Happy 10th Birthday to Percy Jackson!

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Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, the book that introduced us to Percy Jackson, Camp Half Blood and the modern day Greek gods, turns 10 this year.  It’s hard to believe that this series has been around so long but it certainly seems to be as popular as ever.  It’s been good to see Rick Riordan writing new series featuring different mythologies (Egyptian mythology in The Red Pyramid and Norse mythology in the soon to be released Magnus Chase series) which really hook kids in and get them interested in mythology. One of my sons absolutely loves Percy Jackson and is an expert in Greek mythology!

The Lightning Thief has sold millions of copies worldwide and got plenty of accolades over the years:

  • Time magazine’s 2014 List of 100 Best Young-Adult Books of All Time
  • a New York Times Notable Book of 2015
  • School Library Journal Best Book of 2005
  • more than six years on the New York Times bestseller list (and counting)
  • Plus a major movie!

To celebrate 10 years of Percy Jackson Rick Riordan and his publishers have put together an event kit so you can host your own Percy Jackson party.  I love it when publishers to this as they create some great resources that you can use in your library or your school for free.  The event kit includes ideas for games and some activity sheets for kids.  I’m hoping to hold a Percy Jackson party in my library and here is the link if you want to download the kit and host your own party – http://readriordan.com/book/the-lightning-thief/.

Do your children love Percy Jackson? How will you celebrate Percy Jackson’s 10th Anniversary?

Attention Rick Riordan Fans – Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard is coming!

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Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he’s tracked down by an uncle he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. His uncle tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants, and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarök, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years. When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . .

Rick Riordan fans the world over (including me) will be jumping up and down with this exciting news – Rick Riordan has a brand new series coming out in October, Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard.  This new series focuses on Norse mythology.  Here’s what Rick Riordan says about the series:

‘I’ve always wanted to do something based on Norse mythology, but Percy Jackson happened to be the story that sprang to life first because my son was interested in Greek mythology at the time. Still, the idea for Magnus Chase has been with me for years. I have outlines of the general premise going back to at least 2007. In a very satisfying way, this series is coming full circle for me. Norse mythology turned me into a reader. Now, at last, I get to do my own take on it as a novelist.’

I love Norse mythology so I will be eagerly awaiting this new series.  I can’t wait to see Rick Riordan’s take on Odin, Loki and the other Norse gods!

The Sword of Summer is released in New Zealand by Penguin Random House on 7 October 2015.

2015 LIANZA Children’s and Young Adult’s Book Awards Winners

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The award ceremony for the 2015 LIANZA Children’s and Young Adult’s Book Awards was held at the National Library in Wellington last night.  Congratulations to all the finalists and the winners!  Here are the winners:

  • Russell Clark Illustration Award Winner: Mrs Mo’s Monster by Paul Beavis– Gecko Press
  • Elsie Locke Nonfiction Winner: Maori Art for Kids by Julie Noanoa and Norm Heke– Potton and Burton Publishing
  • Te Kura Pounamu Winner: Kimihia by Te Mihinga Komene and Scott Pearson – Huia Publishers
  • Librarian’s Choice Award Winner: I am Rebecca by Fleur Beale – Penguin Random House
  • LIANZA YA Fiction Winner: Night Vision by Ella West – Allen and Unwin
  • Esther Glen Junior Fiction Award Winner: Conrad Cooper’s Last Stand by Leonie Agnew – Penguin

The Porridge of Knowledge by Archie Kimpton and Kate Hindley

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What would you do if you discovered a recipe for porridge that could make you super smart?  Would you cook some up and eat it or would you throw it away thinking it was some silly joke?  What if it really did work and you suddenly knew incredible things? Would you use your super-smarts for good or evil?  This is the connundrum that Milk finds herself in when she discovers the Porridge of Knowledge in the new book from Archie Kimpton and Kate Hindley.

The Porridge of Knowledge by Archie KimptonMilk lives in the grubby seaside town of Slopp-on-Sea – a rubbish name for a rubbish town. But Milk’s life is pretty rubbish too, so it fits. She loves her Granddad, but nowadays he’s always wandering off somewhere, or asking her befuddled questions. Then one day, he comes back from one of his jaunts with a battered book in his hand containing a recipe for THE PORRIDGE OF KNOWLEDGE.

Intrigued, Milk enlists the help of her friend Carp to try the recipe. At first it looks like all they’ve managed to create is a lump of malodorous goo – but then they notice the ants (who have been nibbling the porridge) building a mashed potato replica of the leaning tower of Pisa… So they decide to try it out on themselves. And the results are incredible! Suddenly Milk and Carp are the cleverest people in town – and Granddad is back to his normal self. Milk and Carp are about to discover that sometimes a little bit of knowledge goes a long way…

The Porridge of Knowledge is a delightfully silly story with a cast of characters that will both make you laugh and cringe.  It’s a hugely entertaining story, with a great mixture of adventure, silliness, and plenty of laughs.  If you’re looking for the perfect read aloud for your kids, whether they’re 7 or 12, The Porridge of Knowledge is that book.

There are so many things to love about this book but the thing I loved most was Archie’s characters.  The people who live in Slopp-on-Sea sure are an interesting bunch, from the loveable main character Milk and her batty Grandad, to Jarvis the world’s worst cook and the slimey Malcolm Blanket.  My favourite character is Ms Cerise, Milk’s incredibly cruel and horrible teacher.  Not since Ms. Trunchbull in Roald Dahl’s Matilda have I meet a teacher so completely horrible to children!  Not only does she think her students are stupid, she tells them to their face.  She embarrasses and humiliates her students at every opportunity and she has a serious issue with stealing.  Ms. Cerise is just one of the characters in The Porridge of Knowledge who you hope will get their comeuppance big time!

Archie Kimpton and Kate Hindley are a dream team.  Kate’s illustrations bring Archie’s wonderful story and characters to life and they add an extra dash of humour.  I love illustrated books for older children and this is a great example.

If you like Roald Dahl and David Walliams you need to read The Porridge of Knowledge. I’m certainly going to search out Archie and Kate’s first book, Jumble Cat, and I’ll eagerly await their next book. Let’s hope they join forces for many more books.  Thanks to the marvellous Hot Key Books for publishing such a wonderful book.

My Most Anticipated Kids and YA July Releases from Text Publishing

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Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars by Martine Murray

Molly has a strange life. Her mama collects herbs at dawn and makes potions, her father and brothers have gone away, and her house feels like a gyspy caravan.

Molly doesn’t want to know anything about herbs and potions. She wishes she could be more like her best friend, Ellen, who has a normal family and a normal house. But she is also secretly interested in Pim, who is inquisitive and odd and a little bit frightening.

When Molly’s mama makes a potion that has a wild and shocking effect, Molly and Pim look for a way to make things right, and Molly discovers the magic and value of her own unusual life.

Molly and Pim and the Millions of Stars

Afterlife by Rebecca Lim

From the acclaimed author of the Mercy series and The Astrologer’s Daughter.

Since her parents died in a freak motorbike accident, Sophie Teague’s life has fallen apart.

But she’s just enrolled at a new high school, hoping for a fresh start.

That’s until Eve, a beautiful ghost in black, starts making terrifying nightly appearances, wanting Sophie to be her hands, eyes and go-to girl.

There are loose ends that Eve needs Sophie to tie up. But dealing with the dead might just involve the greatest sacrifice of all.

Afterlight

Kids and YA new releases from Makaro Press

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Peaceful Warriors by Raymond Huber (Children’s Nonfiction)

A war hero who refused to fight, students who stood up to Hitler, a ship that sailed into a nuclear test zone, a whole town which practiced non-violence. Peace Warriors tells the dramatic stories of people who chose non-violent resistance in times of conflict—stories of young men and women from New Zealand and around the world.

Young readers will discover that peaceful resistance can be as effective as military force, and that people power can change history.

Peace Warriors front cover

Nanotech by Denis Wright

High school students on a science field trip to Auckland are captured by white supremacist group NAB, whose target is American biologist Professor Meinhoff. He’s made a startling and dangerous breakthrough in molecular biology – a virus that could destroy entire ethnic groups if it falls into the wrong hands.

The kidnappers want it. The students and their teacher, Bernie, get in the way. Time is running out as they try to escape the kidnappers, save the Professor, and ensure that NAB’s shocking plan doesn’t succeed.

Nanotech front cover

You can purchase these books and more books from Makaro Press on their website – www.makaropress.co.nz/buy-online/

Win a signed copy of Fortunately the Milk by Neil Gaiman

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To celebrate Chris Riddell being named the new Children’s Laureate I have a very special giveaway.  I have a limited edition copy of Fortunately the Milk signed by both Neil Gaiman and Chris Riddell to give away to one lucky reader.  I absolutely love this book, both for Neil’s story and Chris’ illustrations!

Fortunately the Milk

Thanks to everyone who entered the competition!  The winner of the signed book is Laraine.

My Most Anticipated YA June New Releases from Allen and Unwin

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To Hold the Bridge by Garth Nix (Young Adult)

Far to the north of the magical Old Kingdom, the Greenwash Bridge Company has been building a bridge for almost a hundred years. It is not an easy task, for many dangers threaten the bridge builders, from nomad raiders to Free Magic sorcerers. Despite the danger, Morghan wants nothing more than to join the Bridge Company as a cadet. But the company takes only the best, the most gifted Charter mages, and trains them hard. For the night might come when even an untried young cadet must hold the bridge alone against the most devastating of foes …

Also included in this remarkable collection are eighteen short stories that showcase Nix’s versatility as he adds a fantastical twist on an array of genres including science fiction, paranormal, realistic fiction, mystery, and adventure.

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Pieces of Sky by Trinity Doyle (Young Adult)

Lucy’s life was going as smoothly as any teenager’s could. She was the state backstroke champion, and swimming obsessed. She lived with her parents and her brother, Cam, in the small coastal town she’d known all her life. She had friends, she had goals – she had a life.

Now Cam is dead, her parents might as well be – and Lucy can’t bear to get back in the pool. All she has to look forward to now is a big pile of going-nowhere.

Drawn to Steffi, the wild ex-best-friend who reminds her of her artist brother, and music-obsessed Evan, the new boy in town, Lucy starts asking questions. Why did Cam die? Was it an accident or suicide? But as Lucy hunts for answers she discovers much more than she expects. About Cam. About her family. About herself.

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Chris Riddell – Children’s Laureate 2015-2017

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It was fantastic to wake up to the news that Chris Riddell has been named the UK Children’s Laureate for 2015-2017.  Chris is the nineth laureate and follows in the footsteps of such giants of the children’s literature world as Malorie Blackman, Michael Morpurgo, Anthony Brown and Anne Fine. Chris Riddell is a fantastic illustrator who has worked with Neil Gaiman, Russell Brand, Martin Jenkins, and most notably with Paul Stewart on their Edge Chronicles series. Has also written and illustrated his own books, including the Ottoline series, the Goth Girl series, and the picture books The Emperor of Absurdia and Wendel’s Workshop.

His plan for his two-year post as Children’s Laureate is to encourage people to draw every day, he’ll post a daily illustration on his online ‘laureate log,’ and he wants to “to celebrate librarians at the heart of our schools.”

If you don’t follow Chris Riddell online you really should.  He posts some of his wonderful illustrations to his Facebook and Twiiter pages.  Follow him or http://www.facebook.com/chris.riddell2.

Check out the Love Reading 4 Kids UK Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/lovereading4kids) as Chris has illustrated each of the previous Children’s Laureates .  They are absolutely wonderful illustrations!

Here is my virtual book display of some great books by Chris Riddell.

It’s the Children’s Choice in the 2015 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults

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The New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults are trying something new this year with an expanded Children’s Choice Awards.  Children in schools from around the country have been given the opportunity to select their own list of finalists for the 2015 Children’s Choice Award.  It’s an awesome opportunity and something that I wish I had had the chance to do when I was at school.  Read all about it below and check out the finalist list for the 2015 Children’s Choice Award.  I think it’s a great list and it’s good to see the difference between the childrens’ finalists and those of the judges.

New Children’s Choice finalists’ list now decided by children

Children’s choices rule in the newly revamped Children’s Choice Awards in 2015. This year, more than 6,500 children and young adults from 106 schools from throughout the country have selected their own finalists from the 149 books submitted for the Awards. In previous years, the Children’s Choice was made from the judges’ finalist list, rather than from the full number of submitted books.

Nicola Legat, chair of the New Zealand Book Awards Trust, says, ”We wanted to hand this section over to the children – for them to decide which books they engaged with and which books they loved, rather than making their choices based on the criteria the judges used to make their decisions. Of the 20 books chosen as Children’s Choice finalists, seven match those on the judges’ list, so we’re very much looking forward to seeing the results of round two of the children’s vote over the next seven weeks.”

Voting for the Children’s Choice opens on Tuesday, 9 June and closes on Friday, 31 July. This year there will be a winner in each category.

Picture Books

  • I am not a Worm by Scott Tulloch – Scholastic NZ
  • Little Red Riding Hood ….Not Quite  by Yvonne Morrison & Donovan Bixley – Scholastic NZ
  • The Anzac Puppy by Peter Millett & Trish Bowles – Scholastic NZ
  • Doggy Ditties from A to Z by Jo van Dam & Myles Lawford – Scholastic NZ
  • Marmaduke Duck on the Wide Blue Seas by Juliette MacIver & Sarah Davis – Scholastic NZ

Junior Fiction

  • Dragon Knight: Fire! by Kyle Mewburn & Donovan Bixley – Scholastic NZ
  • The Island of Lost Horses by Stacy Gregg – HarperCollins
  • How I Alienated My Grandma by Suzanne Main – Scholastic NZ
  • 1914 – Riding into War by Susan Brocker – Scholastic NZ
  • My New Zealand Story: Canterbury Quake by Desna Wallace – Scholastic NZ

Non-fiction

  • New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame: 25 Kiwi Champions by Maria Gill & Marco Ivancic – New Holland Publishers
  • Maori Art for Kids by Julie Noanoa & Norm Heke – Craig Potton Publishing
  • The Letterbox Cat & other poems by Paula Green & Myles Lawford – Scholastic NZ
  • A New Zealand Nature Journal by Sandra Morris – Walker Books Australia
  • Waitangi Day: The New Zealand Story by Philippa Werry – New Holland Publishers

Young Adult Fiction

  • I Am Rebecca by Fleur Beale – Penguin Random House NZ
  • Night Vision by Ella West – Allen & Unwin
  • Spark by Rachael Craw – Walker Books Australia
  • Awakening by Natalie King – Penguin Random House
  • The Red Suitcase by Jill Harris – Makaro Press