Swings + Roundabouts Winter 2021

THE ART OF WORDS By Robert Vescio Illustrated by Joanna Bartel EK Books; RRP: $24.99 The Art of Words is a unique, fun and interactive story about the magic of words. Two children and their adorable dog are illustrated playfully interacting with letters and words, and discovering myriad word functions. Typography is a major feature and each page shows words that are scaled, coloured, and positioned to enhance their meaning and reflect the interplay of their verbal and visual aspects. At only 100 words, this ‘language through adventure’ book is intended to excite young children about language, especially the joy of words and their capabilities. The illustrations creatively support the meaning of each word, and being that there is only 100 words within the text the illustrations also offer imaginative imagery allowing children to create their own stories within each double layout page. A great book for celebrating both the magic and power of words and illustrations. For children 3+. THERE’S A BEAR IN THE WINDOW By June Pitman-Hayes Illustrated by Minky Stapleton Nā Pānia Papa i whakamāori Scholastic; RRP: $19.99 There’s a Bear in the Window celebrates the great teddy bear hunt, that entertained thousands of children during lockdown in 2020. There’s a bear in the window of the house across the street. It’s tall and round, with great big feet! I wonder what I would see if I were that bear, and that bear were me? He pea kei te wini o te whare rā, āe! He huruhuru parauri … tū ana te wae! He aha ngā me aka kitea, mo ko taua pea ko au, ā, ko au taua pea? Fans of June Pitman-Hayes previous stories Kia Ora you can be a Kiwi too, Kia Kaha! Together Standing Strong and Tāwhirimātea A Song for Matariki will enjoy this heart- warming story and song, that gives an opportunity for children to remember and discuss a poignant time that we will never forget. This cheerful song/story is sung and written in both English and te reo Māori, and along with its bright and cheerful illustrations that celebrate diversity, will be enjoyed by children 3+. MANGROVE By Glenda Kane Illustrated by Lisa Allen Bateman Books; RRP: $24.99 Hardback Mangrove delves into the complex issues of sustainability, growth and development. Despite the human destruction and bleakness the text suggests at times there is a sense of hope through the continuing and ongoing life cycle of nature from the perspective of a mangrove tree offering an alternative view of the world to encourage empathy toward our environment. The tide goes out and the tide comes in. Waves lap the base of a rubbish bin. But … the same sea laps on a distant shore where life is about to begin once more. Mangrove is a visually stunning book with vibrant and detailed illustrations that not only supports the charming rhyming text but offers added complexity and layers to the story. This book will encourage discussions about the importance of the environment and due to the length of the story, for children 4+. June 2021 { 41 }