A selection of newly published books that will keep the kids happy during reading time and make excellent educational Christmas presents
Little Yellow Digger and the Helicopter
Peter Gilderdale and Fifi Colston
$21.99
Scholastic
Continuing the Little Yellow Digger series, our diminutive hero of no particular named brand helps out the flooded local community when a larger Hitachi-looking excavator proves too heavy for the rescue helicopter to carry into position. Like all the books in the series, it features bright colourful illustrations and a cool little storyline — much of it unbelievable, but cool, all the same.
Flit the Fantail and the Christmas Crash
Kat Quin
$21.99
Scholastic
The name Fantail is rarely heard these days, having been usurped by Piwakawaka, but the latter wouldn’t sound as good as Flit the Fantail, who’s the main character in this adventure. Flit’s latest outing sees him inadvertently hitching a ride in Santa’s beard and helping out along the way.
I can totally see the little ones taking in the great illustrations and chuckling at the text, especially the ending.
Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a TangleStephanie Thatcher
$21.99
Scholastic
Humphrey the cat is a curmudgeon — someone with a bad attitude if you can be bothered Googling. It’s Christmas and all he wants to do is be left alone. However, his inconsiderate family (my words, not theirs) decides a crazy puppy will be the perfect addition to the household and mayhem ensues until Humphrey has a change of heart and it’s all fun.
Naturally, this is a work of fiction, but the excellent illustrations and fun story drag you in. The kids might even like it.
Beddy-bye Time in Kowhai Tree
Juliette MacIver and Lily Uivel
$19.99
Scholastic
This lovely book (because it is) follows our youngster as they prepare for bed while cleverly inserting the counting of numbers into the storyline. The illustrations are excellent, and the little snippets of Te Reo add a uniqueness that can only be New Zealand, all the while demonstrating a loving family environment that all kids should be entitled to experience.