5 minute read
Books and Beats
Books
Books, books, wonderful books! CRISSI BLAIR picks out the best pages for all ages.
Tu Meke Tuatara
By Malcolm Clarke Illus. Flox (Aka Hayley King) Little Love $30
Tahi Tuatara is feeling down, and his friend Roger Ruru tries to cheer him up with a hill climb, a swim at the beach, and some delicious food. But nothing works, until a call of distress distracts them and they must go to rescue Pepe Penguin, caught in some plastic rubbish and seaweed. Messages about being a supportive friend and looking after the environment are easily understood through this fabulously illustrated and stylish board book.
Suitable for ages 4-8
The Ghosts on the Hill
By Bill Nagelkerke The Cuba Press $22
This short, intriguing tale is based on a true story. It’s 1884, and Elsie lives in Lyttelton, where she meets two young boys returning to Christchurch across the hills by the Bridle Path. They later became lost and died when bad weather closed in. Elsie always felt guilty for not stopping them on their journey, and she finally has to face her fears when the fog rolls in while on an errand. A spooky journey and snapshot of times gone by.
Suitable for ages 8-13
TOP PICK
Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea
By T K Roxborogh llus. Phoebe Morris Huia Publishers $25
An exciting Kiwi adventure. One-legged Charlie and his half-brother Robbie rescue a poutari – a mermaid-like creature, from the beach. There are dramatic earthquakes and a stormy battle between Māori gods over pollution in the ocean. Charlie discovers his own special abilities that enable him to use his knowledge of Māori songs to reunite the gods.
Suitable for ages 8-14
Egg and Spoon: An Illustrated Cookbook
By Alexandra Tylee Illus. Giselle Clarkson Gecko Press $40
Start the day with Strawberry Chocolate Toasted Muesli and finish with Jelly Squares, with lots of fun and good-for-you meals in between. Lots of helpful information for young beginner cooks or for the family to make together. Lots of gluten-free, vegan and dairyfree options, and tips on safety in the kitchen, special techniques and essential equipment. The illustrations are wild and colourful and make you want to dive into these delicious recipes.
Suitable for ages 7+
Tiger, Tiger, Burning Bright: An Animal Poem for Every Day of the Year
Selected by Fiona Waters Illustrated by Britta Teckentrup Nosy Crow $55
This is a very special treasure, and a hefty tome, packed with an animal poem for every day of the year, from a tiny few lines to longer story poems. Illustrations are richly coloured and textured – animals ranging from a tiny flea to the mighty whale. There are even a few New Zealand poems. With indexes by title, author and first line to make it easy to track down your favourites.
Suitable for all ages
Whiti: Colossal Squid of the Deep
By Victoria Cleal Illus. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White Te Papa Press $30
So much information in this richly illustrated non-fiction picture book all about the colossal squid. From its beginnings as a tiny seed under the Antarctica ice, to the end of its life and all the stages in between. Where it lives, how it survives and the other creatures that live there. Te reo and te ao Māori are incorporated into the information, along with encouragement to care for the environment.
Suitable for ages 7-12
Music for little ears
By Kiwi Kids Music
kindyRock
App
kindyrock.com/musicapp-for-kids
Judi Cranston’s FREE kindyRock app launches 16th Nov. Full of videos and songs that 0-6-yearolds can sing, dance, and learn to.
Christmas in Summer
Book & Song
suzy.co.nz ittybittybeats.com
Suzy Cato & Itty Bitty Beats’ new book Christmas in Summer celebrates the summery Christmas we all know and love.
Silly Funny Songs For Kids!
Album
chrislamsam.com
It’s Chris Lam Sam’s hilarious debut solo album. Featuring rib-tickling performances from Jackie Clarke and Zed-frontman, Nathan King.
Together We Can
Single
facebook.com/ treetree123.music
Tree Tree 123 is a new ‘kindy supergroup’ of seven Kiwi kids musicians including Claudia Robin Gunn, Levity Beet, Kath Bee, Michal Bush and more.
The World’s Greatest Teddy Bear Hunt
Book & Song
angelstar.co.nz
Chris Sanders and the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra take you on a journey around the neighbourhood to see how many bears you can find – and the odd penguin, elephant and robot, too.
kiwikidsmusic.co.nz
A head start
Choosing an early learning centre for your child is a big decision, with many factors to take into account. We spoke to Annabel’s Educare director ANNABEL SLOSS about what sets Annabel’s Educare centres apart.
When you walk into an Annabel’s Educare/Kindergarten you will feel the welcoming, friendly environment your child will become accustomed to straight away. Both you and your child will be greeted by one of the passionate teaching team.
What you are likely to find in our centres is spacious well set up learning provocations and environments that are not only set to the national curriculum Te Whariki but will promote your child’s age and stage of wellbeing and development.
You will see engagement between children and teachers in natural environments that have been designed to bring out the best in everyone. Teachers are passionate about building relationships with children, nurturing their learning and empowering their social and emotional wellbeing.
At Annabel’s, we believe in empowering children to work together to overcome challenges as they test their limits and boundaries. We love to see their curiosity and wonderment as they explore real-life experiences and develop working theories to help make sense of the world around them.
Our management teams and teachers are passionate about providing quality care and education to our future generations by supporting children to become confident, competent learners from a young age. The management teams all work closely together to ensure the smooth daily running of our centres. Children are respected and treated as unique individuals.
Ali Pilling
We believe in our brand promise and will not compromise on that:
low teacher to child ratios
an unprecedentedly high percentage of qualified teachers
a tailored learning programme
modern purpose-designed facilities
large indoor/outdoor spaces
excellent Education Review Office (ERO) reports
Enquire at your nearest centre about the complete package.
annabelseducare.co.nz
Since 1998 we have provided quality preschool education to children in Canterbury.
