Available in bookshops nationwide.
This captivating tale introduces us to a rather fascinating new character in the Junior Fiction genre.
Morrigan Crow has had a rather ill-starred life and finds herself staring fate right in the eye. She was blamed, due to a long-held superstition, for all sorts of mishaps that have occurred in her hometown, and needs rescuing. Enter the brilliantly named Jupiter North, who might not at first appear particularly heroic – but as they say, don’t judge a book by it’s cover.
It soon becomes clear that Jupiter sees Morrigan as more capable than anybody in her family ever recognised, and has chosen her to contend for a place in a prestigious organisation. But there is a rather tricky path to navigate and particular trials to achieve, to ensure that Morrigan can stay in the safety of Nevermoor.
This is a very well written book, peppered with all types of quirky, colourful characters. There are twists and turns aplenty, and magic abounds.
This is a debut for Jessica Townsend and she has done a wonderful job, you are engaged immediately with the story, the language is descriptive and vibrant. Children of all ages will enjoy this book and I suspect that many will read it more than once as they await further the adventures of the redoubtable Morrigan Crow.
Reviewed by Marion Dreadon
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
by Jessica Townsend
Published by Lothian Children’s Books
ISBN 9780734418074
As well as being the story of a gorgeous wee fella named Gecko, this book is complemented by all sorts of wonderful information about Geckos themselves, thereby covering two bases at once.
La La La is a somewhat unique and quirky book and a very modern take on the power loneliness has on children. Rather than text, the book uses illustrations of the natural elements in our environment to fine effect in telling its characters’ story. La La La being the only words that are used. To most the using of these words is generally an expression of joy, but in this book their contextual use is a little less joyless, and a little more plaintive. A desire for a response threads through the book and motivates the character to keep persevering.
Available in bookshops nationwide.
An oldie but a goodie, this book has sold over 250,000 copies and it really is no wonder.
Dementia is a very real issue for many families these days and younger members of any family would find it a very difficult thing to cope with. Grandma Forgets tells the story of a young girl, who has a outlook and wisdom that belie her years, dealing with her Grandma’s dementia. Instead of focusing on the negatives of the situation, the book is built on memories of earlier times, shared experiences and strategies cleverly inserted into the story that would benefit any family dealing with this issue.
Who knew this robbery even happened? Certainly not me, true crime reader that I am. In this page turner Bainbridge unfolds the story of the so-called Waterfront Payroll Robbery which took place in downtown Auckland in 1956. A well executed robbery for that time: other than a smoke filled office and an empty safe, there was no indication whatsoever who the robber/robbers were.
This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a tortoise who was found in a rather forlorn condition by a young New Zealand Soldier in Salonika during WW1, the developing relationship is told delightfully. It is a gentle, caring and nurturing relationship with a well-depicted backstory.
This story of a music box ballerina and her changing relationship with the girl who owns he is an exquisite story, simple and delicate in its telling, yet threaded through with childish joy and the warmth of the things that cause us to form memories.
Well, what do dogs do all day? A very good question indeed and one that this book answers with a fine and encompassing touch.
booksellersnz.wordpress.com 