This basic look at New Zealand, in a series that allows us to tour the Pacific Island nations, can seem a bit too worthy, stodgy, and to my mind too old-school, thump-you-over-the-head-with-a-chalk-board-eraser kind of geography teacher. But it is not absolutely dreadful – it will educate, even if in ways I'd still question and over subjects I'd still doubt the need for. This might have been towards the lower of the star ratings, had I not seen others in the series, and realised that these are all written by natives, and from the viewpoint of what they would wish you to learn. So fair's fair – even if this goes off-curriculum, it can't be too bad to be taught about the islands from an Islander.

New Zealand is one of 5 books in a series on the Pacific Islands. It is written at a level meant for upper elementary and middle school grades. The book is divided into chapters on The History of New Zealand, Island Geography, Island Traditions, and New Zealand Today. At the beginning of the book is a guide to pronouncing Te Reo Maori Vowels. At the end of the book is a glossary seperated into Te Reo Maori terms and English terms, along with an index and resources for finding out more about New Zealand and the Maori people.

There is a lot of history included in this book. There are both mythological and geographical explanations as to how the islands came about and were settled. Colorful pictures accompany the text for a more enjoyable reading experience.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #NorwoodHousePress for an eARC of #NewZealand

Part of the ‘Voices from Around the World’ series, ‘New Zealand’ is a nonfiction children’s book that explores New Zealand’s history, geography, traditions and cultural practices.

I hope the Māori Party are able to officially change the name of New Zealand back to its original name, Aotearoa! I liked learning about the Māori perspective on how the world began. I had previously heard of Māui but not Ranginui or Papatūānuku. I also liked learning about Poutini and Pounamu, I think I’d like to do some more research into that story!

As a Welsh person, I can relate to having places in my country renamed with English names and having to request the government to legally change them back to their native names. I think I’ll also research the Dawn Raids too, I’d like to learn more about that.

Language loss is another thing I can relate to as in Wales we were also punished for speaking our native language. It was really cool to learn about the cow collars, I’ve never heard of them before but it makes sense to use them.

I really enjoyed this instalment of the series. New Zealand has a very interesting history and such rich culture that I’d love to learn more about. Thank you to NetGalley and Norwood House Press for allowing me an eARC of this book. I look forward to reading the next one.

TWs/CWs - Colonisation; Dawn Raids; Death; Disease; Language Loss; War

Very informative and enchanting look at life in New Zealand by Philippa Werry.
New Zealand is one of my bucket list places to go so, this only whet my appetite!
Beautiful images, geographic details, cultural background, historical information, pronunciation guides, and current events are all explored in this series.
This would make a great addition to any elementary/middle school library or classroom.
Thanks to NetGalley and Norwood Press for the early review copy!

I thought that this was a really good book.

It was well laid out and it had some great images to bring the book to life.

I loved the mix of language and the traditions used in the book.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, a great insight into New Zealand, their country and customs – very highly recommended

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARC!

Reading this book reminded me of when we had to do research in elementary school- this book is perfect for young readers who are learning to research a topic. The real photos in the book are intriguing and I like how the text is broken down into chapters including the history, geography, traditions, and what New Zealand looks like today. Very informative and easy to understand.

This nonfiction book introduces young readers to the culture, traditions, languages, and people of New Zealand. The book includes a pronunciation guide to the Maori words that form a key part of the book. Full color photos enhance the text. A table of contents and glossary of words assist readers in understanding the content. The text is written in language that is geared to elementary age children, although the Maori words may prove to be difficult to pronounce despite the guides. This book is a relevant and appropriate addition to a nonfiction library.

I received this book from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Norwood Press for my copy of New Zealand by Philippa Werry in exchange for an honest review. It published August 15, 2022.
This book, and the related series is wonderful! As an adult, I felt like I was learning quite a lot, from origin stories, geographical location, culture, customs, foods, and more, this is an excellent resource for children and adults alike!
This would make an excellent addition to any library or classroom!

Visiting New Zealand was such a highlight in my travels. Having loved the country, I was eager to see this book, even knowing that it was written for children. Included is information on the country’s history and geography, along with sections on traditions and New Zealand today. The end of the book includes suggestions for further reading and an extensive glossary.

This well illustrated title is packed with information. It would make an excellent addition to a home or school library.

By the way, I very much liked the Maori prayer that is at the end of this title.

Many thanks to Norwood House Press and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.