Ben and Mark Boys of the High Country

Author /Photographer: Christine Fernyhough and John Bougen.

This book was a real treasure for me as I already had purchased this for my two boys at home. I have a dream to own land and pictured my own two boys as Ben and Mark running around a farm and being real boys.

Some interesting points about this book.

-Wonderful great pictures and photographs...really interesting photos around the farm;

-Easy to read captions about the photos;

-Chapters are all different and talking about the boys life on the farm;

-Chapters highlighted were; The Boys themselves, their dogs, mustering sheep, their horses, cattle and deer, sheep, fun, Events and the future.

Read the book and afterwards you might picture yourself as one of them living in a really different place rather than living in Papatoetoe Manukau.

Publisher RANDOM HOUSE
ISBN978-1-86979-068-4

Reviewed by Mr Gilbert.

The Wild West Gang

Author / Illustrator: Joy Cowley and Trevor Pye

This story is a very interesting and funny story, its about a boy called Michael who can't wait to spend more time with his Auntie's family also known as the Wild West Gang. The wests always do lots of interesting things that Michael is not allowed to do at home.

But there are surpises in store for Michael as they set off on their adventures, with the West family.

Publisher HarperCollins

ISBN 1-86950-285-x
Reviewed by Kanta Gounder

Journey to Tangiwai - The Diary of Peter Cotterill

Author/Illustrator : David Hill

Peter Cotterill was given a dairy for his 13th birthday from his Great Aunt Ethel. He hates diaries and decides to write in it only when he feels like it, which turns out to be often.

He writes each day what happens in his life - school, paper round, scouts and his family including his Uncle Hugh who fought in World War 2 and now questions whether he should have.

It has an exciting and surprising conclusion.
Scholastic Publisher

Reviewed by Mrs. Beetham

The Treasure

Author / Illustrator: Melanie Drewery / Bruce Potter

"Come and snuggle on the couch with me and I will tell you of my greatest taonga."
Moving and growing; an egg, small and delicate; sparkled and caught my eye; paua shell; pounamu.

What is this greatest taonga/treasure that a mother reveals to her child?

Reed Publishing 1-86948-640-4
Reviewed by A. Cossey

'Beans' - Dream Sleepers and other Stories

Author/Illustrator: Patricia Grace

Beans is a recount of a young boys Saturday morning. We are taken through his every steps as if we are inside his head experiencing his Saturday morning. We feel the blistering cold as he rides up the steep hill on his way to his Saturday rugby game, we breathe hard as he does when he sprints down the field for the ball and we experience the satisfaction of riding home with a can of drink in one hand and a downhill slope to guide us home.

I loved this story as Patricia Grace made me feel part of it. I love Patricia Grace as an author because she involves her reader and creates imagery that makes you laugh, cry and squirm sometimes all at once!

Longman Paul Isbn 0582717795

Reviewed by Miss Nola

Biddy Alone

Author/Illustrator: Wanda Cowley.

Its the story of Biddy, who goes to live on a bird santuary. Biddy loves her cat Kit, but is not allowed to take her onto the island. Biddy smuggles her cat onto the island but unfortunately Kit escapes from her. Biddy rushes into the forest to find her wayward cat.
This is were Biddy's adventure begins. She uses her knowledge of how to survive in the forest taught by her dad. The reader has an opportunity here to learn about bushcraft and conversation in New Zealand.
I enjoyed reading about Biddy's bravery, strength and loyalty to her cat, Kit.

Publisher: Ashton Scholastic
IBSN:0-86943-005-0

Reviewed by Mrs Thompson

Whitebait Fritters

Author/Kingi McKinnon
Illustrator/Kelvin Hawley

Wiremu's father is going whitebaiting and Wiremu wants to go too. Mum takes Wiremu's side and encourages dad to take him.
This is wonderful father and son relationship where spending quality time together is of great importance.

Scholastic Publishers
ISBN 1869434870

Reviewed by Mrs Pokai