When it was suggested I write some reviews of New Zealand picture books coming out over May/June I wasn’t expecting to receive over twenty books in the post. It felt like a big number for just two months of publishing and I knew there were other titles coming out in that time period that I hadn’t received. As I made my way through the cardboard packaging and bubble wrap it was a bit like Christmas but without the Christmas-themed picture books. Instead there was a clutch of Matariki focused stories, several nonfiction titles and the rest a mix of issues-based and other assorted fiction. And one junior graphic novel.

Here is a roundup of some of the titles that caught my eye.

With Matariki happening at the end of June (and our understanding of this celebration still fairly new for many of us) it is not surprising I received three on this subject. Two are illustrated by rising star Isobel Joy Te Aho-White, utilising two distinct styles which are a good fit for the two very different texts. Two of the books are sequels - The Kai Stars of Matariki: Tupuānuku and Tupuārangi, by Miriama Kamo and Zak Waipara (Scholastic) and Ariā and the Kūmara God: The Rising of Whānui, by Witi Ihimaera and Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Puffin). The third is Nanny Rina’s Amazing Nets, by Qiane Matata-Sipu and Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Puffin). Matata-Sipu’s story explains how weaving is guided by Matariki providing a host of practical items that dominate depending on which star is in the ascendant. Illustrator Te Aho-White sets the scene, with the two key elements – weaving and Matariki – taking turns to feature as patterns and real objects. I love the cover on this! That sprinkle of faintly shining stars into nanny’s net.  This book is rich with information in a very appealing package, including instructions in the back on how to make your own simple net.

Two of the books in my pile are bilingual. Because I’m Māori: He Māori Ahau, by Nicolla Hemi-Morehouse and Story Hemi-Morehouse (Bateman) is a wonderful positive affirmation for embracing one’s Māori culture and heritage. It also cements the elements of the pepeha for young readers. The illustrations are vibrant and joyful, underlining the positive tone of the text. In the back there is music and lyrics (also bilingual) for a song that looks like it was created especially for this book. Ka rawe!

Nanny Mihi’s Harvest/Te Hauhake a Nanny Mihi, by Melanie Drewery and Suzanne Simpson (Oratia) is very different, weaving a story around running a veggie garden across the year, with lots of practical advice and information. Any school contemplating starting its own student-led veggie patch would jump on this as a supporting text for the project.

I loved writer Erin Munro’s debut title with publisher Little Moa, The Very Best Words, illustrated by Sarah Trolle. Emma is a little nonplussed that her brand new baby brother can’t talk, so month by month she sets about introducing him to some of her favourite words; words that are seasonal, fun and interesting from this much older sister’s repertoire. The best word of all, of course, is love. The illustrations are soft, loving and warm, echoing the prose. Because some of the words are a bit long and tricky there is a thoughtful glossary at back.

Sleep is for Babies from Scholastic is a cute double debut for writer Emily McDowell and illustrator Julia Hegetusch. I found the rhythm a bit unexpected in places but the narrative is sweet and there’ll be more than a few parents who recognize young George’s complaint that ‘sleep is for babies’ as he wanders off into the night determined to go adventuring. Hegetusch’s dreamlike artwork is full of character and detail!

Carla Martell is another newish illustrator making a name for herself. When paired with rhyming star, Juliette MacIver, we have How to Be a Cat (Scholastic), the gorgeous sequel to last year’s NZCYA picture book category winner Duck Goes Meow. While the twist of a duck living with a family of cats is no longer a surprise, this book is a treat showing how duck manages cat life in her own special way, sometimes more successfully than others. The cat family are completely accepting despite being challenged, which is the lovely new message to share here. The illustrations are simple yet full of personality.

Last year author/illustrator Minky Stapleton was also a NZCYA Awards finalist with her picture book Vladimir and Roo (Scholastic). This year she follows up with the zany Bubbles the Zooting Tooting Manatee (Scholastic) - I am not a fart book kind a gal. Don’t get me wrong, farts can make me giggle, but I always feel like there is much better subject matter for a picture book. However Bubbles won me over because this bodily function has greater significance in the life habits of a manatee. The illustrations are wildly colourful and fun. This was an enjoyable and informative read.

Some of the books I received deal with managing feelings or other issues. I personally found Mitchell Itches: An Eczema Story, by Kristen Kelly and Amelina Jones (Exisle) very relatable, as I too suffered with eczema in my childhood. Poor Mitchell’s every day life is defined by his itchy skin. The book presents the day-to-day realities of this condition nicely and will help the reader understand what a sufferer is experiencing. It’s fairly matter of fact and the illustrations do a good job of conveying the message.

I was very pleased to see a graphic novel in amongst the goodies — Mile and Jones: The Anaconda Attack, by Sam Smith and César Lador (Little Moa). These are a very popular format with young readers and this is a very nice example. Smith’s text is fun and well-paced with plenty of humour and while the illustrations are greyscale they have a good level of detail and support the text well.

And in the nonfiction section, veteran and much-awarded writer and illustrator, Donovan Bixley, has produced another cool book, Buzz: Donovan Bixley’s Native Bugs of Aotearoa (Little Moa). This title provides good basic information on a range of familiar insects, including a few tidbits I had never heard before. Aimed at an older primary reader, with plenty to interest them, and Bixley’s trademark classy illustrations

Some of the books I received deal with managing feelings or other issues. I personally found Mitchell Itches: An Eczema Story, by Kristen Kelly and Amelina Jones (Exisle) very relatable, as I too suffered with eczema in my childhood. Poor Mitchell’s every day life is defined by his itchy skin. The book presents the day-to-day realities of this condition nicely and will help the reader understand what a sufferer is experiencing. It’s fairly matter of fact and the illustrations do a good job of conveying the message.

I was very pleased to see a graphic novel in amongst the goodies — Mile and Jones: The Anaconda Attack, by Sam Smith and César Lador (Little Moa). These are a very popular format with young readers and this is a very nice example. Smith’s text is fun and well-paced with plenty of humour and while the illustrations are greyscale they have a good level of detail and support the text well.

And in the nonfiction section, veteran and much-awarded writer and illustrator, Donovan Bixley, has produced another cool book, Buzz: Donovan Bixley’s Native Bugs of Aotearoa (Little Moa). This title provides good basic information on a range of familiar insects, including a few tidbits I had never heard before. Aimed at an older primary reader, with plenty to interest them, and Bixley’s trademark classy illustrations

A shout out too to Watson the Dog Detective: Inspired by True Events, (Scholastic). This lovely piece of creative non-fiction introduces us to Watson, the spaniel that can smell whitebait eggs. Good storytelling by long time writer and animal lover Susan Brocker and beautifully brought to life by experienced illustrator Jenny Cooper.

I wrote other reviews that I just couldn’t squeeze in here. Reviews of books about finding confidence, about the pūteketeke (our Bird of the Century), a teddy who tries to fly, and more. The quantity of books made it an impossible task to cover everything, and the range of topics and styles made it difficult to group titles. But I can guarantee that if you pop into your local bookshop you will find a surprising and delightful array of new picture books to choose from.

Reviewed by Melinda Szymanik