Icebergs: The Antarctic comes to town by Dave Cull, Publisher: Longacre Press, Reading age 10+

When icebergs were sighted off the coast of New Zealand, photographer Stephen Jaquiery recorded the event. Now writer Dave Cull takes us to the frozen continent and tracks the journey of the icebergs from their Antarctic beginnings to their appearance and demise in the temperate waters off the coast of the South Island. He answers the questions we all ask: How are icebergs formed? Why did these icebergs travel so far north? How big are they? Where did they come from? Will we see more?

The Antarctica Book: Living in the Freezer by Dr Mark Norman, Publisher: Black Dog Books, Reading age 8+

At the bottom of our planet is a very strange land known as Antarctica which is surrounded by sea, and the only people living there are scientists living at research stations.. But there is an amazing amount of wildlife and Dr Norman’s book looks at the various creatures living in Antarctica . This is a great book for children who love animals and a good reference book for schools.

Grandma Joins the All Blacks by Helen McKinlay, illustrated by Craig Smith, Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Reading age 8+

There is something about granny’s marmalade that can give the All Blacks energy to win a game, but that isn’t all granny is good at. She knows what the All Blacks need when they don’t want to practise. But I can’t tell you the secret or it will spoil the story. You will just have to read it for yourself!

Pancakes for Findus by Sven Nordqvist, Publisher: Hawthorn Press, Reading age 5+

This is a wonderfully fun book that has sold over 4 million copies worldwide. It’s about Pettson, who wants to make pancakes for his quirky cat, Findus. The problem is nothing goes right!

The Visitor by Sonja Bougaeva, Publisher: Gecko Press, Reading age 4+

Two sisters live peacefully on a tiny, remote island. One day they receive a letter, telling them their cousin John is coming to visit. At first the sisters are delighted to have a visitor, but they soon tire of him wanting to bring order to their life of comfortable chaos.

First the taps are fixed, then the house is painted, and the sisters have to give up pancakes and eat muesli. Even the animals are made to live outside…