Uncle Trev's Teeth

Author: Jack Lasenby

The Rawleigh's Man!! Pennies, Shillings!! Agee Jar!! Kerosene Tin!! Primers!! This book is full of these names and I remember them from when I was a child!!

Uncle Trev's tales and wild ideas are admired by his nephew who is often sick in bed. Mum thinks that Uncle Trev should spend more time in looking after his farm than telling tales!!.

I thoroughly enjoyed the banter between mum and uncle Trev, who were brother and sister, and how the author drew on some personal experiences to make a tall tale.

Cape Cately Publishers 0-908561-65-2

Reviewed by C. van Wijk

Molly Morepork and the lost campers

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Author: Janet Martin

Illustrator: Ivar Treskon

Molly Morepork is a bird who sleeps in the day and comes out at night. She has noone to play with as, all the birds have gone to sleep at night. She helps some lost campers find their way back to camp.

Jampot Productions 0-473-09974-8
Reviewed by M. Khan

Nanny Mihi and the rainbow

Author: Melanie Drewery
Illustrator: Tracy Duncan

Nana Mihi's grandchildren visit her every holidays but this holiday is going to be different as Nana Mihi has a special plan. A plan that involves a week of fun and learning a valuable lesson.
This book has beautiful bright illustrations. Read this book and see what adventures Nana Mihi and her grandchildren find themselves doing.

Reed Publishing - 1869488822
Reviewed by J Richardson

The Trolley

Author: Patricia Grace; Illustrator: Kerry Gemmill

A heart warming story about a single mother and her desire to give her children the best Christmas gift on the smallest budget. Tania uses kiwi ingenuity to come up with a Christmas present that's sure to win the hearts of her children, but will she be able to finish it before Christmas and what will the children think of her homemade gift?

Viking Children's Books 0-670-85135-3
Reviewed by K. Buchanan

The Little Tuatara

Author: Robin Cunningham

Illustrator: Samer Hatam

Little tuatara is all alone until one day he accidently wanders into someone elses home. He makes a friend and along the way learns all about his history and finds out just how special he is. A lovely story of friendship which tells us the importance of knowing our history so we can realise that we are all special.

Publisher: Harper Collins 1869505441

Reviewed by K. Macfarlane

Cry-Bay Moon

Author/ illustrator: Katerina Mataira, Terewa Kemp Hone Ihi-o-te-rangi Ngata

A Maori fable about the moon who cries when she sees her own face. Various weather conditons offer her comfort and advice but only when she stops crying and looks to herself does she find the answer. Fantastic illustrations throughout the book.

Mallinson Rendel 0-908606-80-x

Reviewed by Mrs Mullan

The Little Kowhai Tree

Author / Illustrator: Witi Ihimaera and Henry Campbell

"The Little Kowhai Tree" is not only written by one of New Zealand's favourite authors - it is also about one of our favourite trees.

A lonely kowhai tree longs to have a playmate and when a seed is dropped next to it, the kowhai sets about protecting what he hopes will be his companion. The kowhai chases away visitors to the tree although his fight to save the seed is nearly lost when a woodcutter arrives. The story's chorus is based on "I'm a Little Teapot" and, just like the teapot, the kowhai wins the day.

Huia Publishers 1-877283-65-7
Reviewed by M. Mooney