Book shelf

Reads to inform and inspire.

Urban Botanics By Emma Sibley and Maaike Koster, Murdoch Books, $40

A stunning illustrated collection of indoor plants for the modern gardener, with all the information and tips you need for adding succulents, cacti, towering and foliage plants to your home.

The Art of Simple By Eleanor Ozich, Penguin Random House, $40

Ozich is back with her secrets to living a more fulfilling life – taken from her own experience of moving to the outskirts of the city with her husband and young family. The guide is filled with recipes and ideas for cherishing life’s simple pleasures.

Van Life By Foster Huntington, Hachette New Zealand, $50

Huntington created the #vanlife hashtag as he chronicled his adventures living in a van while driving across North America.

showcases some of the incredible sites seen on these adventures, many of which have never been posted.

Van Life Los Angeles Cult Recipes By Victor Garnier Astorino, Murdoch Books, $55

From chilli hot dogs to lobster rolls and acai bowls, Los Angeles is the birthplace of food trends that go global. This cookbook boasts more than 100 recipes that capture the famous city’s spirit.

Summer Days By various authors, Penguin Random House, $45

A beautiful collection of children’s stories and poems celebrating the golden days of summer, by some of New Zealand’s finest writers and illustrators – think Margaret Mahy and Joy Cowley.

Eat Up New Zealand By Al Brown, Allen & Unwin, $65

A great gift idea for the proud Kiwi, Brown is back with recipes that celebrate both the heritage and the evolution of New Zealand’s food culture – with updated Kiwi classics like roast lamb, pies, flounder, corned beef and tamarillo desserts.

Kilted Yoga By Finlay Wilson, Hachette New Zealand, $25

With the stunning Scottish Highlands as a backdrop, Wilson brings his modern take on yoga, introducing four progressive sequences to help you develop your practice.

Branches & Blooms By Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo, Artisan Books, $45

From creating a centrepiece of lilacs and olive branches to a wreath of magnolias and rosemary, this book will inspire you with its 100 plus ideas for delightful floral arrangements. g