The Hatchling
Published by Dogbox Press
Illustrated by Jenny Cooper
Something is making a racket in the attic!
Since the mysterious disappearance of their parents, Willow and Hunter have been living with their grandfather in his creaky old house. But Grandpa’s memory is fading fast and the twins dread the prospect of being placed into foster homes. Willow can barely sleep for the worry, not to mention the crashes coming from the locked attic.
But the close-knit twins are on the cusp of an extraordinary discovery. One that will draw a series of strangers into their lives, both sinister and surprising. As a super blood moon approaches, the pair will be propelled on a hair-raising adventure that pushes their relationship beyond breaking point and challenges everything they’d believed to be true.
The Hatchling is a gripping, fast-paced adventure story brimming with fantastical characters. But most of all it’s about family, the joy of belonging, and the importance of finding your way home.
This thrilling adventure will hook readers aged 8–12 from the very first page. Themes of family, belonging, and forgiveness run through the story, along with plenty of humour, sibling rivalry, and heart. The lively grandparents add warmth and comic relief, making this a rollicking read that’s perfect for bedtime or classroom read-alouds.
Maria Gill (reviewer for KidsBooksNZ)
How Not to Stop a Kidnap Plot
Published by Scholastic New Zealand
Illustrated by Fraser Williamson
Michael and Elvis are back in a new adventure!
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After Michael has a run in with his sworn enemy, his brilliant plan for payback backfires. During a punishment, he overhears kidnappers plotting. With no idea who the kidnappers are or their intended victim, Michael draws his own conclusions.
Along with his best friend, Elvis, Michael is launched into a high-tech adventure making an unlikely alliance in order to solve a strange mystery.
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Storylines Notable Book 2018
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Finalist – New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2018
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Get yourself a copy, and buckle up for a great time.
Rachel Moore (reviewer for Booksellers New Zealand)
Main salts in plenty of modern touches (eg spibots, drones, computer technology) that will fascinate younger readers, alongside timeless themes of being a youngster, having good friends and adventures, and being worried about how you're seen by others. Just a great read, whether you're a keen kid or an adult who wants to mix up your menu.
Craig Sisterson
How I Alienated my Grandma
Published by Scholastic New Zealand
Illustrated by Fraser Williamson
Michael’s grandma might look normal, but she isn’t!
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Ever since Michael unearthed a strange object from his back yard and pointed it at his grandma, her behaviour has been off the planet and no one except Michael is noticing it. A spaceship load of trouble has been unleashed from Michael’s garden. But his only allies are a bumbling sci-fi geek and a stinky oddball! What hope does he have of saving his grandma and stopping the diabolical plan that threatens them all?
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Winner – Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award 2014
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Finalist – New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2015
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Storylines Notable Book Award 2016
A page turning encouragement for younger readers to read on.
New Zealand Herald
Have a load of tissues for the laughter and time to read it from beginning to end. It is so hard to put down but even harder to do the housework and hang out the washing while trying to read it!
G. Kempton