At the Bach Written by Joy Cowley Illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper Gecko Press; RRP: $29.99 Hardback At the Bach offers a simple and evocative picture book about summer days spent at the beach – salt, sea and treasures. A great book to read before rest with its simple text and rhythm with the final words echoing the shushing waves. The watercolour illustrations offer a classic simplicity with an inclusive and vast cast of extended family and friends. For tamariki 2+. The Great Kiwi School Day By Donavan Bixley Upstart Press; RRP: $19.99 Paperback The Great Kiwi School Day familiarises tamariki and their whānau with the structure of a typical school day in Aotearoa and puts them at ease with elements of the New Zealand curriculum such as what will you do there, who will be there, what will I learn and what might my classroom look like? Both the illustrations and text incorporate diversity, kindness, praise and te ao Māori. A perfect book with plenty of Kiwiana for tamariki heading to school. A te reo Māori version is also available, Te Rā Kura Ki Aotearoa. For tamariki 3+. The Observologist: A handbook for mounting very small scientific expeditions. By Giselle Clarkson Gecko Press; RRP: $39.99 Hardback An observologist is someone who makes small scientific expeditions every day, noticing interesting details in the world including tiny creatures, plants and fungi and which can be found in even the most ordinary places from a weedy patch, a damp corner, the pavement and behind the curtain. There are over 100 small creatures and features of the natural world within this book. Facts combine with comics, detailed illustrations, science and funny stories with the purpose of encouraging children to start small, with the understanding that there is so much to notice if you just take the time to look. The book includes looking at the different type of droppings or eggs you might find to ‘Birdwatching without Birds’ to offering ideas on objects to collect, to the difference between moths and butterflies. Although the book is designed for children 7 to 11 year-olds there is much to offer to the inquisitive pre-schooler, from 3+. Santa’s Fireproof Knickers Written by Deano Yipadee Illustrated by Carla Martell Scholastic NZ Ltd; RRP: $21.00 Paperback; $22.99 Hardback Tamariki will enjoy this hilarious story and song about Santa’s conundrum when his fireproof trousers shrink in the wash and he needs to come up with a way to safely get down the chimneys to deliver his presents. The story is set in both the Southern and Northern hemisphere, a clever addition from the author, making it universal but also adding to discussions about place, the globe etc. Books with ‘knickers’ in the title are a sure-hit with young readers who will enjoy the humour along with the quirky illustrations depicting Santa’s plight. Like all of Yipadee’s books, you can download or stream the song. For tamariki 2.5+. December 2023 { 39 }
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