Book Reviews
Arotake pukapuka
The boys in the Waka Ama
Review by Charmaine Denney, Early Childhood Teacher and mum to two boys.
This story is a great way to demonstrate and perhaps initiate a discussion on the values of teamwork, dedication, leadership and respecting Aotearoa's cultures.
How do I feel? A dictionary of emotions for children
Review by Anna Mowat who works as part of the All Right? wellbeing campaign in Otautahi
This emotions dictionary is all about helping children find the words for how they truly feel. Learning to recognise and label our emotions correctly is such an important skill for life.
Inclusion alphabet: ABCs for everyone
Review by Jill Proops, mum to a child with additional needs
Inclusion Alphabet: ABC’s for everyone is a picture book which guides the reader through some key features of inclusion.
The kindness snippet jar
Review by Kimberley Fatt, Primary School Teacher
The story suggests to the reader that whilst doing kind things for others is great, "Sometimes all it takes is doing something kind for someone right in front of you!"
You, me and empathy
Review by Kim Higginson, Information Management Specialist, MHF
This charming story uses verse, beautiful illustrations and a little person called Quinn to model the meaning of empathy.
Consent (for Kids!): Boundaries, respect, and being in charge of YOU
Reviews by William and Deanne Douglas
Rachel Brian's book sets out to help children to speak up and tell others when they don’t want to be hugged or tickled, or if they feel uncomfortable with another person.
ACE: A horsey tail of courage
Review by Vivienne Martini, Learning Advisor, Oranga Tamariki and Sam
An anti bullying story book for children with a story that follows the life of a horse who despite being bullied ends up achieving his long held dreams and goals.
A little bit different
Review by Kim Higginson, Information Management Specialist, MHF
This book is intended as a funny and touching story about accepting and celebrating what makes each of us different and special.
Ali's first day at school
Reviews by Sasi and Latika
This book wonderfully portrays a refugee boy’s first day at school in New Zealand.
Big Red and the Little Bitty Wolf: A story about bullying
Review by Charmaine Denney, early childhood teacher and mum to two boys
This book is a modern twist on the classic tale, in which a little wolf's unexpected solution to the class bully is met with surprising success.
Bully on the bus
Review by Kim Higginson, Information Management Specialist, MHF
Leroy's teacher introduces him to the adventures in The Big Bad Book of Fairytales, hidden throughout are the clues that Leroy needs to overcome the bus bully's taunts once and for all.
The Chill Out Chair series
Review by Anna Mowat, who works as part of the All Right? wellbeing campaign in Otautahi
The Chill Out Chair is the second book in the Nicholas story series. We learn how the Calm Down Chair got its new name, the Chill Out Chair.