Gillian Candler, Author

Writing about Nature in New Zealand/ Aotearoa

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Author: Gillian Candler

Examples of pop-up cards

Making Native Bird Pop-Ups

Gillian Candler January 16, 2021January 16, 2021 Libraries, Nature, parents, Schools

Making native bird pop-up cards was a huge hit at Whitby Library last week. I’ve been taking part of the Porirua Library “Imagine This!” summer festival for children and this was the second workshop I ran.  Nature pop-up cards are…

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cover diary of a young naturalist

Nature Books for Teens

Gillian Candler November 30, 2020November 30, 2020 Children's books, Non-fiction books, parents, Schools

Looking for some book present ideas for young people? Perhaps they’ve been fans of the ‘explore and discover’ books and are now teens. Perhaps they’ve got New Zealand Nature Heroes and love to read about nature and be inspired by nature heroes.…

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Kids Write About Nature

Kids Write About Nature

Gillian Candler April 20, 2020April 20, 2020 Nature, Schools, Uncategorized, Writing

Last year I ran some writing workshops with local children for Porirua Harbour Trust. I introduced the children to the idea of writing poems that could take on the shape of what they are writing about. Here are some of…

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cover of book

Stay at Home Nature Travel – reading recommendations

Gillian Candler March 24, 2020March 24, 2020 Nature, Non-fiction books

Right now people all around the world are hunkering down, travel plans cancelled, trips and events off. Those of us lucky enough to live among nature or close to wild places can still get out and about on solitary bird…

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Cover of New Zealand Nature Heroes book

Nature Heroes

Gillian Candler January 11, 2020January 10, 2020 Book news, Children's books, Nature, Schools

My latest book New Zealand Nature Heroes is 80 pages of “inspiration and activities for young conservationists”. Stories of scientists and volunteers …. … are matched with activities young people can do to be nature heroes themselves. I’m developing a website www.discovernature.nz/nature-heroes/ to carry…

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Colouring sheet image

Book Related Activities

Gillian Candler January 9, 2020January 9, 2020 Children's books, Reading

Running out of kids’ activities for the holidays? Thanks to illustrator Fraser Williamson, each of the “Whose?” books has a matching activity which helps extend the children’s thinking about the book concepts. Whose Beak is This? has a kākā mask to colour and…

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Invite to Meet the Author

Wellington Museum Book Reading Event

Gillian Candler November 17, 2019November 17, 2019 Book news, Children's books

Pick up your free colouring page from “Whose Home is This?”

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Cover of New Zealand Nature Heroes book

Bookshop Day Event

Gillian Candler October 16, 2019October 16, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Nature, Non-fiction books, parents, Uncategorized

Come along on at 2pm 26 October 2019 to the wonderful Schrödinger’s Books in Petone and take part in some nature-themed craft for kids. I’ll be signing books and showing a sneak preview of “New Zealand Nature Heroes”, which will…

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Native Trees and Plants Brought Vividly to Life

Native Trees and Plants Brought Vividly to Life

Gillian Candler July 10, 2019July 10, 2019 Nature, Non-fiction books, parents, Schools

The act of identifying and naming plants changes the way we see the bush. No longer is it a tangle of different greens, a confusing mass of different shape leaves. Bark, flowers, berries, leaves, all provide clues about the trees…

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Whose Home is This? cover

Whose Home is This? Book Awards Finalist

Gillian Candler June 6, 2019August 2, 2019 Book awards, Book news, Children's books, Illustrations

I’m excited to announce that my book “Whose Home is This?” illustrated by Fraser Williamson is a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2019. “Whose Home is This?” is a finalist for the Elsie…

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Raise Your Child to Read & Write – Book Review

Raise Your Child to Read & Write – Book Review

Gillian Candler March 24, 2019March 24, 2019 parents, Reading, Schools, Uncategorized, Writing

Raise Your Child to Read & Write: a guide for New Zealand parents from birth to seven years by Frances Adlam I’ve always believed that family members need to be involved in a child’s education, but have often encountered parents…

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Summer Nature Reading – New Zealand wildlife

Summer Nature Reading – New Zealand wildlife

Gillian Candler January 22, 2019January 22, 2019 Nature, Non-fiction books, Uncategorized

My summer reading in 2018/19 included these two excellent titles. The first is the field guide of reptiles and amphibians that we’ve all been waiting for! The second is my new ‘go-to’ book about New Zealand birds. Reptiles and Amphibians of…

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Animals of Aotearoa cover

Meet the Author – Animals of Aotearoa

Gillian Candler October 19, 2018August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Nature, Non-fiction books, parents, Schools

Out this month, is a 112 page hardback compendium of New Zealand wildlife. Including all the favourites from the ‘explore and discover’ series and over 100 more. Animals of Aotearoa is available to pre-order now from publisher Potton & Burton,…

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Writing a Nature Journal – for adults

Writing a Nature Journal – for adults

Gillian Candler September 23, 2018August 23, 2018 Nature, parents, Writing

Creating a Nature Journal is a great way to deepen your nature connection. Whether you want to record what you see on a nature walk, celebrate nature’s beauty, or keep track of what you’ve learned about nature – there’s a nature…

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Create Your Own Nature Journal – for children

Create Your Own Nature Journal – for children

Gillian Candler August 23, 2018 Nature, Writing

Creating a Nature Journal about a walk or trip is a great way to share your memories about the place you visited. You can use a bought notebook or make your own booklet (see how below). Observing nature on holiday…

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Whose Home is This? cover

New Book Out Now – Whose Home is This?

Gillian Candler May 16, 2018August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Nature, Non-fiction books

Launching this month is my new book for kiwi nature kids. “Whose Home is This?” Illustrated by Fraser Williamson and published by Potton & Burton. “Whose Home is This?” follows on from the award winning “Whose Feet are These?” and…

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What I’m reading: summer 2018

What I’m reading: summer 2018

Gillian Candler March 19, 2018March 19, 2018 Nature, Non-fiction books

“Where Song Began: Australia’s birds and how they changed the world” by Tim Low Who’d have thought a non-fiction book on birds would be a page-turner! Turns out this one is. Tim Low has a pacy style of writing, and he’s…

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Writing Workshops for Children – creating powerful writing

Writing Workshops for Children – creating powerful writing

Gillian Candler February 14, 2018August 2, 2019 Book news, Libraries, Schools, Writing

Children are such creative thinkers. And so honest and perceptive too. That’s why I enjoy visiting primary schools and public library school holiday programmes. Best of all is spending time with them in a writing workshop. In 2017, I visited…

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Nature Writing – Making Zines

Nature Writing – Making Zines

Gillian Candler January 13, 2018 Nature, Schools, Writing

Crazy about kākāpō? Curious about kauri? Amazed by animal poo? Wild about weka? If you are a nature fan, you can make a zine to share your passion.  Zine is short for ‘fanzine’ – these self-published creations started out as…

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3 (Updated) Top Tips on Writing Children’s Books

3 (Updated) Top Tips on Writing Children’s Books

Gillian Candler December 3, 2017 Children's books, Uncategorized, Writing

As a published children’s author I often get approached by writers or illustrators who have written or created a story, wanting to know about how to get it published. Sometimes it is their friends who approach me – writers and illustrators can…

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Writers in Schools – book now for 2018!

Writers in Schools – book now for 2018!

Gillian Candler November 22, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Non-fiction books, Schools, Uncategorized, Writing

Attention teachers, librarians and schools, you have until 15 December to book me through Writers in Schools for Term 1 2018! Are you: Planning a Book Week Wanting to give your year 4-8 students a non-fiction writing boost Keen to…

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Nature Heroine – writer Sheila Natusch

Nature Heroine – writer Sheila Natusch

Gillian Candler October 26, 2017 Illustrations, Nature, Non-fiction books, Writing

I’ve just seen “No Ordinary Sheila“, the documentary about the wonderful and not at all ordinary Sheila Natusch. This documentary was a clever blend of recent interviews and family photos, integrated with archival films from the relevant times in her…

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About Illustrating – Link to Interview with Ned Barraud

About Illustrating – Link to Interview with Ned Barraud

Gillian Candler October 12, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Illustrations, Non-fiction books, Schools

Children often ask about the illustration process for the ‘explore and discover books’. Ned Barraud the illustrator is interviewed on The Sapling about how he fits illustrating children’s books in with his day job, about the process and about some…

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Reviewing ‘Keeping Your Children Safe Online’

Reviewing ‘Keeping Your Children Safe Online’

Gillian Candler September 18, 2017 Non-fiction books, parents, Schools

Keeping Your Children Safe Online: a guide for New Zealand parents by John Parsons, published by Potton & Burton 2017 The moment I picked up Keeping Your Children Safe Online, I knew this book was going to be flying off…

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Win a Copy of Up the River

Gillian Candler September 13, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Non-fiction books

To enter this competition go to https://www.facebook.com/GillianCandlerAuthor/ and enter before 9am Monday 18 September 2017. Note you need to have a New Zealand postal address to enter. For more on my thoughts about writing Up the River, see my last blogpost http://gilliancandler.co.nz/up-the-river-new-book-about-new-zealands-freshwater/ SaveSave…

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Up the River cover

Up the River – new book about New Zealand’s freshwater

Gillian Candler September 10, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Nature, Non-fiction books

Up the River: explore and discover New Zealand’s rivers, lakes and wetlands is the latest addition  to the ‘explore and discover’ books, following on from books about the seashore, ocean, garden, and forest habitats. Up the River is the sixth…

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From Moa to Dinosaurs cover

FAQs About Writing ‘From Moa to Dinosaurs’

Gillian Candler August 17, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Non-fiction books, Writing

Recently I was interviewed by The Sapling about From Moa to Dinosaurs, a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults To read the full interview with me and with the other non-fiction finalists click here.…

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Free Downloadable Forest Birds ID Card

Free Downloadable Forest Birds ID Card

Gillian Candler June 18, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Nature, Non-fiction books

With the first print-run of “In the Bush: explore and discover New Zealand’s native forests” came a detachable forest bird ID card in the inside back cover. This card won’t be included in subsequent print-runs. Instead it’s available to download…

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Finalist in Book Awards 2017

Finalist in Book Awards 2017

Gillian Candler June 8, 2017August 2, 2019 Book awards, Book news, Children's books, Non-fiction books

I’m delighted to announce that “From Moa to Dinosaurs: explore and discover ancient New Zealand” is a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2017. Here’s the link to the complete list of finalist books and…

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The State of Children’s Non-Fiction in New Zealand

The State of Children’s Non-Fiction in New Zealand

Gillian Candler May 10, 2017August 2, 2019 Book awards, Book news, Children's books, Non-fiction books, Writing

Follow this link to read an article I’ve written on the state of children’s non-fiction. I argue that there must be a better name for these splendid books than ‘non-fiction’ and that we need more good quality non-fiction titles for…

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Make a Gecko with Sticky Feet

Make a Gecko with Sticky Feet

Gillian Candler April 20, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Non-fiction books

Did you know that geckos have ‘sticky’ feet? They can even walk upside down on ceilings or up a pane of glass! Children at Porirua, Cannons Creek and Whitby Libraries had a go at making their own geckos with sticky…

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Author interview – Porirua Library

Author interview – Porirua Library

Gillian Candler April 12, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Writing

Here’s an interview I gave to Bee Trudgeon of Porirua Library, ahead of the school holiday sessions I’ll be running next week Wednesday 19 April. I love her questions, especially the one about what animal I’d like to be if…

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School Holiday Event – Read Around the World and about New Zealand too

School Holiday Event – Read Around the World and about New Zealand too

Gillian Candler April 5, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Non-fiction books, Schools

I’m looking forward to being the special guest at the Porirua Library’s school holiday event. On April 19 I’ll be visiting 3 of the branches to read from my books and have some fun making crafts. I’ll be sharing “Whose…

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Keeping up to date: From Moa to Dinosaurs

Keeping up to date: From Moa to Dinosaurs

Gillian Candler March 3, 2017August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Nature, Non-fiction books, Schools

Keeping up to date with scientific discoveries about New Zealand’s origins can be a bit hit and miss. Think about what you remember from school or nature documentaries you’ve seen. Like me, you might have had the idea that our…

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Speaking for Science: clearing confusion around controversial topics

Speaking for Science: clearing confusion around controversial topics

Gillian Candler January 13, 2017 Non-fiction books, Schools

Shaun Hendy in his compelling Silencing Science (BWB texts) argues that “New Zealanders can’t be complacent. I believe that there are rifts between our scientists, our politicians and the public that put members of our society at risk.” His readable short text…

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NZ Bookshop Day Event – meet the author

NZ Bookshop Day Event – meet the author

Gillian Candler October 17, 2016August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books

Come along to Marsden Books in Karori and meet author and illustrator of the Explore and Discover series, take part in the nature quiz and win prizes When: 3pm, 29 October 2016 Where: Marsden Books, 159 Karori Road, Karori What…

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Storylines Family Days – book fun for families

Storylines Family Days – book fun for families

Gillian Candler September 5, 2016August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Nature, Non-fiction books, Schools

I recently took part in the Storylines Family Days in Dunedin and Christchurch.  A special feature of the days is the number of pre-schoolers who come along and it was great to see them having a go at the activities,…

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Book Launch Invitation

Book Launch Invitation

Gillian Candler August 31, 2016August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Nature, Non-fiction books, Schools

Blog readers and their friends and families are welcome to the launch of my latest book – From Moa to Dinosaurs: explore and discover ancient New Zealand. This new book is part of the award-winning explore and discover series,  illustrated by Ned…

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Publishing books for children – 3 tips for would-be authors

Publishing books for children – 3 tips for would-be authors

Gillian Candler July 19, 2016July 27, 2016 Children's books, Uncategorized, Writing

As a published children’s author I often get approached by authors or illustrators who have written or created a story, wanting to know about how to get it published. Sometimes it is their friends who approach me – authors and illustrators can…

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Photo of Gillian Candler

Joining Bloglovin

Gillian Candler July 15, 2016July 15, 2016 Apps and websites, Uncategorized, Writing

Bloggers like to read other people’s blogs and I’ve been looking for a good way to bring all the blogs I like to read together into one place. I’ve tried various Apps and been frustrated by them, and also used…

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“Whose Beak is This? finalist for Elsie Locke Award

“Whose Beak is This? finalist for Elsie Locke Award

Gillian Candler June 8, 2016August 2, 2019 Book awards, Book news, Children's books, Non-fiction books

I’ve always been a huge fan of Elsie Locke, so it’s such an honour to be named a finalist for the Elsie Locke Award for non-fiction in the NZ Children’s Book Awards for 2016. (The NZ Children’s Book Awards and…

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Sea Week Resources

Sea Week Resources

Gillian Candler February 28, 2016 Apps and websites, Children's books, Nature, Non-fiction books, Schools

It’s Sea Week, a time for schools, parents and public to turn their attention to the treasures of the sea. Unlike a trip to the beach or the bush, it’s hard to show children what lives under the sea, although there…

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Top Outdoor books from my Bookshelf

Top Outdoor books from my Bookshelf

Gillian Candler January 15, 2016 Children's books, Nature, Non-fiction books

Being an active outdoor’s person and enjoying books might seem an odd mix to some. But for many people some of the pleasure of getting outdoors is in planning trips and learning more about the places they’re going to or…

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On Writing and Nature

On Writing and Nature

Gillian Candler October 28, 2015August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Non-fiction books

I’m taking part in Porirua Library’s A Long Hot Summer Story Festival in January. Ahead of that event I was interviewed by Children’s Librarian Bee Trudgeon. You can read the interview here: http://www.porirualibrary.org.nz/Services/Children-s-Library/Bee-s-Bookish-Blog – scroll to October 28, 2015

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Book Launch Invitation

Book Launch Invitation

Gillian Candler October 18, 2015August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books

Blog readers are invited to the launch of Whose Beak is This? my new picture book, illustrated by Fraser Williamson. Date: 31 October, Place: Paper Plus, North City Shopping Centre, Porirua, Time: 2-3pm Bring your children or grandchildren, free bird mask…

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In the Bush cover

Just in time for the Great Kereru Count – New Book Launched

Gillian Candler September 17, 2015August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Non-fiction books

My favourite place  – the New Zealand bush –  is the topic of my latest book. It’s a book for children, informed by many walks in the bush with botanists, bird lovers, and those steeped in bush lore. Many of…

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Awakening Curiosity – writing science for children

Awakening Curiosity – writing science for children

Gillian Candler June 18, 2015August 2, 2019 Book news, Children's books, Non-fiction books, Schools

Read my tips about science writing for children in the latest edition (Winter 2015) of The New Zealand Author. In Awakening Curiosity: writing science for children I discuss 4 science education research-based principles that I apply to my writing and 2 tips for writers…

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Reading Non-fiction with Children

Reading Non-fiction with Children

Gillian Candler April 29, 2015 Children's books, Non-fiction books

Tips for Reading Non-Fiction With Children – using Under the Ocean as an example It’s okay to read a book just the way it’s written cover to cover! On the second (third or fourth!) read, or the first if the child…

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At the Beach cover image

Can they read it? – quality online content for young children

Gillian Candler April 20, 2015February 6, 2017 Schools, Uncategorized

It had to happen! While I was busily writing away about the School Library service changes, a press release was doing the rounds, showing that the National Library had responded to schools concerns, and rather than suddenly stopping the service,…

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School Library Services changes – high-interest reading?

School Library Services changes – high-interest reading?

Gillian Candler April 3, 2015April 3, 2015 Children's books, Non-fiction books, Schools

This year the School Library Curriculum Service is controversially coming to an end, replaced by loans to schools of general high-interest reading collections. Teachers and students are to go online to access all they might need to support the curriculum. At first glance…

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What I’m Reading

Gillian's bookshelf: nature

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative
it was amazing
The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative
by Florence Williams
I confess I started reading The Nature Fix already a convert. I know that being in nature makes me happier and more creative, but what I didn't know was why. After reading the book, I not only have some answers for why nature can help ma...
tagged: nature and nonfiction
Birdstories: A History of the Birds of New Zealand
it was amazing
Birdstories: A History of the Birds of New Zealand
by Geoff Norman
Birdstories is my new go-to book! When I was pondering which shelf to put it on - next to the field guides or among the nature prose, it occurred to me that since this book won’t be staying on the shelf for long, it might as well stay on...
tagged: explorers-and-naturalists, nature, new-zealand-books, and nonfiction
Where Song Began: Australia's Birds and How They Changed the World
it was amazing
Where Song Began: Australia's Birds and How They Changed the World
by Tim Low
Who’d have thought a non-fiction book on birds would be a page-turner! Turns out this one is. Tim Low has a pacy style of writing, and he’s not shy about putting forward his opinions. It’s great to find serious non-fiction with a popular...
tagged: australia, nonfiction, and nature
The Meaning of Trees
it was amazing
The Meaning of Trees
by Robert Vennell
I highly recommend "The Meaning of Trees". If you thought New Zealand's native plants were boring or less interesting than our birds and lizards, this book will show you otherwise! I was delighted to receive a review copy from the publis...
tagged: nature, new-zealand-books, and nonfiction
The Outrun
it was amazing
The Outrun
by Amy Liptrot
The author, a young woman, returns to live on the Orkneys to recover from addiction. The book paints a picture of the rugged nature of these islands and how immersing herself in the cold sea, the dark nights and the barely tamed land res...
tagged: nature and nonfiction

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Recent Posts

  • Making Native Bird Pop-Ups

    Making Native Bird Pop-Ups

    January 16, 2021
  • Nature Books for Teens

    Nature Books for Teens

    November 30, 2020
  • Kids Write About Nature

    Kids Write About Nature

    April 20, 2020
  • Stay at Home Nature Travel – reading recommendations

    Stay at Home Nature Travel – reading recommendations

    March 24, 2020
  • Nature Heroes

    Nature Heroes

    January 11, 2020

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Gillian Candler, Author

4 days ago

Gillian Candler, Author

Whitby Library was buzzing on Thursday as we set about making these fun pop-up cards. Such great concentration by kids (and parents). In an hour and a half, many managed to make both the kiwi and the piwakawaka, while a few worked away on the one card, adding to and embellish their work. Lots of amazing, creative ideas with the use of colour, words, images. Thanks for having me Whitby Library. This was part of Imagine This! go to Porirua Library Children's Chat to see more of what was on during the Imagine This! festival. If you missed out on the pop-up card session you can find the instructions on my blog.
explorediscovernature.blogspot.com/2021/01/making-native-bird-pop-up-cards.html
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Gillian Candler, Author

1 week ago

Gillian Candler, Author

A wonderful audience at Porirua Library last Friday, scroll through the photos to see some of their art and poetry. ...

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Book News

  • Nature Heroes

    Nature Heroes

    January 11, 2020
  • Wellington Museum Book Reading Event

    Wellington Museum Book Reading Event

    November 17, 2019
  • Bookshop Day Event

    Bookshop Day Event

    October 16, 2019
  • Whose Home is This? Book Awards Finalist

    Whose Home is This? Book Awards Finalist

    June 6, 2019
  • Meet the Author – Animals of Aotearoa

    Meet the Author – Animals of Aotearoa

    October 19, 2018
  • New Book Out Now – Whose Home is This?

    New Book Out Now – Whose Home is This?

    May 16, 2018
  • Writing Workshops for Children – creating powerful writing

    Writing Workshops for Children – creating powerful writing

    February 14, 2018
  • Writers in Schools – book now for 2018!

    Writers in Schools – book now for 2018!

    November 22, 2017
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