ogres’ are actually just like him. The Battle is a great book to read to an anxious child, teaching resilience and emotional regulation in the face of new environments, and although the book is about a child, Edward, who is anxious about staring school, it could be about any new situation a child faces. Children from 3+ will enjoy this story alongside the bright and fun illustrations, as what child doesn’t enjoy dragons and ogres in their books! September 2020 { 43 }