8–10

This book is a modern magical tale of wizardry and mayhem. When wizard Henry Gravelaxe is found murdered at the Hotel Marvelo the owners, Finian’s parents, are blamed. Finnian, however, is determined to clear their names. With the help of his siblings Juniper and Teddy who are part of their blended family, they set out on the hunt for clues.

This story welcomes the reader to Yummy Gummy Land as the Gumdrops say hello directly to the reader!

Theo’s cousin Rama comes to visit, but this time it’s different. Rama has lost her mother. While Theo tries to find ways to connect with his grief-stricken cousin, he also shares with the reader what he misses about his Auntie; how she danced with them, taught them how to cook, and the sound of her bangles.

Otto lives in a village beyond which lies only darkness. Rarely does anyone brave the treacherous trail that leads there. However, one day Otto is awakened by the rumble of vast beasts drawing wagons belonging to the Circus of Dreams. Boasting performances to delight and thrill, the circus’s crowning glory promises to unveil a Monster of Dreams. Intrigued, everyone rushes to see it.

In this verse novel, eight-year-old Ray is nervous about his family’s impending move to a new town due to his father’s job. In order to comfort himself through this big change, he conjures an imaginary friend named Jacob. Ray’s parents cannot see Jacob, but their family dog, Bess, can – something that matters at the end of the narrative.

Everyone talks differently. And everyone who does, wants to be understood. But in the loud chatter created by social media and strident news, it is easy to believe that it is only the person who shouts the loudest who stands a chance of being heard. What we know of course, is that in a room full of loud voices, nobody can be heard. Meaningful dialogue gets lost and feelings can get hurt.

From the luminescent cover lighting up a border of plants to the deer stalker wearing dog detective, this junior comic is colourful, charming and amusing. Detective Stanley and the Green Thumbed Thief is the sequel to Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum; this time the self-effacing introverted Stanley (named after Stanley Bay in Auckland) uses his knowledge and skills to ponder on the mystery of a disappearing orchid.

The second novel in the Clem Fatale series opens with Clem and her friend Gilbert walking along on a summer’s day. Laden down with ice cream cones, talking about their favourite singing act who they are going to see in the London Palladium, when they are suddenly kidnapped off the street the action of this 1950s London adventure begins!