Spring 2023 Book Reviews with little Unity in Auckland

Any Body A Comic Compendium of Important Facts and Feelings About our Bodies by Katharina von der Gathen & Anke Kuhl (Ages 7+)

Sex educator Katharina von der Gathen has produced another relatable compendium of frank and accessible answers to her students’ questions about puberty and the body (also check out Tell Me: What children really want to know about bodies, sex and emotions). The accompanying cartoons by leading children’s book illustrator Anke Kuhl add a playful element that focuses on all our diversity and quirks. It’s never too early for kids to appreciate all their imperfections and to feel at home in one’s body. Previously Katharina and Anke demystified the reproductive antics of the animal kingdom in the superb Do Animals Fall in Love. Any Body is a perfect introduction and celebration of human’s weird and wonderfulness. - Roger

Cub & Brown by Edwina Wyatt, illustrated by Evie Barrow (Ages 5+)

From the talented Edwina Wyatt comes this adorable new junior fiction story. Set over an unforgettable summer holiday in the great outdoors, a young cub scout and a brown-bear cub navigate the beauty of first friendship. Each of the chapters follows the 12 values of Scout Law – loyalty, bravery, kindness, etc. – with an adventure that illustrates that point. The adventures are playful, heartwarming and often hilarious. The gorgeous illustrations from Evie Barrow are sure to make this a classic early chapter book that every reader will cherish. A big tick from me. - Una

Too Bright to See by Kyle Lukoff (Ages 10+)

I stumbled across Too Bright to See only recently and it blew me away. A National Book Award finalist and winner of the most enduring award for LGBTQIA+ literature, the Stonewall Book Award, Too Bright to See follows 12-year-old Bug who lives in a haunted house with his mother, and, until recently, his uncle, who has passed away. Life doesn’t feel the same without Uncle Roderick, with whom he could always be himself, although who that is has always been unclear or something he has never questioned until Roderick dies. Spirits come and go in his house, but one presence makes itself known and has a message to pass on to Bug that ultimately shines a light into a future in which he discovers who he is. Too Bright to See is a powerful exploration of grief and gender identity, a read that will resonate with a lot of young readers, as well as old, like myself. Just gorgeous. - Demi

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky (Ages 16+)

Perks is the ultimate coming-of-age story. It’s told through a series of letters by loveable introvert, Charlie, as he navigates his way through making friends, dating, and mental health in the 90s. I first read this book in my early 20s when it did the rounds with my entire friend group. It was interesting to hear the different takeaways each of us had. For me, the line, “we accept the love we think we deserve,” resonated hard. So much so, it became a personal mantra that I carry with me to this day. I’d go as far as to say, this book changed my life. It taught me the power of words and made me want to become a writer. And for that, I’ll be forever grateful. It’s also the only book I’ve read three times. - Daniel

The illustrated picture books of Carson Ellis (Ages 2+)

Your favourite illustrator’s favourite illustrator, Carson Ellis’ picture books have been providing the escapism I’ve needed during our recent string of chilly evenings. Inspired by folk art and mysticism, Ellis’ style is distinctly warm and whimsical, with a hearty dose of imagination to boot. In Du Iz Tak, charming (and highly sophisticated) bugs communicate in a language of Ellis’ creation, inviting readers into their little world and instilling a sense of wonder towards our own back gardens. My personal top pick, Home, has Ellis guiding us through all the different places (and palaces!) people and creatures call home, whether that be on the moon or at the bottom of the ocean. With the quirky In the Half Room everything is halved, making for a surreal appreciation for what we can’t see. We’re very lucky to be able to share in her unique perspective on the world. - Martene