Summer 2024-25 Book Reviews with little Unity in Auckland

Pepper & Me

A little girl falls on the street, scraping her knees, and a scab forms. “Since it followed me everywhere, I named it Pepper, after the puppy I’d always wanted but never got.” The scab she hated, for the way it came to be, and the way it stopped her knee from bending when climbing trees became a friend (of sorts). The narrator’s speech is earnest and familiar, it appears alongside dynamic, dreamy illustrations that evoke her emotions so vividly. That’s what makes this book special: Beatrice Alemagna understands the things that loom large for children and reminds an adult reader of that beautiful, slightly sideways way of looking at the world. Pepper & Me is witty, absurd and bittersweet, it explores letting go, change, and the curious surprises that our bodies and environment hand to us. / Elka Aitchison

Are We There Yet?

Any chance to go on a road trip with Alison Lester, grab it. This is a lovely picture book where you get to explore the breadth of Australia with Gracie and her family as they take off on a camping holiday around the country. Full of the warmth and hilarity of a not-so-perfect family, this is a playful account with wonderful detail in the illustrations and is based on a trip Alison took with her own family. Alison Lester is a phenomenal author and illustrator responsible for some classic Australian titles too numerous to mention. Read this and you’ll be itching to pack your bags and drive off for your own family adventure. / Roger Christensen

Our Beautiful Darkness

Originally published in Portuguese, this is a forceful illustrated YA novel. Very cinematic in feel and tone, thanks to the white on black page illustrations and text, we are thrust into a tender moment in war torn Angola during the 1990s. A city in blackout is the backdrop for a young couple meeting in darkness in a garden, talking and discovering each other through story, memory, tentative touches and an almost-first-kiss. This is a totally immersive read and the whole feeling of the book is beautifully summed up by the boy explaining to the girl the words of his grandmother when he asked her what poetry is… “Poetry isn’t the rain. It’s the sound of the rain.” / RC

The Strange & Unlikely Tale of Montgomery the Mysterious Bird of Mystery

A book as playful and imaginative as its title. Gramps has lived what seems like a thousand full, adventurous lives and on a Wednesday his sceptical grandson sits and listens to tales of his youth. The longest and most enthralling is his time as ‘The Astounding Alfredo’, famous for his trick with ‘Montgomery the Mysterious Bird of Mystery.’ The tale of the vindictive, fame-hungry dove is captivating, funny and full of intrigue, but it’s the relationship between Gramps and Boy which is the star of the story. Antony Elworthy talks about how the book blossomed from stories he would tell his children on long car trips and before bed and this shines through. The rapport between the two characters is so lovely and natural, and the whole tale reminds readers of the joy and importance of storytelling. A merry and gripping book perfect for a 7-to-10-year-old with a vivid imagination and a great sense of humour. / EA

Amazing Jellyfish

Did you know that jellyfish have been about millions of years before the dinosaurs? Or that some jellyfish have travelled to space? Most importantly, jellyfish are actually pretty cool. This is a compelling and beautifully illustrated under-the-sea adventure full of our strangest and deadliest deep-sea dwellers. Michael Stavarič is a compelling narrator who captivated us with Amazing Octopus. You really get a sense that Stavarič cares about the world and getting us equally excited about his discoveries. This is a fun, fact-filled book full of incredible images and extra activities to test your curiosity. I was totally absorbed. / Issy Walker