Sarah Forster

Guest writer

Sarah Forster works for Booksellers New Zealand, and also acts as co-editor of The Sapling, the brilliant site dedicated to children's books. Sarah was born in Winton in 1981.

With Book Depository gone, Amazon itself might make more aggressive moves into the New Zealand book market

In which Amazon goes to war with New Zealand bookstores

An essay by Sarah Forster from Booksellers New Zealand about the threat that Amazon-owned Book Depository pose to bookstores - and, ultimately, readers.

By Sarah Forster | 4th December, 2018

The Sapling editors Sarah Forster

God bless the children, and The Sapling: the state of kids books in New Zealand

Adult literature in New Zealand gets most of the press, but kids books is a fresh and exciting field, writes Sarah Forster, co-creator of the brilliant website The Sapling.

By Sarah Forster | 7th June, 2017

Image: Getty.

What school librarians wish parents knew

School libraries are a sanctuary and safe place for many children. Here Sarah Foster, co-creator of the amazing children's literature website The Sapling, lists the things all parents should know about school librarians.

By Sarah Forster | 30th March, 2017

Best books of 2016: the 20 best books for kids

Best books of 2016: the 20 best books for kids

Sarah Forster - a judge at next year's childrens book awards - chooses the best 20 local and international books of the year.

By Sarah Forster | 15th December, 2016

EDITORIAL,
DAVID HILL AUTHOR IN HIS WORKING SPACE AT HOME.
REP PETER WATT08/09/200444006Mark TaylorNew Plymouth©The Daily News – This image may not be reproduced in any form in part or whole-transmitted to any other or stored in any system without permission.Head Shoulders

Children’s book awards: another interview with the likely winner (maybe)

Sarah Forster interviews the awesome David Hill, a finalist at next week's childrens book awards, when he goes head to head with veteran author Kate de Goldi, horsist writer Stacy Gregg, and Luncheon Sausage Books star Jane Bloomfield.

By Sarah Forster | 3rd August, 2016

The children’s book awards: an interview with the likely winner (maybe)

The children’s book awards: an interview with the likely winner (maybe)

Sarah Forster interviews the awesome Kate De Goldi, a finalist at next week's childrens book awards, when she goes head to head with veteran author David Hill, horsist writer Stacy Gregg, and Luncheon Sausage Books star Jane Bloomfield.

By Sarah Forster | 2nd August, 2016

Yet another Spinoff Review of Books exclusive: first with the shortlist for the New Zealand children’s book awards

Yet another Spinoff Review of Books exclusive: first with the shortlist for the New Zealand children’s book awards

The embargo for the shortlist of the New Zealand children's book awards was lifted at 5am - and this story went live at 5.01am. Sarah Forster reveals the shortlisted authors and books, and makes her picks for who will win at the awards ceremony on August 8.

By Sarah Forster | 8th June, 2016

Children’s writer Enid Blyton (1897 – 1968) sitting in her garden in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. (Photo by George Konig/Getty Images)

Enid Blyton and the enduring appeal of the Land of Do-As-You-Please

Enid Blyton! Genius. Noddy, Big Ears, Golliwog, Mr Twiddle, the Naughtiest Girl, Moon Face - she wrote incredible characters and compelling stories, and maybe her masterpiece were her four books in the Faraway Tree series.

By Sarah Forster | 9th March, 2016

Week-Long New Zealand Kids Book Special: Xmas Shopping Guide to the Best Kids Books of 2015

Week-Long New Zealand Kids Book Special: Xmas Shopping Guide to the Best Kids Books of 2015

Sarah Forster chooses the year's best books for kids.

By Sarah Forster | 11th December, 2015

Week-Long New Zealand Kids’ Books Special: Inside a Weird Christian Cult

Week-Long New Zealand Kids’ Books Special: Inside a Weird Christian Cult

YA novelist Fleur Beale continues her powerful series of books set in a religious cult with Being Magdelene - in which a teenage character attempts to leave the cult.

By Sarah Forster | 9th December, 2015