JUST FOR KIDS

Birdie Lights Up the World by Alison Mclennan, illustrated by Lauren Mullinger, EK Books, $24.99 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

Birdie believes she lights up the world every morning with her song. Until one day she gets sick and can't sing. To her and the other animals' surprise the sun comes up any way. If it's not Birdie's role to light up the world, then what is? She goes on a hunt to find her purpose. A nice little story with a message that we all have something special we are good at.

Nanas With No Manners by Justin Christopher, illustrated by Minky Stapleton, Scholastic, $21.99 .. .. ..

This one made me laugh out loud reading it to myself! The three nanas reminded me of those cartoons you get of people ageing disgracefully and I loved it. There is “Nana Martini in a bright pink bikini. Nana Bonita, the very noisy eater, and Nana McCarton who couldn't hold a fart in.” Great funny illustrations of these naughty nanas and a humorous story with fart humour. What more could kids want? Oh and there is a bit of a moral about being nice.

Pō Mā rie / Goodnight, Te Wā Tā karo / Playtime, Te Rē hi / The race by Norah Wilson, illustrated by Kimberley Andrews, Scholastic, $19.99 each .. .. .. .. .. ..

.. These bilingual books are a good introduction to Māori vocabulary for young readers, all centred around Little Rāpeti. In the first Rāpeti delays bedtime by saying goodnight to all of his friends. In the second Rāpeti is absorbed in playtime and the third he's running a race. Lovely illustrations and simple text and situations kids can relate to. —