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Book Reviews May 2007
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From time gone by to today, this month’s book
reviews take us from the time of the Great
Depression to the modern day. Two books were
inspired by much-loved animals; the first book is
‘Paddy the Wanderer’ and the second is ‘Fonzi’.
We also look back over the life of Plunket as it
celebrates 100 years in New Zealand, with the launch
of its book 'I was a Plunket baby’. |
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Paddy The Wanderer
by Dianne Haworth, Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (NZ),
NZ RRP: $18.99, Reading age 9+
This is an endearing non-fiction account of an amazing
Airedale that captured public imagination throughout New
Zealand during the Great Depression, and that is today
honoured in Wellington by a statue celebrating his status as
a much-loved local legend. Formally adopted by the Wellington
Harbour Board, his official title was Assistant Night
Watchman responsible for pirates, smugglers and rodents. On
his death, his funeral procession brought Wellington to a
standstill. Not bad for a stray dog!
Like Dianne Haworth, who researched and wrote the book, I
too was deeply moved by the accounts of this dog’s life.
Dianne commented that she found herself weeping for a dog,
long gone, that had touched so many lives then and that still
brings a smile to the face of those who know his story.
Recommended read for both adults and children.
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Fonzi
by Sharyn Smart, Publisher: Studio Seven Publishers, NZ RRP $12.00,
Reading age 8+
This book is dedicated to and was inspired by a real horse called
'Fonzi'. Fonzi was thirty years old when he died and throughout his
life he entertained the school children who came to visit him.
This is Sharyn Smart's first children's book and is a
delightful read. The book was illustrated by artist Wendy Short. If
you have any child that loves horses this book would make a great
birthday gift. It is currently available by contacting Sharyn at
smart4family@xtra.co.nz. |
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The Patch by Justina
Chen Headley, Publisher: Black Dog Books, NZ RRP $16.95, Reading age
4+
"Ballerinas don't wear glasses," Becca cried. "And
they especially do NOT wear patches!"
At school, all of Becca's friends want to know what's
up with her patch. Instead of telling the truth, Becca leads her
classmates on imaginative adventures to explain her fabulous fashion
choice. But when the questions persist, it's time for Becca to come
clean about her problem.
Definitely a fun read. |
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Guji-Guji
by Chih-Yuan Chen, Publisher: Gecko Press, NZ RRP $18.99, Reading
age 4+
I cuddled up with my two
youngest children and began to read the book to them. They loved the
story of a crocodile called 'Guji-Guji' that was adopted by a rather
distracted mother duck. You have the three bad crocodiles that come
on the scene and want to eat those nice and tasty fat ducks and
Guji-Guji has to decide where he belongs, with evil crocodiles or a
family of ducks.
I won't spoil the story,
except to say that my children asked me to read it over and over
again. Don't say I didn't warn you!
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I was a Plunket baby
by Jim Sullivan, Publisher: Random House, NZ RRP $39.95, Reading
age: Adult
PLUNKET - the very word is
a New Zealand icon. This book tells the story of the first hundred
years of the Royal New Zealand Plunket Society, from 1907 when the
infant death rate was appallingly high through to 2007. Along the
way skirmishes with the Department of Health, the politicians and
even, in the early days, the medical profession, have all been part
of Plunket's battleground. Through all this, Plunket has readily
adapted to the need for change and its nurses and volunteers have
continued to care for over 90% of New Zealand infants.
Plunket volunteers have created an organisation in which nurses and
mothers are the controllers of their own destiny, and a legacy for
all New Zealanders, almost all of whom can make the claim, "I was a
Plunket baby!" The text is detailed and includes extracts from
official documents and personal recollections, along with a wealth
of illustrations to portray this dramatic century.
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