By Robyn Fausett, CEO at Nest Consulting.
Here follows a list of books by some of my favourite authors for both kids and parents who are navigating the wonderful world of puberty!
Book list: Puberty and bodies
Librarian review: Detective Gordon – A Case with a Bang
Dear Detective Gordon, and bright, sweet Buffy, you will be sorely missed.
This fifth and final in the Detective Gordon series written by Ulf Nilsson and illustrated by Gitte Spee has recently been released by Gecko Press, and it is a real gem.
Book list: Creative and imaginative play
We asked Chandra Littlewood from Moriah Kindergarten in Wellington for a list of books she likes to recommend that foster imaginative and creative play for pre-school age children.
Book list: 10 good books translated from French
Louise Cambau, South Ken Kids Festival curator I have been curating the South Ken Kids Festival for the past 6 years. This is a Franco-British children’s book festival organised yearly at the Institut Français in London, celebrating 25 years in 2022, under Sir Quentin Blake’s patronage. Amongst other things, the Institut organises literary events throughout… Read more »
Gecko Press Gift Guide: Match a book to a child
To help you find an extra special book this Christmas, we have matched some children to some particular Gecko Press books, including some guaranteed-to-please favourites.
Book list: Books for children who love drama and theatre
BY NATHAN LUFF, MANAGER OF CHILDREN’S AND YA PROGRAMME, SYDNEY WRITER’S FESTIVAL, AUSTRALIA
We asked Nathan Luff for a list of books he likes to recommend that feature theatrical content. As well as being a published children’s book author, Nathan also works part time as a teacher specialising in creative writing and performing arts.
The books that raised me: Bookshop Day 2022 edition
This Bookshop Day, we’re celebrating booksellers around Aotearoa by asking some to share a book that was special to them growing up, a book that raised them. How do you pick just one when you’re surrounded by a treasure trove!
Book list: Books featuring disabled characters
We asked Giana Torrez, El Paso Library, Texas, for a list of books she likes to recommend that feature characters with disabilities—a broad topic, of course, as shown by her list that includes main characters with autism, dyslexia and physical disabilities.
Book list: Feelings and Emotions
Feelings can be tough to talk about for children—even for grown ups, I always find myself recommending children’s books as a way to navigate through those complicated, scary, and overwhelming feelings. These are all picture books, and they are all great conversation starters for any age.
On orphans in children’s books
What is it about orphans in books? They are tragic, with backgrounds mysterious, bruised, like Jane Eyre. They are vulnerable and burdened, like Oliver; or have learned to be trickier than the trickiest, like the Artful Dodger. They are steely, sad, often hungry with large eyes. They’re tragically young and terrifically youthful. They are tantalisingly free.
