More great Children's Books

Time to highlight some more of the books which are finalists in the 2010 NZ Post Children's Book Awards.

The Word Witch is an apt description for renowned Kiwi children's author Margaret Mahy. Tessa Duder has collected some of her poems, David Elliot has provided illustrations and the result is this fantastic book which both parents and children will chuckle over. The description in the "Good Book Guide" is brilliant. "The Word Witch can lasso with a limerick, haunt with a haiku and wrap you tight in a rhyme as quick as lightning. Her cauldron is a dictionary, her wand a might pen, and she stirs her words at midnight, making tempting treats for children."

If you haven't already heard of The Wonky Donkey then there are obviously no children in your life. What started out as an award-winning song by Craig Smith is in the running to become an award winning book. It is cheeky, mischevious and fun.

The ever popular Piggity Wiggity Jiggity Jig is back, this time going on a lunchtime visit to his Dad's cafe. Lovely lilting language to get the tongue around and also a good read to pick up for those who have picky eaters in the family. Look out soon for the third Piggity book by Diana Neild and illustrator Philip Webb - Piggity Wiggity Jiggity Jig and the School Concert.

Old Hu-Hu is a lovely picture book by Kyle Mewburn celebrating life. Hu-Hu-Too is looking for Old Hu-Hu. "Old Hu-Hu flew to the moon and back. Then fellto the ground. Dead." But Hu-Hu-Too doesn't understand, especially wheneveryone tells him something different. The simple story is supported bystunning illustrations from Rachel Driscoll. It is a perfect book with aKiwi flavour to share with any child, but would be especially good to helpthose who have lost someone special, be it human or pet.

NZ Post have produced their annual Kiwi Kids' Good Book Guide and copies of this are available at your local library.