Waiting for Later by Tina Matthews

NZ Post 2012  Picture Book
reviewed by Christina.

Nancy is asking all of her family to play with her but they are very busy and they would play later.
So Nancy climbed a tree.
In the tree Nancy waited for later .

I thought the story was it was quite sad because she had to play by herself.

The author, Tina Matthews has used good characters and illustrated the book with attractive pictures.

This book would be good for juniors.

The Travelling Restaurant by Barbara Else

NZ Post 2012 Junior Fiction
reviewed by Amanda

This book tells the first part of the story of Jasper, who is on a quest to save his kingdom.
It begins when it is almost his 10 year birthday.  His parents are too busy to buy presents for him, and he couldn't even have a birthday party because Jasper had no friends (only chickens and horses).  He was very lonely.
Jasper's birthday was a disaster.
Out of 10, I give this book a 7.
I recommend this book to boys and girls, 8 years old and older.

The Flytrap Snaps by Johanna Knox

NZ Post 2012 Junior Fiction
reviewed by Esther

Carnivorous plants, flies, secrets!
The mystery, adventure and interesting characters make this book very exciting and very cool. 
There is a procedure about how to look after a Venus Flytrap, and until I saw that I had no idea they existed.  All the main characters introduced at the beginning had been mentioned quite a bit at the end.
I think that this is a very good book for ages 8+.
It has an awesome twist halfway through that ties the whole story together.  It made the story more exciting and more fun than I had expected.  It is definitely a 10 out of 10 story.
The book is really funny and I will be getting it out from the library as many times as I can.

Rahui by Malcolm Ross and Chris Szekely

 

Maori version also with Brian Morris.

Reviewed by Jaz and Joanna

There are 2 books written in 2 languages, Maori and English.

The story is a happy / sad but exciting one.  It reminded us of our summer holidays and having fun, but it was also sad because someone drowned.

In the English version, Maori words are still used and there is a glossary at the back.

Tangi – funeral

Aroha – love

Kina – sea urchin

We think that the illustrations are vivid and cool.

We would recommend these books to Year 3 to 6 readers.

Digging up the Past by David Veart

 

Hi !  My name is Lata and I think that this is a great book if you wish to learn about what happened in the past. There are lots of pages full of facts, photographs, drawings and diagrams all relating to Archeology.

Some of the topics covered are The Polynesian Triangle, Bones and Hooks, Pa Sites and Wakas.

I enjoyed this book and think that children who are good readers and adults who are interested in Science and History would enjoy it too.

Just Jack by Adele Broadbent Reviewed by Linda Wang

 

This is an historical tale of courage and destiny.

Wee Jack is leaving his Ormondville home and heading to Napier to fulfil his dream of becoming a jockey.  The story tells of certain things that stand in his way, but he makes it through perserverance.

The author, Adele Braodbent, depicts the daily life situations in an attractive and understandable way.

I thought that using the Napier Earthquake as a scene is a highlight of the book, giving a clear understanding of the memorable event.

I also think that the message in the book is that if you persevere and try hard, you will achieve your goal.

I love this book and recommend it to boys and girls about 10 to 12 years old.

I hope that Adele writes more books because I am addicted to reading JUST JACK!

The Loblolly Boy and the Sorcerer by James Norcliffe. Reviewed by Jude Dragh

If you thought, the first Loblolly Boy Book was great, you are going to be totally psyched about the sequel.

The amazing Loblolly Book continues, with even more suspense, creativity, and excitement!

James Norcliffe has written another adventure with the Loblolly Boy while he tries to exchange his life back to being normal, but the only way is to do this is to find the one who took it.

The way that it is written keeps the reader captivated and interested.  It is not one of those books you put down after reading for a minute. You will not be able to stop reading until your eyes water.

James Norcliffe specialises in using an amazing imagination.  His writing leaves you thinking the adventure is real. His unexpected twists give his readers more to enjoy and to look forward to.

My favourite part of this book was the end because the Loblolly Boy -  “uhoh” I will not tell you the end.  If you want to find out you’ll just have to read it for yourself, and trust me you’ll enjoy it.

Overall, I have to say that the other fiction books in the NZ kids Post awards better watch out, because this book has a good chance, seriously!

I would recommend this book to over 10 boys and Girls that have read the first book, (so you understand the background to the story.)

Other Books watch out because I think the sequel will win just like the first book!