This guide takes you step-by-step to an abundant, naturally healthy, home orchard, and along the way teaches you all the skills you need to be an epic fruit gardener and Catherine had a wonderful chat with the authors - Kath Irvine - organic gardener who has been teaching food growing to Kiwi gardeners for 25 years, and Jason Ross, who runs Habitate, a coastal Otago nursery specialising in heritage fruit trees and edible landscape design. Their book focuses on creating a healthy setup and selecting well-suited varieties. From this solid foundation, fruit trees flourish, care is easy, there are fewer pests and diseases, and most importantly, growing is fun! This inspiring, accessible book is perfect for beginners setting up a new orchard, busy people who want homegrown fruit without the fuss, and seasoned growers seeking deeper knowledge.

100 native flowers of Aotearoa revealed in extraordinary 3D photography in this beautiful hardback book by Philip Garnock-Jones. Catherine talks with Philip to find out how this beautiful book was created. About the book - Aotearoa has at least 2,200 native species of flowering plants that have evolved in our unique conditions, and the vast majority of them grow nowhere else on earth. This has made New Zealand a natural laboratory for studies of flower biology and a vibrant wonderland of gardens and bush for Māori and Pākehā to enjoy. Botanist Philip Garnock-Jones discussed this book with Catherine. The book is available now and is a book to be treasured. Philip is a botanist, emeritus professor and former chair of botany at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.

Kuwi the Kiwi Author Kat Quin Celebrates 10 years of Kuwi & Friends with a beautifully presented Kuwi the Kiwi Treasury. Featuring all five of Kuwi’s bestselling adventures, along with glimpses into Kat Quin’s artistic and story-making process. Kat joins us at Coast Access Radio to talk about her writing process and what is has been like creating these adorable stories for her many fans. The Kuwi collection is a true treasure trove of stunning, simple, and playful stories for young readers. While every story shines on its own, together they create a wonderfully cohesive and captivating collection. Stories included: Kuwi’s First Egg, Kuwi’s Huhu Hunt, Kuwi’s Very Shiny Bum, Kuwi’s Rowdy Crowd and Kuwi’s Fluey Huwi.

Peta Mathias joins us to talk about her new book 'It's been six weeks since my last confession". In this, her 19th book, Peta regales her readers with indiscreet stories from her life - how to deal with anger and temps perdu, why it's not a sin to wear black underwear, how eating sun-drenched food will keep you young and beautiful forever, how to open your eyes with a knife and what happens when you go on holiday with five A-types. "It's been six weeks since my last confession" is just glorious. It makes you think about what is good in life, love and food. This is a laugh out loud book that will have you rolling about one minute and running to the kitchen the next - full of inspiration to make something fabulously simple and delicious. Peta's hilarious wit and charm is present in every page.

Award-winning children’s book author Suzanne Main releases her much-anticipated third junior fiction novel! Something is making a racket in the attic! Since the mysterious disappearance of their parents, Willow and Hunter have been living with their grandfather in his creaky old house. But Grandpa’s memory is fading fast, and the twins dread the prospect of being placed into foster homes. The Hatchling is a gripping, fast-paced adventure story brimming with fantastical characters. But most of all it’s about family, the joy of belonging, and the importance of finding your way home.

Annelies Judson, Auckland based children’s writer, talks to Vivienne about her latest picture book, Turkey Hurly-Burly, an entertaining rhyming tale where one simple classroom decision pet decision spirals into schoolyard chaos.

Catherine speaks to American author Bonivon Dyer about her book - 13 years in the making, that plants us into a story 600 years past the earth that is 70 years from now - a dystopian novel where we self destruct thanks to our selfish and power hungry future, but having enough foresight to preserve a number of people to be awoken again in the future - into a world where we meet magical characters, twists and turns and every changing worlds, bizarre gifts and strange beings. This is creativity on steroids. For six centuries, the utopia of Elusis has thrived - a society of supernatural Gifts, peace, and prosperity. But beneath the surface, secrets stir. Arkarian Story, a long-lost warlord, lies frozen in a hidden cryo tank, his name a whisper of fear and rebellion. His awakening could destroy everything. You will need to buy this book and devour it! Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Author Swapna Haddow talks to Catherine about her hilarious new book - The Terrible Trio - The (not so) Superheroes. In a world where all animals have superpowers, Zeb the zebra, Margarine the penguin, and Barry the lemur have the WORST powers of all. Terrible Trio books are written by Swapna, an award-winning children’s author, and illustrated by multi-faceted illustrator and designer, Minky Stapleton. The Terrible Trio books are a fun illustrated series, best described as ‘The Bad Guys’ meets ‘Madagascar’! Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Jodie Shelley releases her third engaging kiwi novel - Zoe & Mila. In this book she is challenging societal beauty standards with her humorous style. Catherine sits down with Jodie to discuss how this book came about, an insight into the characters and brings up some questions around self image and pressures felt by women. Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Ghost Kiwi - Viv sits down with award-winning author and illustrator Ruth Paul to talk about her first junior fiction book. When her grandfather Rex is hospitalised, 11-year-old Ruby retreats to the forest with her trusty dog sidekick and a weird old doll she wants to get rid of. Near the treehouse built by Rex, she discovers a kiwi burrow. And is that a white kiwi chick she sees? Ruby and her friend Spider uncover a plot by the local vet to catch the white kiwi for an international smuggling ring. Together with a social misfit, who is both ex-convict and nature lover – and perhaps some mystical help from the local patupaiarehe – they manage to expose and catch the crooked vet. This well-crafted, compelling story weaves two cultures in anintriguing mystery adventure, spiced with Kiwi banter and humour. With trees that hold hands and friends that bridge cultures, the story takes us from deep inside a kiwi burrow to a town where families work together to protect a taonga of Tāne Mahuta – a precious white kiwi chick named Rākaunui, after the full moon. Ghost Kiwi features themes of family relationships, friendship, conservation, mental health and the supernatural.

Author and craftsman Stephen Myhre talks about his new guide to wood carving for New Zealanders - Wood Carving : Tools, Techniques & Concepts. This how-to guide covers every aspect of wood carving from selecting the right wood to understanding patterns and achieving the perfect finish. Stephen Myhre is a renowned artist who has been carving in wood, jade, bone and other materials since the 1970s. After many years living overseas and absorbing a range of Pacific, European and Asian influences, he now has his studio in Paraparaumu Beach. Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Vivienne talks to Wellington-based writer, Jennifer Trevelyan about her mystery/ family saga debut novel, A Beautiful Family. Set on the Kapiti Coast, the book has been getting huge international attention with film rights picked up by Niki Caro (Whale Rider). Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Catherine speaks with kiwi author WJ Moloney about his new book "What do you do all day?" What does a wealthy Auckland stay-at-home mother andwife do all day? What really goes on when the cat's away? On the surface, Sam has everything any woman should want: a successful husband, a nice house, a holiday home, two lovely kids, and a desirable, expensive car. Yet Sam is frustrated and unfulfilled. When her usual distractions fail her, she retraces the steps of how her life turned out like it has. Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Vivienne talks to Auckland-based author, Katie Furze about her recently released children’s non-fiction picture book, Pekapeka, Secret Forest Bat, published by Scholastic NZ. Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Terrier, Worrier - A Poem in 5 Part. This book is a luminous exploration of thought by one of our most distinguished poets. Part autobiography of thought, part philosophical tract, part poetics, a book about chickens and family and seasons, Terrier, Worrier is a literary sequence to be relished as language and as thought. Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Vivienne chats to New Zealand author, Kirsty Powell about her recently released novel, The Strength of Old Shale, a stand-alone sequel to The Strength of Eggshells, winner of the 2020 New Zealand Booklovers Fiction Awards. Her story weaves two worlds together in a blend of New Zealand’s goldmining history, family saga and contemporary fiction. Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Kirsten Le Harivel and Cerid Jones talk about the upcoming Bookmark Kapiti Book And Community Festival coming to multiple Kapiti venues on 9 and 10 August Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.

Is My Worry Worth Worrying About? by debut author Becky Overeem is a beautifully illustrated story that helps young readers navigate anxiety and find calm. With Sarah Trolle’s stunning artwork, the book delves into the overwhelming world of childhood worries through a heartfelt narrative that empowers children to face their fears. This picture book goes beyond storytelling, offering a dedicated section for children, parents and caregivers with practical tools to help families navigate challenges together. Perfect for homes, classrooms, and mental health discussions, Is My Worry Worth Worrying About? is both a comforting story and a valuable resource for growing minds. You can pre order the book at Becky's website - www.bexteachingresources.com/books

Catherine sits down with The wonderful Stranges author Melanie Koster and her daughter Monica Koster who beautifully illustrated this lovely book, The Wonderful Stranges is a story about inclusion; being open minded and how accepting others just as they are can be an enriching experience. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination and innovation. The Strange family embrace the arts and sciences, with inventions, including some for sustainable living. Accompanied by glorious, whimsical illustrations, this delightful book with themes of kindness and acceptance, that draws attention to climate change is a very timely book. Melanie Koster wrote the first draft of The Wonderful Stranges in 2011, in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. The story had some success in various writing competitions and was then shelved in the bottom drawer. After a little tweaking, the story was ready to see the light of day again and she thinks its message is more relevant now than ever. Melanie Koster has been shortlisted six times for the Joy Cowley Award finally winning in 2022. She haswritten many children’s books including Elephant Park, Tama and the Taniwha and Milly Maloo and the Miracle Glue. Monica Koster is an artist and illustrator who has just completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours at the University of Canterbury. Her paintings have been exhibited in Christchurch and Ashburton as part of the Creator’s Room and ZONTA Female Art Awards Exhibitions.

Vividwater, envisions a chillingly plausible future Aotearoa where water is a luxury commodity, and survival hinges on access to this precious resource. Through the lens of Alex, a "mnemopath" navigating a society teetering on collapse, Jacqueline crafts a narrative that is both thought-provoking and eerily resonant with contemporary global challenges. Jacqueline Owens is a Wellington-based writer whose latest novel is a richly imagined dystopian fiction - Vividwater Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.