JUST FOR KIDS

The Memory Thief

By Leonie Agnew, illustrated by Kieran Rynhart, Penguin Random House, $18.99

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Seth is a troll. He’s been trapped behind the iron bars of the public gardens for as long as he can remember. Unfortunately because he’s a troll he can’t remember for long. Turned to stone in the daylight, he appears as a statue of a shepherd boy. But as soon as darkness hits, he is free to move and feed by stealing humans’ memories. The iron of the gates burns him so he can’t leave the park.

Then he meets Stella. Something tugs at what’s left of Seth’s memories — if he could just remember . . . And what is the human girl trying so hard to forget?

It’s a great story, revolving around human feelings, empathy and friendship. A chapter book, this would be good for readers 9 and up. Author Leonie Agnew is a Kiwi writer whose work has won numerous awards.

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The Adventures of Mittens Wellington’s Famous Purrsonality

By Silvio Bruinsma, illustrated by Pheobe Morris, Penguin Random House, $19.99

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This book follows the real-life adventures of Mittens, a Turkish angora kitten who came to Wellington’s attention during the 2020 lockdown which obviously didn’t apply to Mittens. Mittens spread the love during lockdown and was presented with a key to the city by the mayor and even nominated for New Zealander of the Year. He has his own Wikipedia page entry. Lovely bright illustrations follow Mittens through Wellington. A great Kiwi picture book..

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