Who is William Pickering?

He was a very accomplished scientist who was born in Aotearoa New Zealand, growing up wondering about the stars above us.

Born in 1910, he grew up on a farm and then attended Wellington College. It was there that he first saw Science experiments and learnt how to build radios. When he first looked through a telescope, what he saw was even more wondrous.

After his studies, a move to California launched his trajectory to become an aerospace engineer and The Kiwi Rocket Man.

First he helped the US Navy in WWII, then headed a team working on satellites then rockets, allowing other planets to be explored. Their work was incredibly important for future space travel and landings on the Moon and even Mars.

Awarded honours by many presidents, an emperor and a queen, William Pickering had achieved and answered the questions he wondered about when he first looked through that telescope in New Zealand decades before.

Maria Gill and Alistair Hughes have brought another amazing New Zealander to life in a sumptuously illustrated sophisticated non-fiction picture book.

The research Maria Gill undertakes for each of her titles always shows in her narrative non-fiction, and there is much more to discover about the Kiwi Rocket Man between the pages.

A timeline in the back of the book (as in other titles by this creative duo), shares William Pickering’s extraordinary life.

Author – Maria Gill

Illustrator – Alistair Hughes

Picture Book

Narrative Non-Fiction

Find more books by this NZ Author/Illustrator team here

(2026, Bateman Books, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Non-Fiction, Science, Stars, Galaxy, Rockets, Satellites, Space Travel)

The post William Pickering – Kiwi Rocket Man Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

What makes me, me?

It watches a ball of fluff and its parents down on the sand. No. They aren’t who he’s looking for.

Another creature with short legs waddles along, the skink watching closely. No. Not them either.

More and more creatures come to his attention. Large. Small. Feathers, fur and wool. Something even larger, thundering across the ground. What about in the stream, or beside it? Even the trees and sky hold life, but not like him….

Will he ever learn the answer to his question?

A simply gorgeous companion title to the beautiful One Weka Went Walking and The Butterfly Fluttered By.

In perfect, flowing rhyme, the Chatham Island Skink is the star of the show in What Did the Skink Think?

Pippa Ensor’s illustrations bring many creatures of Rēkohu (Chatham Island) and Rangihaute (Pitt Island) to life for young readers, as they fly, gallop, waddle, swim and leap within the pages.

This series of books is a wonderful way for young and old New Zealanders to experience the special wildlife of places most of us will never see.

Author – Kate Preece

Illustrator – Pippa Ensor

Non- Fiction Picture Book

(2026, Bateman, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Rēkohu, Chatham Island, Rangihaute, Pitt Island, Skink, Animals, Nature, Series)

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But one day she is unhappy with her humans. Unlike the year before, the Pollock children have chosen their chickens for the School Pet Parade.

Elvie is very put out, and determined to prove them wrong about their choice – or at least be part of all the action.

With determination and an adventurous spirit, she sets off….

Unfortunately her journey doesn’t quite go as planned, with a few hiccups along the way.

Elvie the Exceptional City Sheep is a sweet story for both city and country kids.

Elvie is a very relatable and funny character, cheeky, brave and stubborn, and winning the hearts of readers is inevitable. Based on true events, that may not have happened quite like this adventure.

Illustrations by Emma Lay are in soft tones, but perfectly portray the sharp mind of a beloved family pet, seeking the limelight she feels she deserves. 

Young readers will also find a fun activity in the back of the book.

Author – Colleen Brown

Illustrator – Emma Lay

Picture Book

Find your own copy here

(2026, Copy Press, RealNZ Books, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Animals, Humour, Funny, Sheep, School Pet Day, School, Series)

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But this seabird is not the only creature on the hunt. With her mate caring for their chick back in the gannet colony, she spies something happening out across the water.

Other sea animals are making the most of clever dolphins who have corralled a school of fish into a ball of swooping, leaping, frantic silver.

Just one. That’s all this bird mum needs to take back to her chick. She spies a fish on the outside of the whirling action below, tucks her wings in tight, and dives…

She hits the water at 100 kms per hour, slicing through the water. But others want her fish. Bigger, faster, greedier creatures. She must try and try again, so she can take something back to her white fluffy feathered chick waiting for her.

Living in Napier, I know and love the beautiful Gannet. Nearby Cape Kidnappers has the world’s largest accessible mainland gannet colony, hosting around 20,000 birds, and busloads of people visit every year to get up close to these birds.

Ned Barraud has brought this experience to life and taken readers so much further with a mother Gannet, away from the colony and across the waves.

The story reveals a mission and how important it is, and the gorgeous illustrations portray the skill of the Gannet and the action and constant danger she is in just trying to find a meal for her chick.

Other sea creatures feature in this full colour picture book, but the Gannet is the star. To learn more about this amazing bird and the others who try to defeat her mission, flick to the back of the book where there are two whole pages of information on them.

(This book is going to be a hit in Napier for the many visitors who have taken the trip to Cape Kidnappers.)

Author / Illustrator – Ned Barraud

Picture Book

(2026, Allen & Unwin, Non-Fiction, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Gannet, Birds, Sea Creatures, Dolphins, Mako Shark, Bryde’s Whale, Fish, Kahawai, Northern Giant Petrel, Common Dolphin, Action, Real Life, Animals)

The post Tākapu the Lone Hunter Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Everyone calls it The Beast, but Cass is not so sure. Terrible tales swirl through the villager’s gossip and minds, but Cass want to know the truth.

At night when the moon is at its highest, Cass sits watching the dark and finally sees the creature everyone is afraid of. All Cass can think of is how it must be hungry. She knows she is brave enough to help and is soon on a wonderful journey.

The 1st picture book from the author of The Raven’s Eye duology, Cass and the Beast is a tale of courage, kindness, and wonder. It reminded me of another girl and a frightening creature which also shows a child with more curiosity in her heart than fear (Black Dog – Levi Pinfold)

The age-old but important concept of not judging a book by its cover, (or a creature by its size), rings true here.

The illustrations by Jill Calder are gorgeous (in the same tones of the cover) throughout, as a child goes on an epic night time escapade. The starring creature behaves as all large creatures might, crunching small animals as snacks, so this isn’t for the tender hearted.

Any child with a heart full of spirit who dreams of adventure, will enjoy this hardback picture book by New Zealand’s own Claire Mabey, and Scottish illustrator Jill Calder.

Author – Claire Mabey

Illustrator – Jill Calder

Picture Book

Age – 5+

(2026, Gecko Press, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, Creature, Beast, Courage, Kindness, Adventure, Suspicion, Mistrust, Animals, Misconceptions, Judgement)

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“And how about the time we got lost in The Land of Lost Things?”

When one friend can’t remember, the other decides to refresh his memory.

“It all started like this…”

Beginning in front of their cosy fire in their clubhouse, they’d decided to go on a new adventure because they were a bit bored.

Jumping into their (homemade) adventure suits and then their uncrashable adventure car, they were off!

Their uncrashable car is also all sorts of amazing other things and it takes them into their new adventure, only to land in The Land of Lost Things.

While they are there, looking for special objects they have lost themselves, they find tons of other stuff and meet others doing their own searching.

But there is also danger, a knucklehead or two and a very cranky bull. Flying watches and socks, turtles, books and a rabbit pirate. The friends must quickly determine who is friend or foe, along with remembering what they were looking for in the first place.

Such an entertaining jam-packed read full of amazing illustrations, and a funny story.

Every turn of the page brings new pictures and the font size is in a clear easy read style. There are maps, and double page spreads to pore over. Search and finds, comic strips and stories within this story are extras, along with tons of clever gags to make you laugh.

Yes, I laughed out loud while reading this book and am looking forward to sharing it with new young readers I meet.

The Land of Lost Things is definitely worth more than one read, it has so much to look and laugh at. I like it even more than the famous and hugely popular Treehouse series by Griffiths and Terry Denton.

Author – Andy Griffiths

Illustrator – Bill Hope

Age – 7+

(2024, Action, Humour, Adventure, Friendship, Fantasy, Animals, Bull, Rabbit, Cat, Funny, LOL, Laugh Out Loud, Turtles, Pirates, Flying Car, Gags, Sayings, Series)

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This gets Billie’s interest and deciding she’d like some excitement and her ball back, she launches the Secret Mystery Club. Their first case will be The Mystery of the Spooky House.

Now out in graphic novels, the classic and popular Billie B Brown series will delight even more young readers!

This 1st episode as a graphic novel is in full colour and the captivating format of illustrations will keep kids reading, not to mention the intriguing story.

But it’s not just about a mystery. Billie and her group of friends not only learn about the spooky house in their neighbourhood, but how to be a good friend too.

Author – Sally Rippen

Illustrator – Aki Fukuoka

Graphic Novel

Age – 6+

(2026, Hardie Grant, Witch, Spooky, Creepy, Secrets, Club, Friendship, Mystery, Graphic Novel, Courage, Series, Adventure, Real Life)

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Yep. So far so good. The next thing on his list is to sing one of the special songs she taught him to let other birds know he has arrived. An unexpected guest arrives from above, but it’s not a bird. It’s a spider. Wary at first, they begin to get to know each other.

Both are looking for a friend, so they put their heads together to work out a plan to find one. After a day together of fun and laughs, singing and dancing, Bird is a little sad at no bird visitors. How will he ever find a best friend to have fun and laugh with?

The first in a new graphic novel series by the author/illustrator of Big Little Blue,  BIRD! is also about friendship dynamics.

This time the characters are not the usual types that stick together, and they haven’t quite figured out that they are exactly what they are both looking for.

Both are a little different from their peers, but they are perfect for each other. The illustrations are all set in Bird’s new tree home, and Raymond McGrath captures the unlikely friend’s emotions perfectly on their faces. They experience wonder, fear, happiness, cooperation and awe together. But, what is that cat doing……?

Absolutely delightful.

Author / Illustrator – Raymond McGrath

Graphic Novel

Age – 6+

63 pages of full colour, with 3 parts. The Tree / The Nest / The Song

Find more books written / illustrated by Raymond McGrath here

(2026, Graphic Universe – Lerner Publishing Group, Unlikely Friendship, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Birds, Spiders, Tree, Animals, Cooperation, Series, Humour)

The post Bird in Spring – Along Came A Spider Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Spider reminds Bird that he should be doing the Summer Song his mum taught him. Especially if he is still looking for a best friend. But Bird is just too hot.

Spider helps with the heat and gets Bird back on his feet. Together, they do the Summer Song – and this time, someone hears Bird’s tune. They leave the tree and find a worm not far away.

He too is hot and needs a little help. Bird and Spider discover that Worm doesn’t have any friends either. It seems to be a common problem…

Continuing Bird and Spider’s story from book 1 – Bird! in Spring (Along Came a Spider), this episode connects wonderfully, with laugh out loud results. Helping each other with problems, they also share the worries about finding friends.

Young listeners and readers are going to enjoy Bird and Spider’s story and its new character, Worm, as he shows them his home.

Looking forward to the next season for these friends, who haven’t realised they are friends yet.

But I’m still keeping my eye on that cat…

Absolutely delightful.

Author / Illustrator – Raymond McGrath

Graphic Novel

Age – 6+

47 pages of full colour, with 3 parts. The Bird and the Spider / The Worm / The Worm Hole

Find more books written / illustrated by Raymond McGrath here

(2026, Animals, Humour, Funny, Series, Friendship, Bird, Spider, Worm, Aotearoa New Zealand, New Zealand Author, New Zealand Illustrator)

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One wonders what the ‘Other’ people are thinking about on the other side?

The second boy asks about the ‘Other’.

“Are there different kinds of people?”

 

Back and forth, they discuss the ‘Other’ people. One is sure they are very ‘Other’.

“They look different. They talk different. Everything about them is different.”

 

“Do they have heads and bodies? Do they have scales and feathers? Do they have hearts and brains?” asks the other.

 

More questions about the ‘Others’ reveal more and more that they’re not so ‘Other’ after all.

Even ‘here’ or ‘there’ is explored, until from the top of the hedge they discover that,

 

“Here is the same too!”

Kobi Yamada is a personal favourite, so I knew this full colour hardback picture book would be something special, even before I opened it.

Charles Santoso has captured the wonder and confusion of two boys talking, with a hedge between them and a strange, unknown, concept on the other side. The illustrations are on clear white backgrounds, without distractions from the boys or their dialogue.

The more questions asked and answered through the pages, the clearer the ‘Other’s become in the illustrations on the other side of the hedge, until in fact they look and feel and sound, just like us.

Maybe there isn’t really a here? Maybe there isn’t really a there? Maybe there’s just us?

Author – Kobi Yamada

Illustrator – Charles Santoso

Picture Book

(2026, Penguin Random, Empathy, Them & Us, Others, Refugees, Immigrants, Questions & Answers, Differences, Caring, Discovery, Family, Feelings, The Same, Racism, Prejudice, Real Life)

The post Others – A story for all of us Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A renowned restaurant owner named Fabio Fangtooth has vanished from his restaurant. The police are soon on hand, but they don’t know where to start. Never fear, Monsieur Mustard is here!

He soon gets to work, following the clues, with the help of a creature who is not quite sure what kind of rodent he is, but knows he wants to be Monsieur Mustard’s assistant. Monsieur puts up with him, even though he always works alone. It’s not long before the famous detective is flying across Bath with the police, only to discover another Bath resident missing! What is going on in his new city?

Alas, the dastardly deeds aren’t over, when yet another goes missing. Can Monsieur Mustard crack he case, or are his detective days done?

This mouse mystery is funny, clever and richly illustrated throughout this junior chapter novel. There are illustrations on every page and sections of graphic novel which move the story on quickly.

The story is hilarious, with pigeon police, plenty of mishaps, and villains to track down. Toilet humour is rife with a detective’s assistant with a nervous disposition and a resulting bottom burp problem. It is both terrible and helpful in equal measure as a tiny fabulously dressed mouse works on a mystery.

This is a new series for emerging readers, and is sure to become a firm funny favourite.

Author / Illustrator – Charley Rabbit

Age – 7+

Publisher – Andersen Press

Learn a little about the Author / Illustrator here

See Inside here

If you liked this, you might like this

(2026, Action, Animals, Courage, Humour, Crime, Funny, Bath England, Mystery, Clue, Magic Show, Mouse, Cat, Rodents, French Detective, Famous, Pigeon Police, Investigation, Missing Animals, Snake, Crocodile, Baboon, Sleuth, Series)

The post Monsieur Mustard – The Disappearance of Fabio Fangtooth Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Of course, to be able to do this, she had to post her parents somewhere else, so she could do as she pleased. It is a wonderful life.

When her nasty, dull, teacher Ms Thistle announces all her Year 3 children must invite their parents along to the upcoming school concert, Frances realises she must come up with a plan. Will grandparents do? It’s either that or Ms Thistle’s alternative of the Bleak Island Home for Unwanted Children & Dogs!

Frances needs to find some grandparents for her plan to work. She is a lot smarter than her devious teacher, and her new grandparents are a little different to most. Can she outsmart Ms Thistle?

Katrina Nannestad is an accomplished, award winning writer for children and Frances Bloom reminds me much of another title by this author – The Girl Who Brought Mischief. Both funny and with strong female main characters, Frances Bloom is for a slightly younger audience.

Requiring new grandparents is tricky to avoid trouble, but convincing others that a large, clumsy, honey coloured bear, and a fishing garden gnome fit the bill is hilarious, clever and a tiny bit bonkers. This makes Frances Bloom all the more readable for 6+, and would make a great read aloud in a year 3 classroom.

Finding a picture every time you turn the page is a treat, showing the cheeky, friendly, confident nature of Frances herself, and the sourness of her nemesis teacher. Throw in a large greedy bear causing chaos wherever she goes, a calm, quiet garden gnome and a giant pumpkin, and this early middle grade novel is a delight.

Author – Katrina Nannestad

Illustrator – Marina Zlatanova

Publisher – Harper Collins

Age – 6+

(2025, Harper Collins, Family, School, Funny, Humour, Animals, Mean Teacher, No Parents, Cheeky, Gnome, Bear, Grandparents, Secret)

The post Frances Bloom appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Frances Bloom must find a new Year 3 teacher for her class! Ms Thistle has been sent to Harsh Island and the Home for Unwanted Teachers and Cats. The School Principal Paulo is frightened of children, and the Year 2 are positively feral!

It’s Frances Bloom to the rescue!

Plot summary of Frances Bloom (2) Dangerous Days (No Spoilers)

With Ms Thistle gone, and her new carers in place, Frances Bloom thought everything would be fine. But her class needs a new teacher. Frances finds Roger Rowboat who spends their mornings on class beach adventures and piratey antics, and Mario Mecurio who teaches them music and songs all afternoon.

All is going well until strange cats and a purple haired person begin lurking around the town. Who could it be? Grandma Maude doesn’t seem bothered and Grandpa Harold just goes with the flow as always. But suddenly they are gone in the night! Have they been kidnapped?

Who could have taken them? Suddenly Frances is up against her arch rival, and they are both being threatened to be sent away to the Home for Unwanted Teachers and Cats, or the Bleak Island Home for Unwanted Children and Dogs. Who will it be?

Review

Diving back into another Frances Bloom lark is a treat! Her completely bonkers life with a honey bear for a grandmother and a garden gnome for a grandfather sounds too ridiculous to be true, but Katrina Nannestad’s brilliance makes it work.

It’s funny, a teensy bit scary this time, and lots of mysterious. There’s lots more zany characters to meet and tons more fun to be had. Wouldn’t you like a pirate or a musician for a teacher where you just play, sing and dance all day?

Book Style

132 Pages / 16 Chapters with titles

FAQ’s

What age is it for?

6+

Where is it set?

A fictional seaside town

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

1st person / present tense

What genre is ?

Junior Novel Humour

Themes

Humour/ Animals / School / Fantasy

Is it part of a series?

Yes – The Frances Bloom Series

1. Frances Bloom
2. Dangerous Days
3. ?

Author

Katrina Nannestad

Illustrator

Marina Zlatanova

Publisher

Harper Collins Publishers

Find the 1st Frances Bloom caper here

Find more Zany Tales here

2026, Harper Collins, Family, School, Funny, Humour, Chaos, Bonkers, Animals, New Teachers, Pirate, Musician, No Parents, Cheeky, Gnome, Bear, Grandparents, Secret, Series, Fantasy, Blended Family)

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He even worries about his worrying because he knows his worries are not normal. There is worrying about the 1st day of school, or large animals, or noises. These worries are common. But his worries are far more frequent and long-standing worries. His worries hurt his tummy and fill his head with loud, buzzing bees.

People around him say, “Don’t worry about it.”

Or, “Wait until you’re an adult.”

But no matter what he does, he can’t stop worrying.

Worrying about stuff happening in his home and family is just making things worse. But he knows he’s loved by those around him, and has friends that like him too.

He begins to write all those names down, alongside his worries. Gradually, he discovers that he does have some control over his worries, and soon he feels more and more like his old, energetic pre-worry self.

With tips for parents and caregivers at the rear of the book, a place for young readers to write their worries down and a likeable, relatable narrator sharing his journey directly to the reader, this picture book is a great resource for all involved.

Many children are worriers like this young narrator, but with his help, they too can learn ways to dismantle their worries and get back to their pre-worry happy selves.

Beautifully illustrated in soft but full colours by Sarah Trolle.

Author Becky Overeem is passionate about mental health and education, and runs her own business developing teaching and mental health resources.

Author – Becky Overeem

Illustrator – Sarah Trolle

Age – 6+

Non-Fiction

Find a copy here

Find a companion book here

(2025, Mary Egan Publishing, Aotearoa, NZ, New Zealand, Worries, Worrying, Non-Fiction)

The post Is My Worry Worth Worrying About? appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

As they wait, they wonder what they will get. Will it be strength, speed or invisibility? Will it be flight, x-ray vision or maybe even speaking every language? But no. When they finally reach the front of the line, after hours and hours behind a large buffalo bottom, they are disappointed. No more than Zeb. He had grand dreams while he was waiting. This was going to be his chance to make his mark on the world…..

Marmalade and Barry are pleased with their new superpowers, but Zeb is already planning what he can do with his to finally get some recognition. But can he do it without his best buddies?

Swapna Haddow never fails to make readers laugh out loud with her animal antics. Add Minky Stapleton’s hilarious portrayal’s of Swapna’s characters and you have a dream team of giggles aplenty.

Three animals are best friends, and as in real life, friends can be close, but very different. They have their squabbles but are there for each other when things go pear-shaped, or crocodile shaped as in The Terrible Trio: The not so Superheroes.

Looking forward to the next in this trilogy of laughs. 

Author – Swapna Haddow

Illustrator – Minky Stapleton

Publisher – Scholastic NZ

Age – 6+

Graphic Novel

Find more Swapna Haddow books here

Find more books illustrated by Minky Stapleton here

Check out Swapna Haddow’s website here

Checky out Minky Stapleton’s website here

(2025, Graphic Novel, Scholastic NZ, Junior Fiction, Funny, Humour, Animals, Friendship, Series, Superheroes, Understanding, Recognition, Prison)

The post The Terrible Trio (1) The (NOT SO) Superheroes appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

He races to tell his friends Marmalade the Penguin and Barry the Lemur what just happened, but when he arrives at Marmalade’s cafe – it’s closed. Now Zeb is in bigger trouble.

When he finally gets inside to find out what’s wrong, he finds Marmalade in torrents of tears and Barry trying to placate her. What could possibly be so terrible? Marmalade has lost her superpower! She can’t make Mac ‘n’ Cheese with a whirl of her flipper anymore!

Oh oh. Zeb is in so much trouble, and now his friends probably are too! The lion that got involved at the zebra crossing, is EXPECTING Mac ‘n’ Cheese for his entire pride – or he will EAT Zeb!

It’s time to get Marmalade’s powers back. But how? Cooking? Cheese? MORE Cheese? A relaxing mountain retreat? Whatever they decide to do, they have to do it fast. The lion is waiting. His tummy is rumbling. If it isn’t going to be Mac ‘n’ Cheese, it’s going to be BBQ – Zebra, Penguin and Lemur!

They’re back and they are just as funny as the first episode which is a Finalist in the NZ Children’s & Young Adult Book Awards 2026.

Swapna Haddow & Minky Stapleton are the dream team for anyone who loves to laugh. I cracked up more than once at this terrible trio’s bumbling efforts to get a super power back.

Again, when the going gets tough, their friendship shines through – which might just save the day. There are lots of gags (beginning with a cockroach – sorry you’ll have to read it), all the way through with the promise of another adventure for these three buddies, on the way.

I for one, can’t wait!

Author – Swapna Haddow

Illustrator – Minky Stapleton

Age – 6+

Find more Swapna Haddow books here

Find more Minky Stapleton books here

(2026, Humour, Funny, Laugh out Loud, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Animals, Series, Friendship, Bullies, Fantasy)

The post The Terrible Trio (2) The Day the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Ran Out Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

When Barry the Lemur gets a chance for something more, he grabs at it. Barry and his friends Zeb the Zebra, and Marge the Penguin have been hanging out in Marge’s cafe. Business is slow lately so they have decided to pull out the lost property box.

Zeb is keen to have a dress up party and Marge wants to ‘borrow’ some items, but Barry is very strict that these ‘lost’ items belong to someone else. They are not to be messed around with. He decides to go through it and try and work out who they belong to. It’s not long before Barry discovers an item that looks and feels very interesting.

So interesting in fact, he can suddenly fly!

Finally having a decent superpower, Barry decides to make the most of it, along with his excellent handwriting. Soon everyone is wondering who is the Masked Crusader doing so much good around the town?

But the true owner of the cape isn’t far away. She has another superpower. Very strong butt kicking power! The terrible trio are very worried about their botties. Maybe they should just stick to what they know….?

The last in the Terrible Trio series from this fabulous Kiwi duo. Sure to make readers laugh out loud, the shenanigans of these three animals are priceless.

This time it’s Barry the Lemur’s time to shine and shine he does – but with a ‘borrowed’ piece of lost property. It was sure to go wrong.

The laughs come fast and furious, but it’s always the friendship that shines through in each conclusion of these black and white graphic novels.

Each character has their strange quirks and flaws, but their friendship always holds true, no matter what weird and wacky things they do.

A popular award winning series that is So Much Fun!

Author – Swapna Haddow

Illustrator – Minky Stapleton

Age – 6+

Publisher – Scholastic NZ

Graphic Novel

Find more Swapna Haddow books here

Find more books illustrated by Minky Stapleton here

Check out Swapna Haddow’s website here

Checky out Minky Stapleton’s website here

(2026, Scholastic NZ, Graphic Novel, Humour, Funny, Laugh out Loud, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ Author, NZ Illustrator, Animals, Series, Friendship, Bullies, Fantasy)

The post The Terrible Trio (3) The Mystery of the Lost Cape Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

A solemn ritual used to mark significant events, this ceremony welcomes special visitors, is part of a new chief’s appointment or used for marking important occasions in a village.

Sauniga O Le ‘Ava Samoa – The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa takes the reader through each part of the ritual including blessings, speaker roles from both host and visitor, and the actual serving of the ‘ava drink itself.

‘Ava is a drink that is mixed by a son or daughter of the highest village and chief, then a young man from the village gives it out in a shiny coconut shell.

Gifts are exchanged between visitors and hosts, of food, cloth, mats and money.

There are also special places to sit in the ceremony.  At the end of this full colour non-fiction picture book, The House of Samoa and the assembling of participants in this custom are shown clearly to readers on the page.

A final section about the origin of the ‘ava plant, is told in the format of a well-shared myth.

Co-published by Oratia Books and Auckland Council Libraries, this picture book is perfectly timed for Samoa Language Week – 31 May – 6 June 2026. It shares an important part of Samoan Culture, allowing other cultures more understanding of another.

(Thanks to Oratia for my ARC)

Author – Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata

Illustrator – Ani Huia Ligaliga

Picture Book

Non-Fiction

(2026, Oratia Books, Samoa, Ritual, Ceremony, Village, Samoan Language Week)

The post Sauniga O Le ‘Ava Samoa – The ‘Ava Ceremony of Samoa Book Review appeared first on whatbooknext.com.

Talking with his farm boy, Digger Dan about the problem, they go through ideas together, from stealing fruit to having a garage sale. It’s not until Gumboot is reading his newspaper later, that an idea hits him.

Meanwhile, Pippa Davidson lives on a bigger, better and much happier farm near their town of Dargaville. They have cows, sheep, and it’s a sheep called Lulabelle that is Pippa’s very special favourite. Lulabelle feels the same about Pippa.

So when Lulabelle is stolen one dark night, Pippa knows she must do everything she can to get her wooly best friend back!

Gumboot Gary and Digger Dan’s terrible plans to make money for their farm are going well – until they enter a competition in the town show. Pippa is suddenly onto what they’ve been up to.

With the help of Dargaville’s top cop Mike Te Hira, they are quickly caught up in a dangerous mission to save many sheep along with Lulabelle.

Set in Dargaville NZ, many small-town Kiwi kids will love seeing themselves in a novel.

This Kiwi caper will bring lots of laughs as two criminals come up against a brave girl with a stolen sheep friend, and the local police, on hand. There is word play with many recognisable (but completely coincidental) items, authors, bands and books in the text – with funny footnotes. eg. SpongeGreg Rectangle Shorts.

Pippa and the Sheep Snatchers is illustrated throughout with all the sheep shenanigans and possum problems, making this story even more entertaining for Kiwi kids.

Author – Lauren Middleton

Illustrator – Robyn Glendinning

Age – 7+

Find more Great New Zealand Fiction here

(2025, Bateman, Dargaville, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Farm, Animals, Sheep, Rustling, Town Show, Possum, Traps, Police, Crime, Humour, Funny)

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Iris is an animal lover and is excited when she receives an invitation to attend a magical school that trains animal lovers like her to be carers of magical animals.

Plot summary

After saving a baby bird after it had been knocked out of a tree, Iris is pleased to have helped, even if her friends went on a bike ride without her.

Not long after, she hears the doorbell of her home and goes to check who might be at the door. It’s not a person, but a small dog with a postman’s hat, an envelope, and a wink. It’s an invitation to enrol in a magical school, that teaches children how to look after magical animals.

She knows she’ll miss her mum and dad, but attending a magical school is too exciting to turn down. She settles in, meeting other students and staff. Her only worry is whether she’ll make a bestie at her new school. Her roommate Luna is quiet and seems shy, and Iris wonders if they’ll ever be friends. It’s only when something goes wrong that they finally connect.

Soon after they are working on solving a mystery that has been upsetting to many.

Characters

Iris Marvels – loves animals, and will put them first before people. Is worried that the other students are achieving things she isn’t yet, which is a knock to her confidence.

Luna – is from a magical family, and knew about the magical school already. She doesn’t join in with the groups at first, keeping to herself. It’s only when she goes to help Iris, that they finally talk to each other properly, despite being room mates.

Writing Style

Told in 13 chapters with bold Chapter headings and illustrations on almost every page.

FAQs

What age is it for?

6+

What is the Point of View / Tense of the novel?

3rd person / past tense

What genre is the Iris & Luna series?

Chapter Books to Middle Grade

Themes

Animals / Magic / Friendship

Is it part of a series?

Yes

If you liked this, you might like these?

Millie and Stella

Luna Grace

Author

Aurora Quirón

Illustrator

Isabel Escalante & Chezalbi

Publisher

Harper Collins

(2026, Harper Collins, Magic, Animals, Friendship, School, Animal Care, Unicorns, Magical Creatures, Series, Room mates)

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