Book Review: Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapokai
July 9, 2025
This story is full of sweet and funny kids interpretations of te ao Maori and is a beautiful example of what childhood can look like.
This story is full of sweet and funny kids interpretations of te ao Maori and is a beautiful example of what childhood can look like.
The journey is packed with action, yet the real story is their enduring friendship. Perfect for kids aged 10+.
With a perfect mix of mystery, magic, and retro charm, this book is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
It masterfully weaves present day with 1942 flashbacks, creating a gripping, emotional story of resistance, identity, and survival.
This is a warm, funny, and accessible introduction to the work and aroha that goes into protecting taonga species in Aotearoa
Larwood places his loveable underdog into a world of magick, resulting in a playful mash-up of the Last Airbender and English folklore.
This is a delightful tale of the unlikely friendship between a pessimistic, cranky rabbit and a somewhat naive bear with a big heart.
This is a gripping story of survival & community, wrapped up in a gorgeously illustrated package. Perfect for readers both young & old.
Oliver Wormwood is soon surprised to find this library is full of magic, unpredictable books, and lots of danger!
This is a fab graphic novel for any fan, sharing tales of determination, team play and inspiring the next generation of sportswomen.
Many books in the “emotions for kids” genre pitch their subject too cutesy, preachy or simplistic. Oziewicz and Zajac get it just right.
This was a super-silly, camp, pop-culture-referencing romp! First Cat, Moon Queen and Loz 4000 return for another out-of-this-world adventure
In the wake of the Chernobyl disaster, a young girl is forced to abandon her puppy, leaving it to face the elements in the exclusion zone.
A poignant exploration of a transitional age in which we learn that loss is as much a part of life as success.
Pullman’s propulsive storytelling works on so many levels and his nuanced, unforgettable characters burst off the page.
Patrick Ness makes his first foray into children’s fiction with this funny-yet-meaningful tale of Monitor Lizards settling into school.
Guided by their indomitable teachers, the girls venture into a Berlin-esque city and gather the clues they need to save the day. Good gravy!
I LOVED Seawitch, the third instalment in the Hedgewitch series. This cosy, magical story is a joyful and wholesome undersea adventure.
Meet literature’s most delightful amphibian odd couple! These stories are a pitch-perfect blend of gentle comedy and insightful observation.
Told in a series of vignettes, touches of magical realism give a sense of wonder and meaning to the smallest things.