World Kid Lit Month 2020: Day Five: The Fat Man by Maurice Gee

Day Five: The fat man by Maurice Gee (1994). 

Based on near where I grew up.

One of my best memories as a school librarian. When this was released - and shortlisted for a children's book award (not young adult) we were told to pass on subject warnings to kids. So I asked my first reader what he thought. 'It scared me shitless, Miss, but it was brilliant'. 

My sister reads horror - and this is one of the most chilling, terrifying things she has read. 

World Kid Lit Month 2020: Day Four: Perspectives

Day 4: perspectives.

The adventures of Tupaia by Courtney Sina Meredith and Mat Tait (2019). 

First map: how James Cook charted Aotearoa New Zealand by Tessa Duder; illustrated by David Elliot (2020). 

250 years after Cook's journey around the New Zealand two children's books have different takes on that voyage - and its meaning then, and now. 

As with all colonised areas, New Zealand and New Zealanders have an uneasy relationship with their history. These books explore that history, and raise interesting topics to explore further. 

World Kid Lit Month 2020: Day Three: War and Peace

Day 3: War and peace.

Because two are better than one, right? So, a couple of books about war and peace.

The duck in the gun by Joy Cowley (1969 with illustrations by Edward Sorel; 1984 & 2009 with illustrations by Robyn Belton). 

Stripes! No, spots! by Vasanti Unka. With a guest spot by David Attenborough! 

World Kid Lit Month 2020: Day Two: Things in the sea are touching me by Linda Jane Keegan, illustrated by Minky Stapleton

Day 2: Things in the sea are touching me by Linda Jane Keegan, illustrated by Minky Stapleton (2019).

A relatively recent addition to New Zealand bookshelves, this is a joy! A celebration of the sea, its flora & fauna; and family. 

The illustrations are colourful and vibrant.

The fact that there are two mums in this family is just a fact. Not an issue. 

World Kid Month 2020: Day one: The Changeover by Margaret Mahy

September is #WorldKidLitMonth and I thought it worth sharing my selections for this month - and sharing my thoughts on why I've chosen them.

As a New Zealander, I will share *some* of my favourite New Zealand books.

Day one: The Changeover by Margaret Mahy (1984).

Made into a powerful movie in 2017. 

Margaret Mahy was (is) a powerhouse in New Zealand publishing. 

New Zealand is a lightly drawn character in the book. 

New Zealanders can see themselves in her writing - but The Changeover garnered the Carnegie Medal in 1984 - recognised by UK librarians as an 'outstanding new English-language book for children or young adults.' 

Margaret's The lion in the meadow (1969) was my gateway to New Zealand books. It is the first book I remember, and involved my first memory of visiting a library. 

Also pictured is me with Margaret at a dinner for her 70th birthday, admiring the bracelet I made her.