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Writing about Nature in New Zealand/ Aotearoa

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Author: Gillian Candler

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Writing haiku

Gillian Candler December 1, 2021December 1, 2021 Book news, Nature, Writing

Haiku is a form of poetry that is appealing to both children and adults. Haiku are most often about moments in nature, or simple nature descriptions. It’s a Japanese form of poetry that has been adapted for English language. Originally…

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Whose Feet are These? cover

Author reading: Whose Feet are These?

Gillian Candler September 6, 2021September 6, 2021 Book news, Children's books, Libraries, Nature, Non-fiction books, parents

During lockdown Kids Restore Kepler asked if I would read one of my books aloud. Here it is – Whose Feet are These? illustrated by Fraser Williamson. This little book is now sadly out of print. If you missed out…

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Conservation Inspired Poetry

Conservation Inspired Poetry

Gillian Candler August 9, 2021August 26, 2021 Nature, Writing

The Volunteer Empty trapOne weaselResetOne rat, snap, snap, empty trapOne hedgehogNibbled baitWalking stick, lost and foundNext monthAnother round by Gillian Candler The Bird Count warm upget readylook out the windowone yellow hammerin a flock of sparrows too many to count…

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The Importance of Non-Fiction Books for Children

The Importance of Non-Fiction Books for Children

Gillian Candler August 9, 2021August 9, 2021 Children's books, Non-fiction books, Schools

I wish there was another name for ‘non-fiction’.  It seems a shame to use a negative to define what can be such imaginative and creative works that describe our marvellous world as it is. ‘Non-fiction’ describes what they are not,…

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Join the campaign for Earth – our other mother

Join the campaign for Earth – our other mother

Gillian Candler April 19, 2021April 19, 2021 Illustrations, Nature, Writing

Nature fills me with wonder, I’m in awe of its beauty and power, I share this wonder with parents and children in the books that I write. Most recently I’ve written about being Nature Heroes. I believe each of us…

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More Children’s Writing About Nature

More Children’s Writing About Nature

Gillian Candler February 1, 2021February 1, 2021 Children's books, Libraries, Non-fiction books, Schools, Writing

Poetry at Porirua Library I was invited to talk to children about making books – writing and illustrating – at Porirua Library this summer as part to the Imagine This! festival. With an audience of both pre-schoolers and school age…

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Making Papier Mache Animals

Making Papier Mache Animals

Gillian Candler January 23, 2021January 23, 2021 Children's books, Craft, parents, Schools

The wonderful papier mache tūī that accompanied me to the Imagine This! Festival at Porirua Library, was a huge hit with kids and parents. They were fascinated about how little it weighed and how life-like it looked. This lovely tūī was made…

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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, 2020August 26, 2021 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 https://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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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

  • Writing haiku

    Writing haiku

    December 1, 2021
  • Author reading: Whose Feet are These?

    Author reading: Whose Feet are These?

    September 6, 2021
  • Conservation Inspired Poetry

    Conservation Inspired Poetry

    August 9, 2021
  • The Importance of Non-Fiction Books for Children

    The Importance of Non-Fiction Books for Children

    August 9, 2021
  • Join the campaign for Earth – our other mother

    Join the campaign for Earth – our other mother

    April 19, 2021

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Gillian Candler, Author is in Pukerua Bay.

8 hours ago

Gillian Candler, Author
Ruru has returned. Same branch, same grumpy ‘do not disturb me’ expression. I tiptoed away and left it to its slumber. #ruru #morepork #nzbirds #owlsofinstagram ...

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Gillian Candler, Author

3 days ago

Gillian Candler, Author
Have you voted for Tree of the Year? I've just voted for Ratanui, a huge stunning rātā at Bushy Park.How has Rātānui, a 1,000-year-old northern rātā in Bushy Park Tarapuruhi, survived for so long in a human-dominated landscape?🌳 Have a read to discover the story of this magnificent tree: www.forestandbird.org.nz/resources/ratanui-reverence🌳 Vote now for Rātānui for Tree of the Year! www.treeoftheyear.co.nz/2022-trees/ratanui📷: Lamp Studios ...

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Book News

  • Author reading: Whose Feet are These?

    Author reading: Whose Feet are These?

    September 6, 2021
  • 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
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