Information Books, including poetry and folktales - Holiday Reading 2009
Three Little Celebrations – Kaye Umansky
Three brand-new mini-musicals for Spring, Summer and Autumn - perfect for year-round impromptu performances in early year settings.
African Acrostics : A Word in Edgeways – Avis Harley
Inside every acrostic is a secret message, often lurking in the first letter of each line (read top to bottom). But look out! These acrostics not only follow their subjects to Africa, but they also take the form to a whole new level. Illustrated with gorgeous full-color photographs, this collection is sure to send poetry buffs and animal lovers on an armchair safari they’ll never forget.
Awesome Aotearoa : Margaret Mahy’s history of New Zealand - illustrated by Trace Hodgson
The famous children’s writer joins forces with her country’s top political cartoonist in this hilarious and irreverent history of Aotearoa - or New Zealand, to use its other name.
Barbarians! - Steven Kroll, illustrated by Robert Byrd
Kroll introduces four notable groups referred to by their enemies as barbarians: the Goths, the Huns, the Vikings, and the Mongols. In each case, he looks at the lives of common people within the group, their religious beliefs, their leaders, their history, and the results of their attacks on other civilizations
Ben and Mark : Boys of the High Country - John Bougen (NZ)
This is the true story of Ben and Mark Smith, aged eight and six, who live with their parents Richard and Sheri on Mount White Station, near Arthurs Pass, one of the biggest and most remote stations in the South Island
Brian Wildsmith’s Favourite Nursery Rhymes – Brian Wildsmith
Brian Wildsmith has chosen over eighty best-loved rhymes that are full of charm and rhythm, and has illustrated them with great exuberance and imagination. Nursery rhymes are delight to share from one generation to the next and this beautiful book is sure to be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Bubble Homes and Fish Farts – Fiona Bayrock
Bubbles serve many different functions for a wide variety of animals. Some use them for protection, some to find food, and others to keep warm.
Butterflies in my Stomach and Other School Hazards – Serge Bloch
On the first day of school, a student is confused by many of the phrases that are used, such as when the librarian says not to open a can of worms, or when the teacher says he expects the class to be busy bees doing their homework.
Charles Darwin and the Beagle Adventure - A. J. Wood and Clint Twist
Discover the plants, animals, and people Darwin encountered on his groundbreaking voyage aboard the Beagle. Packed with novelties, including extracts from Darwin’s diary and later works, Takes readers on an eye-opening exploration of our globe and uncovers the path that led to the cornerstone of natural history: the theory of evolution.
Counting the Stars : Four Māori Myths - Gavin Bishop (NZ)
Sequel to: Taming the sun, and Riding the waves. Aimed at children 4-10 years, these myths are simply yet elegantly written. The illustrations are stunning - the different colour palette for each story and the strong mix of techniques create bold and beautiful images that integrate with the words in a powerful and meaningful way.
Dear Mother Goose - Michael Rosen, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
Agony aunt Mother Goose helps Humpty Dumpty conquer his fear of falling and Little Miss Muffet deal with an over-friendly spider as well as helping a whole host of other much-loved characters in this charming lift-the-flap book. With its witty, joky letters, it’s a nursery rhyme book with a twist from an award-winning author and illustrator team.
Down, Down, Down: a Journey to the Bottom of the Sea - Steve Jenkins
Provides a top-to-bottom look at the ocean, from birds and waves to thermal vents and ooze.
E3 Call Home – Janet Hunt (NZ)
Every year in March thousands of godwits leave New Zealand and fly almost 17,000 kilometres to Alaska, where they mate and raise new godwits, and then turn around and fly all the way back to New Zealand. This is the story of two godwits whose flight in 2007 was tracked using transmitters. Packed with wonderful photos, fascinating information about godwits and other wading birds.
The Elves and the Shoemaker- retold by Lucy M. George and illustrated by Rachel Swirles
The poor shoemaker’s shop is almost empty. His hands are old and slower than they once were. But in the dead of night, secret little elves visit, and making beautiful new shoes, they fill his shop once more! A truly heart-warming classic aimed at younger children.
Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau - Dan Yaccarino
This exciting picture book biography introduces young readers to Jacques Cousteau, the world’s ambassador of the oceans.
How Much Poo does an Elephant do? : and Further Fascinating Facts! – Mitchell Symons
Did you know that squirrels can’t see the colour red? That Walt Disney, the creator of Mickey Mouse, was afraid of mice? Or that every year the average person eats 438 bugs by mistake? Let Mitchell Symons be your guide into the weird and wonderful world of totally useless trivia.
Hansel and Gretel - Rachel Isadora
When they are left in the woods by their parents, two children find their way home despite an encounter with a wicked witch. This version is set in Africa and illustrated using cut-paper collage.
I Had a Little Cat : collected poems for children – Charles Causley
This beautiful, timeless collection brings together all Charles Causley’s verse for children. His poetry combines a traditional lyrical element with a knowledge of children and their lives, loves, fears and games that is completely up to date.
I am a Dolphin - Barbara Todd (NZ)
This second title in New Holland’s ‘I am a … ’ series introduces a much-loved branch of the mammal class. The basic aspects of habitat, hunting, social behaviour, breeding and relations with humans are covered at an easy-to-grasp level, and the simple rhyming text helps young readers absorb the facts.
Jim : Who ran away from his nurse and was eaten by a lion – Hilaire Belloc
First published in 1907, Belloc’s wickedly funny poem describing the sad end of Jim is now fabulously illustrated by Mini Grey for this extra-special new edition. This is a perfect gift with much to explore.
John Burningham – John Burningham
John himself explores his childhood, his schooling at Summerhill, his beginnings as an illustrator designing posters for London Transport, and then his hugely successful, award-winning and still-ongoing career as a picture book author and illustrator. We see developmental notes for his first picture book, "Borka", sketches, and lavish colour illustrations from his backlist of over 40 books.
Knick Knack Paddy Whack - Stevesongs
An illustrated version of the traditional counting song that tells of the ten things "this old man" played before he came rolling home.
The Lego book - Daniel Lipkowitz
Reveal, explore, and celebrate the fascinating LEGO story in The LEGO Book. From its beginnings in a carpenter’s workshop and the development of the first plastic brick, to the group’s current position as an international brand, a timeline highlights key moments in LEGO history.
Fascinating facts on every significant LEGO product line, theme park, video game, artwork, competition, club, collectible and more combine with images from the LEGO Group’s photo archives-many seen here for the first time-and inspiring ideas on how to make a variety of things from just a few bricks.
Lego Star Wars: the Visual Dictionary - Simon Beecroft
Spaceships, vehicles, creatures, equipment and minifigures. This book celebrates the entire "LEGO Star Wars" history including the manufacture and construction of. Contains details about every "Star Wars LEGO" set ever produced including weapons and battle stations through photos.
Life-Size Zoo : from tiny rodents to gigantic elephants, an actual-size animal encyclopedia
See life-size photographs of various animals, with fold-out pages and charts of interesting facts.
The Lion & the Mouse – Jerry Pinkney
In award-winning artist Jerry Pinkney’s wordless adaptation of one of Aesop’s most beloved fables, an unlikely pair learn that no act of kindness is ever wasted. Pinkney makes this a truly special retelling, and his stunning pictures speak volumes.
Listen to the wind: the story of Dr. Greg and Three cups of tea- Greg Mortenson
Greg Mortenson stumbled, lost and delirious, into a remote Himalayan village after a failed climb up K2. The villagers saved his life, and he vowed to return and build them a school. The remarkable story of his promise kept is now perfect for reading aloud. Collage illustrations by Susan L. Roth.
Louisa : the life of Louisa May Alcott - Yona Zeldis McDonough
Louisa came from a family that was poor but freethinking, and she started teaching when she was only seventeen years old. But writing was her passion. This biography captures the life of a compassionate woman who left an indelible mark on literature for all ages.
Lucy Long Ago : uncovering the mystery of where we came from – Catherine Thimmesh
This story of scientific sleuthing invites readers to wonder what our ancestors were like and recounts the discovery of the remains of Lucy, the world’s most famous hominid.
Michael Rosen’s A to Z : the best children’s poetry from Agard to Zephaniah
From Agard to Zephaniah, the very best of children’s poetry from the very best of children’s poets appears in this wonderful and exciting anthology edited by Michael Rosen, the Children’s Laureate.
Move! - Steve Jenkins
Animals move! Follow them as they swing, dance, float, leap, and slide from page to page. "Move!" is a playful introduction to motion in the animal kingdom that invites young readers to guess some of the unusual ways that animals get around. Includes a lenticular treatment on the cover to create the illusion of movement!
The Name Game: a look behind the labels- Donna M. Jackson
This illustrated investigation looks at how people get their names in various cultures and at what some of those names mean. It also discusses unusual names, nicknames, the names of pets, companies, and hurricanes, and much more.
Never Smile at a Monkey: And 17 Other Important Things to Remember - Steve Jenkins
When it comes to wild animals, everyone knows that there are certain things that one should not do. In this fascinating picture book, readers find out what they should "never" do if they encounter one of these surprisingly dangerous animals.
One Small Step: celebrating the first men on the moon - Jerry Stone
A collection of keepsakes and memories that bring that historic moment of pride an accomplishment to life for a new generation.
Open Me Up - Laura Buller
This title provides everything you need to know about the human body - in a quirky package. Open up the shiny cover and show your child how all the bony, bloody and squelchy goings on inside their bodies make it work. A gutsy, cheeky, sick, hip, nosey, heady, handy, mouth-watering and eye-catching look at the human body.
Panda Kindergarten – Joanne Ryder
Meet sixteen young giant panda cubs at the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda at the Wolong Nature Preserve. The cubs are raised together from infancy in a protected setting, where they grow strong. Under the watchful eyes of the scientists and workers, the cubs learn skills that will help prepare them to be released into the wild.
The Silver Spoon for Children : Favourite Italian Recipes
Presents a selection of 40 recipes with a short introduction about the origins of the dish, fascinating facts about the ingredients and the Italian culinary culture. This book offers information on seasons, ingredients and basic cooking techniques.
Slither and Crawl: eye to eye with reptiles - Jim Arnosky
Explains how to identify venomous snakes and their harmless cousins, where to find a 200-pound lizard, how to avoid becoming an alligator’s lunch and features snake fangs, alligator claws, and turtle shells--all life-size!
Standing Small : a celebration of 30 years of the Lego minifigure - Nevin Martell
A book celebrating the Lego Minifigure, includes design images, facts and heaps of photos.
Tales from Around the World: a Classic Collection
This is a gorgeous collection of traditional stories from all around the world; from Greenland to India, from Russia to North America and all points in between. Each story is illustrated by a different artist who has created a style to suit the story setting, and the lyrical language is perfect for curling up with.
Untangling Spaghetti: Selected Poems- Steven Herrick
Each day after school, Steven’s sons would come home and tell him about their day. These stories became poems and these poems became fodder for the many school talks Steven gives around the country each year. Topics include food, animals, school, friends, sport (esp. soccer!), dogs and anything and everything relevant to kids. For this new book, Steven has taken poems from three of his well-known collections and themed them together for easy access
The Word Witch : the magical verse of Margaret Mahy - edited by Tessa Duder (NZ)
An illustrated selection of the poetry of Margaret Mahy, illustrated by David Elliot.
Yates Young Gardener: growing things to eat - Janice Marriott (NZ)
If you want to know more about growing your own juicy tomatoes, crunchy carrots and tasty strawberries, then this is the book for you. Find out what tools you need and how to make seeds grow into fruit, flowers or vegetables. Discover who your garden friends are and find out who’s just waiting to munch on your juicy new plants.
You are the First Kid on Mars - Patrick O’Brien
Using the most up-to-date designs and theories of what it will take to establish a base on Mars, you are off on an incredible journey, over 35 million miles to the red planet. Filled with details, and vividly brought to life, this is an adventure that you are never going to forget.
Yummy : My favourite nursery stories - Lucy Cousins
This collection of 8 classic nursery stories pulls no punches - it’s lively, bold and quite unforgettable! Lucy Cousins retells her favourite nursery stories in spare bold language and brilliant vibrant pictures. She gives their famous characters new life and imbues their great adventures with her own very modern magic.