Each month booksellers from Unity Books Auckland and Wellington review a handful of children’s books that will inspire and delight readers of all ages.
AUCKLAND
Reviews by Roger Christensen, Una Ryan, Martene McCaffrey and Daniel Devenney, booksellers at Unity Books Auckland.
If Winter Comes, Tell It I’m Not Here by Simona Ciraolo (Ages 3+)
This positive picture book is just what we need in the thick of our wet winter. The cosy, warm cover invites you to share the experience of a young boy who discovers that winter isn’t as bad as his sister has made it out to be. From swimming in the sun to playing in the snow and from enjoying an ice cream to slurping hot chocolate, Ciraolo cleverly depicts the silver lining in the rainclouds. As the narrator says, “even though the colour has been taken out of the world, it is never dull”, and neither is this enchanting story. (Reviewed by Una)
The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen (Ages 7+)
Jon Klassen has been a Little Unity favourite for a long time now, his beautiful illustrations and playfully weird storytelling placing him firmly in our personal hall of fame. I was particularly excited for this latest book, The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale, a delightfully strange little journey centring the most natural sort of friendship – that between a young girl and an ageless, disembodied skull – and it didn’t disappoint. Perfect for kids becoming more confident in their independent reading (although I am one of many that firmly believe that Klassen’s books have no age limit!), The Skull is told in three short parts, each page accompanied by a wonderfully eerie illustration. We love Jon Klassen. (Reviewed by Martene)
The Dark is Rising sequence by Susan Cooper (Ages 9+)
I am one of many who love this series, first published in the 1960s and 70s to instant acclaim. The cult status of the five-book adventure prompts thousands of fans of all ages, every Midwinter eve, to embark on an annual re-read. What more could a good book ask for! Susan Cooper has expertly blended elements of mythology and folklore into this lush fantasy set in the atmospheric landscape of Cornwall, the land of the West and King Arthur. The series begins with Over Sea, Under Stone where the three Drew siblings are on holiday with their great-uncle Merry and discover an ancient map that leads them on a search for a buried grail. A quest that becomes much more important and frightening. If you have yet to discover The Dark is Rising sequence you are in for a treat for years to come. (Reviewed by Roger)
Pony by R J Palacio (Ages 9+)
It’s easy to see why this book made it onto the Wall Street Journal’s list of best children’s books (paywalled). It’s an instant classic, brimming with adventure, mystery and heart. The story follows 12-year-old Silas Bird as he embarks on an epic quest to find his father. Accompanying him are his ghost pal, Mittenwool, and a peculiar new pony. The mystery slowly unravels during the course of their journey in this stunning coming-of-age tale. I thoroughly enjoyed Wonder, Auggie and Me, and Whitebird. So, I’m not sure why it’s taken me until now to fall in love with Pony. But I’m glad I did. It will undoubtedly make it into my top 10 reads of the year. R. J. Palacio has that rare storytelling magic that entrances everyone from age eight to eighty. (Reviewed by Daniel)
In the Dark Spaces by Cally Black (Ages 13+)
I have been a big fan of Bren MacDibble’s mid-grade dystopian adventure fiction since How to Bee and subsequent novels came out on both sides of the Tasman. Under her alter ego Cally Black, she penned the YA sci-fi thriller, In the Dark Spaces, in 2017 and deservedly won a ton of prizes. The story is set in a hostile environment where humans encounter the Crow-like alien species and a sometimes violent battle for economic and political dominance ensues. Surviving one such attack the young Tamara must learn to integrate with her seemingly hostile captors and bravely make difficult sacrifices in order to regain a new family. This is a thrilling, smart and complex, deep-space science fiction ride. (Reviewed by Roger)
And the Unity Books Auckland children’s bestsellers for July:
1 Matariki by Gavin Bishop (Puffin, $16)
2 My Matariki Stories: Aku Paki Matariki by Kat Quin, Miriama Kamo & Calico McClintock (Scholastic, $30)
3 Flit the Fantail & the Matariki Mission by Kat Quin (Scholastic, $22)
4 Noisy Book by Soledad Bravi (Gecko Press, $25)
5 Brilliant Maps: An Atlas for Curious Minds by Ian Wright (Granta, $33)
6 Sleepy Kiwi by Kat Quin (Tikitibu, $20)
7 Counting Creatures by Julia Donaldson (Two Hoots, $25)
8 Wildlife of Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop (Puffin, $40)
9 Numbers, Colours, Opposites, Shapes & Me! A Pop-Up Book by Ingela P Arrhenius (Walker Books, $30)
10 Maui & Other Legends: 8 Classic Tales of Aotearoa by Peter Gossage (Penguin, $40)
WELLINGTON
Reviews by Rachel Pilois and Eden Denyer, booksellers at Unity Books Wellington.
Scythe by Neal Shusterman (Ages 14+)
This series is often compared to the Hunger Games, and I think the comparison is well earned. It explores some complex ethical and philosophical ideas while still remaining a gripping and accessible read. In a future world that has conquered death, Citra and Rowan are selected to train as Scythes – professional executors who keep population growth controlled. Scythe poses big questions like “Is an optimal society achievable?”, “Of what importance is autonomy when a machine can care for the population better than we can?” and “How do we maintain humanity when death is no longer inevitable?” Our two young protagonists must grapple with their morality, navigate internal corruption and do their best to fight for a better world. Shusterman’s writing is bloody, punchy brilliance – this is a dystopian classic in the making. (Reviewed by Eden)
Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Ages 10+)
A timelessly beautiful tale for lovers of literature and bookworms-to-be. Mo is a bookbinder who shares his adoration of books with his daughter Meggie, but has never read aloud to her. There is a reason for this – Mo’s voice can draw characters and objects out of the books he reads, and also send things into them. Before long the two are drawn into a world of secrets, magic and danger. The plot is gripping and twisty in all the right ways, the villains are deliciously frightening and the cast of characters are compelling and delightful. I haven’t even mentioned the writing! Funke’s prose is simply enchanting – this is the perfect book for parents and children to share. I’ve read it aloud to my partner and they enjoyed it as much as I did 13 years ago. Be wary that the second two instalments contain some more mature content (and swears!). (Reviewed by Eden)
Tales from a Tall Forest by Shaun Micallef (Ages 9+)
“More grim than Grimms, less soppy than Aesop”, Tales from a Tall Forest is a quirky, witty and humorous retelling of a few classic fairy tales. Australian comedian Shaun Micallef has done a brilliant job weaving the well-known stories in this book together and bringing out the humour in these twisted tales. Combined with the absolutely stunning illustrations by Jonathan Bentley, this is one of the loveliest books I’ve seen in a while. The perfect gift for those 9+ children who love the beloved classics but are looking for a more challenging read. I can’t recommend it highly enough! (Reviewed by Rachel)
Take a Bite: Eat Your Way Around the World by Aleksandra Mizielinska, Daniel Mizielinska & Natalia Baranowska (Ages 7+)
Eat your way across the world and through history in this lively and colourful kaleidoscope of beautiful art and diverse cultures. This large A3 book is overflowing with facts about the origins of our favourite foods and their uses in cultural traditions around the world. From the making of tea to the discovery of sugar, this book will take you on the interesting journey of humanity’s relationship with food and give you fun and easy recipes to try these delicious delights for yourself. I absolutely love this book and it’s a must have for your culinary shelf! (Reviewed by Rachel)
The Hairy Maclary Series by Lynley Dodd (Ages 0+)
Few book characters are closer to my heart than Hairy Maclary. An indelible staple of New Zealand’s children’s books, this year we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy. The first adventure in 1983 saw Hairy Maclary and his friends get together and go for a walk, sniffing everything and having a great time until running into the mean Scarface Claw, who scares them all home. Since then, Lynley Dodd has sent these characters on many more adventures and given some of the gang their own stories, all of which are overbrimming with whimsy, fun and mischief. Dodd’s charming illustrations and rhythmic prose make these stories timeless classics that have imbued their way into the hearts of New Zealanders and can truly be enjoyed by children and adults alike. (Reviewed by Rachel)
And the Unity Books Wellington children’s bestsellers for July:
1 Matariki by Gavin Bishop (Puffin, $16)
2 Pearl in a Whirl by Catherine Robertson (Illustrator Fifi Colston) (Puffin, $21)
3 The Skull by Jon Klassen (Walker, $36)
4 A Cluster Of Stars: Matariki Around The World by Miriama Kamo & Rangi Matamua (Scholastic, $35)
5 Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment (Allen & Unwin, $23)
6 The Adventures of Mittens: Wellington’s Famous Purr-Sonality by Silvio Bruinsma (Penguin, $20)
7 The Lighthouse Princess by Susan Wardell (Illustrator Rose Northey) (Penguin $21)
8 The Sun & the Star: A Nico di Angelo Adventure by Rick Riordan & Mark Oshiro (Puffin, $30)
9 First Signs: Everyday Words by Jenna Brockett (Prints & Princesses, $25)
10 Duck Goes Meow by Juliette Maciver (Illustrator Carla Martell) (Gecko Press, $22)