Hickory Dickory Kick By Peter Millett Illustrated by Bob Darroch Oratia Books; RRP: $19.99 This book is perfect for lovers of rugby, toilet talk, rhyming text and raucous fun! So most pre-schoolers! Along with the fun rhyming text are the humorous illustrations showing the mayhem! This book will be enjoyed by children 3+. Colour the Stars / Taea ngā Whetū By Dawn McMillan Illustrated by Keinyo White Translated by Ngaere Roberts Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 Paperback This is a beautiful story about friendship, kindness, appreciating differences and wonder as one boy uses all his senses to teach his blind friend about colour. This bilingual edition celebrates the 10-year anniversary of this story, combining both the English and Māori texts into one volume. This touching book will be enjoyed by children 3+. Messy-o-saurus By Rachel Weston Illustrated by Scott Tulloch Weston Books; RRP: $22.00 Paperback The storyline of Messy-o-saurus will be recognised by both children and adults as the dinosaur-loving protagonist blames her mess on made up creatures like Messy-osaurus and the Two-horned Trumpeting Sea Rompster. Using a clever illustrative narrative effect it’s not obvious who the real Messy-o-saurus is until the very end! This is a fun book with lots of rhythm and rhyme to the text along with bright playful illustrations – all the elements for a great picture book that children will plead for repeated readings. For children 2.5+. Milly and the Mulberry Tree By Vikki Conley Illustrated by Deb Hudson EK Books; RRP: $24.99 Hardback This is a touching story about growing up and the joy of discovering new places and people and seeing wonder in everywhere we go. The book acknowledges how we connect to place through people as well as the natural environment and uses the planting of a mulberry tree as a metaphor for growth and wonder. The illustrations are equally delightful and whimsical. For children 4+. Pelorus Jack, the Dolphin Guide Written by Susan Brocker Illustrated by Raymond McGrath Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 This heart-warming tale of Pelorus Jack, a rare white Risso’s dolphin who delighted passengers and guided ships through the rough waters of the Marlborough Sounds over a hundred years ago is a true Aotearoa New Zealand story and will touch the hearts of young listeners. The detailed illustrations also bring extra life to this captivating tale. For children 4+. December 2022 { 39 }
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