My New Zealand ABC book by James Brown and Frances Samuel

Alphabet books are the staple of any picture book collection, helping children learn about the letters that make up the English language - and helping to enrich their vocabulary with new words, and often expanding their knowledge of the world around them through carefully chosen themes.  

My New Zealand ABC book is a very kiwi picture book, packed with images from the collections held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa - known more simply by many as Te Papa.  There are a combination of photographs and paintings which make this a visually diverse and engaging view, and will provide the basis for many one-on-one discussions between the big person reading the story and the little person listening to the story. 

Some of the images are new, some are old, some are everyday items, while others the children will not see outside a museum like Te Papa.  There is a subtle repetition here that will encourage younger children to join in, and older children will enjoy reading this book for themselves (with a little help for the trickier words). 

A charming and very kiwi book that makes the perfect gift for New Zealand children at home and abroad - and the perfect gift for families new to New Zealand who want to introduce children to the wonders of their new home past and present.

If you like this New Zealand picture book then try:

• Barnaby Bennett by Hannah Rainforth; illustrated by Ali Teo
• Construction by Sally Sutton; illustrated by Brian Lovelock
• What's the time, dinosaur? by Ruth Paul
• Opposites by Lynley Dodd
• Rustle up a rhythm by Rosalind Malam; illustrated by Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson
• Tyranno-sort-of-Rex by Christopher Llewelyn; illustrated by Scott Tulloch

Reviewed by Brilla