Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
In our monthly podcast, we are committed to chatting about kiwi kids lit, and lit that kiwi kids are reading and can't wait to waffle with abandon.
This week we are chatting about the amazing work of Jennifer Beck.
Books highlighted in the episode:
A Present From the Past
Gypsy Day on the Farm
My Mum is Queen of the Road
Nobody's Dog
Remember that November
Stefania's Dancing Slippers
The Bantam and the Soldier
The Anzac Violin
Torty and the Soldier
Whetu, the Little Blue Duck
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
In our monthly podcast, we are committed to chatting about kiwi kids lit, and lit that kiwi kids are reading and can't wait to waffle with abandon.
This week we are chatting about many of the 2025 NZ Book Award finalists (minus the Junior Fiction, which feature in Episode 6.)
Books highlighted in the episode:
Beddy Bye Time in the Kōwhai Tree by Juliette MacIver, illustrated by Lily Uivel
Mataali’i by Dahlia Malaeulu, illustrated by Darcy Solia
Ten Nosey Weka by Kate Preece, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
Titiro Look by Gavin Bishop
You Can’t Pat a Fish by Ruth PaulBear by Kiri Lightfoot, illustrated by Pippa Keel Situ
Gracehopper by Mandy Hager
Migration by Steph Matuku
The Mess of Our Lives by Mary-Anne Scott
The Paradise Generation by Sanna Thompson
Black Magic by David Riley, illustrated by Munro Te Whata Dear Moko: Māori Wisdom for our Young Ones by Hinemoa Elder
Ruru: Night Hunter by Katie Furze, illustrated by Ned Barraud
The Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi by Ross Calman
Tui Pea Luva by Mele Tonga Grant, illustrated by Luca Walton
Alice and the Strange Bird by Isaac du Toit
Hineraukatauri me Te Ara Pūoro, illustrated by Rehua Wilson written by Elizabeth Gray
Poem for Ataahua, illustrated by Sarah Wilkins, written by Alistair Te Ariki Campbell
Sad Sushi, Anna Aldridge
Brave Kāhu and the Pōrangi Magpie by Shelley Burne-Field Play Wild by Rachel Clare
The Witch of Maketu and the Bleating Lambs by Anika Moa, illustrated by Rebecca ter Borg
The Writing Desk by Di Morris
Check out this The Spinoff podcast episode which gives a good overview of all the Book Award finalists.
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
In our monthly podcast, we are committed to chatting about kiwi kids lit, and lit that kiwi kids are reading and can't wait to waffle with abandon.
This week were deep diving into the five finalists in the NZ Book Award Junior Fiction category. (And it does actually sound like we are diving... one day we will get the sound right!!)
Four of our Kids Lit Quiz kids have reviewed the books and it is these wise words which you will be hearing today.
Books highlighted in the episode:
The Raven's Eye Runaways by Claire Mabey
The Apprentice Witnesser by Bren MacDibble
Brown Bird by Jane Arthur
Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat by Li Chen
Violet and the Velvets : the Case of the Missing Stuff by Rachael King
Check out this The Spinoff podcast episode which gives a good overview of all the Book Award finalists.
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
In our monthly podcast, we are committed to chatting about kiwi kids lit, and lit that kiwi kids are reading and can't wait to waffle with abandon.
We do need to apologise (again!) for the quality of the sound recording... we were super keen to get another episode out into the world after a bit of a break, BUT we had some internet issues in our usual recording space so had to record in a larger room than usual... resulting in some echo!
This week we celebrate everything Maria Gill.
Books highlighted in the episode:
Anzac Animals by Maria Gill and Marco Ivancic
Remarkable Animal Stories by Maria Gill
Call of the Kokako by Maria Gill and Heather Arnold
Toroa’s Journey by Maria Gill and Gavin Mouldey
NZ Endangered Dolphins by Maria Gill
Anzac Heroes by Maria Gill and Marco Ivancic
Last of Maui's Dolphins by Maria Gill and Bruce Potter
Kate Sheppard by Maria Gill and Marco Ivancic
King’s Medal by Maria Gill and Alistair Hughes
Ernest Rutherford by Maria Gill and Alistair Hughes
Abel Tasman by Maria Gill and Marco Ivancic
Epic NZ Adventurers by Maria Gill
Ice Breaker! by Maria Gill and Alistair Hughes
NZ Disasters by Maria Gill and Marco Ivancic
Earthquakes by Maria Gill
Volcanoes by Maria Gill
Eruption by Maria Gill
Rangitoto by Maria Gill
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
As we head into 2025, refreshed and ready to rock and roll, we have decided to change the podcast to a monthly affair, rather than fortnightly, as our school embarks on a number of big changes.
We are still committed to chatting about kiwi kids lit, and lit that kiwi kids are reading and can't wait to waffle with abandon.
This week we celebrate a few new kiwi titles which you might want to check out!
Books highlighted in the episode:The Fantabulous Animal Orchestra by Donovan Bixley
Kia Ora Baby by Donovan Bixley
Kia Ora Pepe by Donovan Bixley
The Raven's Eye Runaways by Claire Mabey
Charlie Tangaroa and the God of War by T.K. Roxborogh
Bear by Kiri Lightfoot
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
As we head into 2025, refreshed and ready to rock and roll, we have decided to change the podcast to a monthly affair, rather than fortnightly, as our school embarks on a number of big changes.
We are still committed to chatting about kiwi kids lit, and lit that kiwi kids are reading and can't wait to waffle with abandon.
This week we celebrate the remarkable body of work by Ned Barraud - conservationist and lover of animals.
Books highlighted in the episode, in no particular order whatsoever:
Under the Ocean by Ned Barraud & Gillian Candler
In the Garden by Ned Barraud & Gillian Candler
In the Bush by Ned Barraud & Gillian Candler
Up the River by Ned Barraud & Gillian Candler
At the Beach by Ned Barraud & Gillian Candler
Where is it? by Ned Barraud
Where is it in town? by Ned Barraud
Tuatara by Katie Furze & Ned Barraud
Ruru Night Hunter by Katie Furze & Ned Barraud
Incredible Journeys by Ned Barraud
Backyard Birds by Ned Barraud
What Happened to the Moa by Ned Barraud
NZ's Backyard Beasts by Ned Barraud
Tohora by Ned Barraud
Wild Coasts by Ned Barraud
Animals of Aotearoa by Gillian Candler & Ned Barraud
Tasting with your Feet by Ned Barraud
Click HERE for the link to the NZ Life and Leisure article and interview with Ned Barraud.
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Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
As we head into 2025, refreshed and ready to rock and roll, we have decided to change the podcast to a monthly affair, rather than fortnightly, as our school embarks on a number of big changes.
We are still committed to chatting about kiwi kids lit, and lit that kiwi kids are reading and can't wait to waffle with abandon.
This week we celebrate the amazingness that is Storylines and do a bit of a deep dive into the Non Fiction Notable Books of 2024.
Books highlighted in the episode, in no particular order whatsoever:
Dear Moko by Dr Hinemoa Elder
Piki Te Ora by Hira Nathan & Jessie Eyre
Kiwi Bees Have Tiny Knees by Rachel Weston
He Puka Ngohe Activity Book by Kat Quin
The Beach Activity Book by Rachel Haydon
Play Wild. Nature Craft Projects for Tamariki by Rachel Clare
Tasting With Your Feet by Ned Barraud
My Matariki Colouring and Activity Book by Dr Rangi Matamua & Miriama Kano
Mawson in Antarctica by Anna Grochowicz
Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
@kiwikidsbookchat
Follow our library (not exclusively kiwi kids literature):
Twitter @southwellibrary
Facebook @SouthwellLibrary
Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
As we head into 2025, refreshed and ready to rock and roll, we have decided to change the podcast to a monthly affair, rather than fortnightly, as our school embarks on a number of big changes.
We are still committed to chatting about kiwi kids lit, and lit that kiwi kids are reading and can't wait to waffle with abandon.
This week is a true Work of Waffle as we wax lyrical about our Top 20 (ish) New Zealand books which WE think children should read before high school! It is a real conversation, full of ums, ahhs and meanderings!!!
Books highlighted in the episode, in no particular order whatsoever:
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd
Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan The Bomb by Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan
The Tomo by Mary Anne Scott
From the Cutting Room Floor of Barney Kettle by Kate De Goldi
Uncle Jack by Kate De Goldi
Wildlife of Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop Gavin Bishop board books - E hoa, Mihi, Koro Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop The House that Jack Built by Gavin Bishop Kiwi Bees Have Tiny Knees by Rachel Weston
The Last Tuatara by Des Hunt Project Huia by Des Hunt
Monkey Boy by Donovan Bixley How Maui Slowed the Sun by Donovan Bixley
Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee
I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale End of the Alphabet by Fleur Beale The Grimmelings by Rachel King
Samples From the Lab by Rob Foote
Kowhai and the Giants by Kate Parker
This is where I stand by Philippa Werry
Ultrawild by Stephen Mushin
Katipo Joe by Brian Falkner Shooting Stars by Brian Falkner
Mophead by Selina Tusitala Marsh
The Princess and the Foal by Stacy Gregg The Wonky Donkey by Craig Smith
Greedy Cat by Joy Cowley
My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes by Eve Sutton
Te Reo Singalong books by Sharon Holt
The Little Yellow Digger by Betty and Alan Gilderdale
Baa Baa Smart Sheep by Mark and Rowan Sommerset
First to the Top (and others from David Hill & Phoebe Morris Famous New Zealanders series) See Ya, Simon by David Hill My Brother’s War by David Hill Below by David Hill The Great Piratical Rumbustification by Margaret Mahy
The Call of the Kokako by Maria Gill
Incredible Journeys by Ned Barraud
Remember that November by Jennifer Beck and Lindy Fisher
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Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week is a wrap up of some of our favourite books of the year! See if you agree... Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
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Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we check out the books which feature NZs great outdoors! We realised early on that this needed to be split into two episodes, so this one features some fabulous fiction. Look out for an episode featuring some just as fabulous non-fiction.
Apologies for some shimmying at the end - we talk about doing episodes about Christmas buying... but by the time you here THIS you will have heard THAT!!!
Books highlighted in the episode:
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Cuz by Liz van der Laarse
Spearo by Mary Anne Scott
The Tomo by Mary Anne Scott
Sticking With Pigs by Mary Anne Scott
Wild Pork and Watercress by Barry Crump
Mad Men of the Mountains by Big Al Lester
Footrot Flats by Murray Ball
Wildboy by Brando Yelovich
Wildboy (picture book) by Brando Yelovich
Epic Adventures across Aotearoa! by Ray Salisbury Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
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Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we delve into the work of the legend that is Des Hunt. His work is, for the most part, firmly located in Aotearoa and the books always spotlight NZ flora and fauna. There is generally a theme of good vs bad and they are always a good, rollicking read!
Books highlighted in the episode:
Red Edge
Project Huia
The Last Tuatara
Cry of the Taniwha
Search for a Kiwi Killer
The Peco Incident
1918 : Broken Poppies Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
@kiwikidsbookchat
Follow our library (not exclusively kiwi kids literature):
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Facebook @SouthwellLibrary
Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Description
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we have a whole host of suggestions for Christmas book buying. There is a tantalising selection of great books out there to tempt even the most reluctant of readers!
Please do excuse a few sound glitches throughout.
Books highlighted in the episode:
Super Sleuth by David Walliams
The Land of Lost Things by Andy Griffiths
Big Jim Begins (Dog Man) by Dav Pilkey
Hot Mess (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) by Jeff Kinney
Class Action (InvestiGATORS) by John Patrick Green
The Wrath of the Triple Goddess (Percy Jackson) by Rick Riordan
One Last Thing (Bad Guys) by Aaron Blabey
Unravelled (Keeper of the Lost Cities) by Shannon Messenger
Illustrated Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Christmas at Hogwarts
Karen's Grandmother (Little Sisters Babysitters Club) by Ann M. Martin
Tales from a Not-so-Bratty Little Sister (Dork Diaries) by Rachel Renee Russell
I Survived the Black Death by Lauren Tarshis
Mr Lemoncello's Fantabulous Finale by Chris Grabenstein
The Squad by Christina Soontornvat
Ambush at Sorato by John Flanagan
Star (Warrior Cats) by Erin Hunter
Mina the Lightning Dragon by Maddy Mara
Science Comics : Human Space Flight by Andy Hirsch
Where to Hide a Star by Oliver Jeffers
Spooky Lakes by Geo Rutherford
The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Sanderson and Kazu Kibuishi
2025 Guinness Book of World Records
Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
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Follow our library (not exclusively kiwi kids literature):
Twitter @southwellibrary
Facebook @SouthwellLibrary
Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we chat with some of our students about what they love to read. These Book Bites are all by Year 7 & 8 boys. Look out for other Bites in future episodes.
Books mentioned in the episode:
What If... by Randall Munroe
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
The Bodyguard series by Chris Bradford
Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
One Piece by Eiichiro Oda
The Inheritance Cycle by Chris Paolini
Shooting Stars by Brian Falkner Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
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Follow our library (not exclusively kiwi kids literature):
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Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we feature Shooting Stars by Brian Falkner which has been a popular addition to our Year 8 reading programme - to the point that it has not only converted student readers to reading, but also teachers.
We interview four of our Year 8 students and a Year 8 teacher about the book.
Apologies for the sound quality which is somewhat sporadic.
Books mentioned in the episode:
Shooting Stars by Brian Falkner
One by Sarah Crossan
Moonrise by Sarah Crosson
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
Alan Gratz
Kwame Alexander Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
@kiwikidsbookchat
Follow our library (not exclusively kiwi kids literature):
Twitter @southwellibrary
Facebook @SouthwellLibrary
Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we chat with some of our students about what they love to read. These Book Bites are all by Year 7 & 8 girls. Look out for other Bites in future episodes.
Books mentioned in the episode:
Out Of My Mind by Sharon Draper.
Winter Horses by Philip Kerr.
Refugee by Alan Gratz.
I Heart You Archie De Souza by Chrissie Perry.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han.
One by Sarah Crossan.
Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger.
Ruby Redfort by Lauren Child.
Bear Grylls.
A Slice of the Moon by Sandi Toksvig.
The End of the Sky by Sandi Toksvig.
Hitler's Canary by Sandi Toksvig. Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
@kiwikidsbookchat
Follow our library (not exclusively kiwi kids literature):
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Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
After last week's chat about KLQ, this week we chat to some real life KLQ Kids and ask them about their favourite books.
Books mentioned in the episode:
Northern Lights by Philip Pullman.
Wings of Fire series by Tui Sutherland.
The Wingfeather Saga by Andrew Peterson.
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan.
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins. Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
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Follow our library (not exclusively kiwi kids literature):
Twitter @southwellibrary
Facebook @SouthwellLibrary
Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we chat about the phenomenon that is Kids' Lit. Quiz. We could have gone on for hours!!
The sound quality isn't great for this episode, so apologies for that!
Website mentioned in the episode:
KLQ Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
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Facebook @SouthwellLibrary
Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we feature the narrative non-fiction titles by David Hill and Phoebe Morris, which we love. Whilst they have been in circulation for a few years now we feel they are never more relevant as the ANZHC kicks into gear. Not to mention the important messaging around being courageous... however that may look.
We continue to work on our sound quality - bear with!
Books mentioned in the episode:
Sky High by David Hill
Hero of the Sea by David Hill
Dinosaur Hunter by David Hill
Speed King by David Hill
First to the Top by David Hill
Taking the Lead by David Hill
LINK to our Non-Fiction Picture Book Seminar presentation.
Tim Minchin - Play It Safe
The Imperfects Podcast - The Risk of Avoiding Risk
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Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we are featuring four more of the categories of the 2024 Book Award finalists - Non Fiction, Illustration, Te Reo and First Book. There are yet more fabulous titles to drool over in this bunch! Books mentioned in the episode:
Thanks to The Sapling for the links to reviews.
And click HERE for some wise words from The Sapling.
Patu: The New Zealand Wars, written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop (Penguin Random House NZ) Read an interview with Gavin, by Simie Simpson.
The Observologist: A Handbook for Mounting Very Small Scientific Expeditions, written and illustrated by Giselle Clarkson (Gecko Press)
Tuatara: A Living Treasure, written by Katie Furze and illustrated by Ned Barraud (Scholastic NZ)
Ultrawild, written and illustrated by Steve Mushin (Allen & Unwin)Wot Knot You Got? Mophead’s Guide to Life, (Auckland University Press)
The Dream Factory, illustrated by Zak Ātea (Huia Publishers)
He Tarū Kahika, written by Melinda Szymanik, illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, and translated by Pānia Papa (Scholastic NZ)
Nani Jo me ngā Mokopuna Porohianga, written by Moira Wairama and illustrated by Margaret Tolland (Baggage Books)
Te Pīkari Pipi, written by Angie Belcher, illustrated by Lily Uivel, and translated by Pānia Papa (Scholastic NZ)
Te Pukapuka ka kore e Pānuihia, written by Tim Tipene, illustrated by Nicoletta Benella, and translated by Kanapu Rangitauira (Oratia Media)
Te Rā Kura Ki Aotearoa, written and illustrated by Donovan Bixley, and translated by Darryn Joseph (Upstart Press)
Rere Atu Taku Poi! Let My Poi Fly!, written by Tangaroa Paul and illustrated by Rebecca Gibbs (Oratia Media)
Click HERE for some Sapling words of wisdom about the Book Award books. Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
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Welcome to the Kiwi Kids Book Chat with school librarians Penny Walch and Julie Huggins.
This week we are featuring three of the categories of the 2024 Book Award finalists - Picture Books, Junior Fiction and YA as there are just too many good ones to squish into one episode!
Books mentioned in the episode:
Thanks to The Sapling for the links to reviews.
And click HERE for some wise words from The Sapling.
At the Bach, written by Joy Cowley and illustrated by Hilary Jean Tapper (Gecko Press)
Dazzlehands, written by Sacha Cotter and illustrated by Josh Morgan (Huia Publishers)
Hatch and Match, written and illustrated by Ruth Paul (Walker Books Australia)
Lucy and the Dark, written by Melinda Szymanik and illustrated by Vasanti Unka (Penguin Random House)
Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai, written by Michaela Keeble and illustrated by Tokerau Brown (Gecko Press)
DoubleDippers! (Big Little Blue, Book #3), written and illustrated by Raymond McGrath (Scholastic NZ)
Lopini the Legend, by Feana Tu‘akoi (Scholastic NZ)
Nine Girls, by Stacy Gregg (Penguin Random House NZ)
Take Me To Your Leader, by Leonie Agnew (Penguin Random House NZ)
The Grimmelings, by Rachael King (Allen & Unwin)
Catch a Falling Star, by Eileen Merriman (Penguin Random House NZ)
New Dawning, by A. M. Dixon (OneTree House)
The Sparrow, by Tessa Duder (Penguin Random House NZ)
Tonight, I Burn, by Katharine J Adams (Hachette Aotearoa NZ)
Tsunami, by Ned Wenlock (Earth’s End Publishing)
Click HERE for some Sapling words of wisdom about the Book Award books.
Follow the KKBC on Facebook:
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Blog http://southwelllibrary.blogspot.com/
