“Springers” is a fictional story set in a rest home, where George and his daughter are visiting his elderly mum. Meredith has dementia, although it’s not clear to what degree: at times her strong mind and character shine through, at others, she seems childlike and resigned to the loss of autonomy that many people in rest homes experience. This is a subtle story, carefully observed, that sheds a gentle light on the way ageing can impact on families.
Many people are scared of wētā. They are big and covered in spikes, they hide in dark places, and they can sometimes jump. You might find one in the garden or in a piece of old wood. There could be one hiding in your letterbox – or even in your shoe!
by Maria Samuela; illustrations by Elspeth Alix Batt
Long ago, when the world still believed in magic, there was a majestic maunga, or mountain, on the island of Rarotonga. The maunga was called Maru, which means shade. The maunga stood over the village of Puaikura like a giant guardian.
New Zealand’s coastline has always been a dangerous place for ships and boats. Early Māori knew that. Several traditional stories tell of waka being washed onto rocks in storms. Since the 1790s, when the first Pākehā reached New Zealand, more than 2,300 ships have been wrecked in New Zealand waters.
by Bernard Beckett; illustrations by Sarah Illingworth
On the day of the swimming sports, Max took off his shoes and socks and put them on again three times. Only then was he happy that his socks were lined up exactly the way he liked them.
Many people are scared of wētā. They are big and covered in spikes, they hide in dark places, and they can sometimes jump. You might find one in the garden or in a piece of old wood. There could be one hiding in your letterbox – or even in your shoe!
by Maria Samuela; illustrations by Elspeth Alix Batt
Long ago, when the world still believed in magic, there was a majestic maunga, or mountain, on the island of Rarotonga. The maunga was called Maru, which means shade. The maunga stood over the village of Puaikura like a giant guardian.
New Zealand’s coastline has always been a dangerous place for ships and boats. Early Māori knew that. Several traditional stories tell of waka being washed onto rocks in storms. Since the 1790s, when the first Pākehā reached New Zealand, more than 2,300 ships have been wrecked in New Zealand waters.
by Bernard Beckett; illustrations by Sarah Illingworth
On the day of the swimming sports, Max took off his shoes and socks and put them on again three times. Only then was he happy that his socks were lined up exactly the way he liked them.