We all know the importance of helping children increase their knowledge so they can gain a better understanding of the people around them and the world they live in. As much as I detest guns and war, I think this story is very carefully and sensitively written (it doesn't glorify war at all), and I believe this book will be very beneficial in helping young children gain a better understanding of war, of some of the history of Aotearoa New Zealand, of its people, and of the Anzac parade itself.
Suitable age: 4-12.

Tom wants to play down by the pier so his mother warns him about the dangers of the dragon that lives down there. She gives Tom an assortment of scary reasons why he needs to stay away, so Tom scurries off with his head full of fears. Then suddenly, right before Tom's eyes, the dragon appears. Tom soon learns that the dragon (who by this stage is frantically sobbing) is terrified of Tom - the dragon's mother had warned him about the evils of little boys! To their relief, Tom and the dragon soon realise neither of them needs to be scared, and a wonderful friendship begins.
This is a very cute, humorous, and thoroughly enjoyable tale. It is also well-written (with an easy rhythm). It contains enchanting illustrations by Scott Tulloch. A favourite book in the making for boys and girls.
Suitable age: 1-6.
Bellini and Maddalena then meet in secret and vow that nothing will keep them apart (like a pair of doves they will be together forever). Bellini eventually leaves to compose operas and seek fame so Maddalena's father will change his mind. Bellini and Maddalena write to each other every day, with Bellini promising Maddalena they will be together after he has written his 10th opera. But after Bellini's ninth opera Maddalena hears nothing from him and she falls into despair, becomes sick, and dies of a broken heart. An incredibly beautiful book with stunning digital illustrations by Sonia Kretschmar.
Suitable age: 6 years+.
This is a delightfully written story full of wonderful language and lots of opportunities for increasing children's knowledge: science (insects, animals, life cycles, trial and error); maths (addition and subtraction); and social studies (being different and the importance of friendship). Very appealing illustrations by Deborah Hinde.
Suitable age: 0-7.
Suhaila never met her (deceased) grandmother and she wonders what she was like. Her mother tells her she has her grandmother's hands. So when Suhaila goes to bed she looks at her hands and she wonders what else she has from her grandma.
Then, while she's lying in bed thinking, a golden ladder appears at the edge of her windowsill. There on the lowest rung is Suhaila's grandmother with her arms outstretched, waiting to take Suhaila on an adventure. This book was written by President Barack Obama's sister as a tribute to their mother. It's a magical tale about the love that links families through generations, and about the struggles of people around the world and how they come together to overcome adversity.
Younger children will enjoy the magical side of this story and older children will enjoy its hidden deeper meanings. A beautiful book with exquisite illustrations by Yuyi Morales.
Suitable age: 1-10.
So when Helena's mother informs her that her father is just a shouter and it runs in the family (they've been shouters for generations), Helena decides she doesn't want to be a shouter and she leaves her parents to find another family to live with.
Poor Helena's parents miss her terribly but they can't find her anywhere. Days and weeks go by until one day they see Helena's picture on a concert poster. Will they be able to get Helena back?
This strange little story is an English translation of the German story Der Krakeeler. It has quaint illustrations but the tale itself does nothing for me.
Suitable age: unsure.
The Cat wears different pyjamas every day and each day he dreams of different things. On Monday he wears space pyjamas and dreams of lunar trips, rocket ships, and shooting stars. On Tuesday he wears ocean pyjamas and dreams of humpback whales, swishy tails, and flippery seals. On Wednesday it's garden pyjamas, Thursday is road pyjamas, Friday jungle pyjamas, and Saturday is sky pyjamas. On Sunday the Cat wears monster pyjamas - and stays awake all through the night. This is a delightful story by a talented author who not only writes well but also illustrates beautifully.
This book contains a huge number of opportunities for scaffolding children's knowledge through the conversations you will have about all the different topics that are introduced.
Young children will adore this book. There's something in it for everyone!
Suitable age: 0-5.
- Paula Benson-Gamble is an early childhood teacher.