Author: Jane Arthur Reviewers: Kirsteen Ure and Libby Timmins (11).

Warmth, humour, and depth in a ‘quiet, kind book about a quiet, kind kid.’ A new mother-daughter review from Libby and Kirsteen of ‘Brown Bird’ by Jane Arthur.

April 2024 release

Author: Rachael King. Reviewers: Kirsteen Ure and Libby Timmins (11).

When is a horse book not a horse book? When it’s a kelpie book, of course, of course. Kirsteen Ure and her daughter Libby (11) give an unbridled review of Rachael King’s new intermediate-age fantasy book, The Grimmelings.

February 2024 release

Queen of the Cosmos tells the true story of famed NZ scientist Beatrice Hill Tinsley. Creating a children’s book that did justice to Beatrice’s achievements but didn’t gloss over the hardships she faced was both a challenge and an honour for writer Maria Hill and illustrator Alistair Hughes. They talk to Kete about this out-of-this-world story.

Released February 2024

Author: Vanessa Hatley-Owen

Vanessa Hatley-Owen says the idea for her latest children’s book The Littlest Lifeguard came about while she was on a family holiday at the beach.

January 2024 release

Author: James Russell. Reviewer: Sofia Glucina.

‘I would recommend this book to kids 9 - 13, and people who like dramatic fiction. You don’t have to particularly like history to enjoy it. I find history boring but the Children of the Rush series made me want to learn more. It was interesting, fun, dark and heartwarming.’

September 2023 release

Authors: Various. Reviewer: Dionne Christian.

Non-fiction pictures books to let the imaginations of young readers take flight.

June - October 2023 releases

Authors: Various. Reviewer: Dionne Christian.

Pictures books to let the imaginations of young readers take flight.

August - October 2023 releases

Author: Karen McMillan. Publisher: Duckling Publishing.

Extract: ‘From the bestselling Elastic Island Adventures series comes a fun baking book for children, with recipes by Mrs Quokka and her son Jase the Quokka. By popular demand, Mrs Quokka also shares some of her quirky quokka logic – fun sayings that will bring a smile due to being so illogical.’

September 2023 release

Author: Michaela Keeble. Illustrator: Tokerau Brown. Reviewer: Dionne Christian.

Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai is philosophical, smart, wry and highly recommended.

September 2023 release

Rebecca Fawkner is a teacher and has worked at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth for 20 years. She has just compiled and written Ziggle! The Len Lye Art Activity Book. One of the most unique art activity books for Kiwi kids – and beyond - it is packed with ideas inspired by acclaimed New Zealand artist Len Lye.

2023 is proving to be author, illustrator and designer Mat Tait’s year. His advice for emerging writers? ‘The best advice I can give is just mahia te mahi, keep working on your craft even when you're not necessarily feeling inspired, because the inspiration comes through doing the work. If you wait for that feeling, you might be waiting for a long time.’

Goodman Fielder, Little Moa.

Karawhiua tēnei tohutao paniwiti porotaka — me te pani patahuka hoki nō tā Edmonds Taku Puka Tohutao Tuatahi.

Whip up this delicious melting moments recipe (he paniwiti porotaka) – and icing too (he pani patahuka) from Edmonds Taku Puka Tohutao Tuatahi.

Author: Karen McMillan. Publisher: Duckling Publishing.

The Kete Questionnaire: Karen McMillan on writing Elastic Island Adventures: Rarotonga with support from the Pacific Resort in Rarotonga.

July 2023 release

Authors: Various. Reviewer: Dionne Christian.

Five picture books to make young ones laugh: Nanas With No Manners, Dreams of a Moa, There Was a Farmer Who Swallowed A Fly, Tulip and Sprout, You Don't Know How Lucky You Are/ Me i Mōhio Koe ki tō Waimarietanga!

May - July 2023 releases

Authors: Various. Reviewer: Dionne Christian.

Five picture books to help young ones make sense of big stuff: Pearl in a Whirl, Tōku Whānau Rerehua My Beautiful Family, Jungle Jazz, Raraku ki to hari, kei te pai Strum a Tune when you're happy, kei te pai and Ah Choo!

May - July 2023 releases

Cover story: Iris and Me by Philippa Werry (Ahoy! The Cuba Press, $25.00)

Author Philippa Werry on her book Iris and Me, the Kete Cover Story March winner: “I absolutely love it!”

March 2023 release

Authors: Various. Reviewer: Dionne Christian.

True life tales and humorous picture books will keep young and old engaged.

February, March & April 2023 releases

Author: Robin Hyde. Editor: Juanita Deely. Illustrator: Dïne. Publisher: The Cuba Press.

Author: Philippa Werry. Publisher: Ahoy! (The Cuba Press).

Reviewer: David Hill.

Robin Hyde, one of New Zealand’s finest authors/journalists. Two satisfying small books from The Cuba Press acknowledge the potential of her craft and life.

March 2023 release

Authors Ned Barraud and Malcolm Paterson. Reviewer: Alex Eagles.

Three recent releases aim to get kids exploring and thinking more about their environments.

October & November 2022 releases