N.Z. BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

Press, 26 November 1977, Page 17

N.Z. BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS

(Reviews by Margaret Quigley) An important development in writing and publishing in New Zealand during the last few years has been the increasing flow of books for children. The selection of recent publications discussed here might give hard-pressed grandparents, or fond aunts, some ideas for Christmas. For the smaller children, Heinemann Educational Books in Auckland have published in a small, glossv hardback five “ADVENTURES OF WILLIE McNAB,” ($3.95). This small mouse, of Scottish descent, became very popular with children in a television programme and the book will appeal to those for whom he is already a favourite. Both the simple stories b_v Alma Woods and the illustrations by Judith McCulloch are pleasant enough, though not outstanding in originality or imagination. Published in Britain by J. M. Dent ($5.90). but written by Margaret Mahy. probably New Zealand’s most famous children’s writer, “THE BOY WHO WAS FOLLOWED HOME” is her irresistable mixture of extraordinary happenings and ordinary reactions. The short story of Robert who was followed home from school by an ever increasing herd of hippos, is clearly intended for a younger age group than most of her stories and will appeal to children aged four to seven. It is illustrated by Steven Kellogg whose delightfully wry and apt water colours add greatly to the enjoyment. Another in the series of the adventures of Ben Bobstay the cabin boy on one of the first sailing ships to New Zealand. is entitled "BEN BOBSTAY AND THE EMERALD CAVE.” Written by Peter Minturn and illustrated by Errol McLeary, the book is published by Collins ($4.95). The story of the discovery of a glow-worm cave is uninspired, but probably exciting enough to please small boys aged from five to eight, who will also delight in the colourful full-page illustrations drawn in an exaggerated cartoon style. Aucklander Peggy Dunstan regularly contributes poems to New Zealand and overseas magazines and in ’’SUNFLOWERS AND SANDCASTLES” she has collected some of her verse into an attractive anthology for children. The poems vary greatly in subject, style and mood, and also unfortunately in quality, though most are worth inclusion and some, such as the simple “Power Pylons,” are very memorable. The poems are vividly illustrated by the poet’s son, Mark Dunstan, and the book has been nicely produced by Millwood Press ($6.10). This would be a good present for an imaginative child in the six to 10 age group.

Two of Brian Sutton-Smith's books about the gang of small bovs. <Brin. Smitty. Gormie and Hwsev* OUR STREET” and "SMIITY DOI s X BUNK." have already gained an audience among voung New Zealand reader- Now a third book has been published bv Prince Milburn in the Kea Series of New Zealand childrens paperbacks ($1.50). Like the other two. it is set in Wellington of tile tortus. ,md background and characters are unmistakably . though never selfconsciously. New Zealand in flavour But somehow. in "THE C O B B E R S . ’ ' some of the lightheartedness ha< gone and life has taken on a in re - especially noticeable in the teasing and strapping of Doan, who was not bright enough to go on with Smitty to Wellington College. The trilogy is a vivid record of childhood and will be popular particularly with boy* aged eight to 12. "THE HOUS! OF Oil PEOPLE" is an unusual, beautiful and informative book for children, and one which could well he sent overseas us well as given to New Zealand children to increase their knowledge of our Maori heritage. Ron Bacon, deputy principal of an Auckland intermediate school, has told in a simple narrative way the story of the people of the kainga who wanted a house for their marae. The oldest Tohunga includes in the design all the things familiar to the Maoris in their surroundings and the book, in words and illustrations, shows how the designs of Maori carving, weaving and building were evolved from natural objects. Bob Jahnke has drawn the illustrations to resemble Maori carvine and used beautifully muted tones of brown and green. The book, published by Collins ($6.50), w ill please adults amuch as children. Last, but by no means least in this survey, is "THE REEFS OF FIRE," by Keith Sinclair. It is a complete change from his last work, the biography of Walter Nash. Keith Sinclair began writing children's stories as a boy and in his return to an old interest he has produced a strange, haunting and imaginative story of two children. Mat and Sina, who as their land explodes in volcanic erruptions, go back through time to meet Maui and witness the beginning of the world. The eerie feeling of the writing is matched in the vibrant, imaginative artwork by David Armitage which illustrates the quite lengthy story. Published by Heinemann, with the assistance of the New Zealand Literary Fund, “The Reefs of Fire” costs $5.95, a reasonable price for a book which, while it will not appeal to very child, will probably become a part of our literary heritage.