Six taniwha, all looking at me, sing Beddy-bye time in the bubbly-white sea. It's almost bedtime and a young child counts objects, including kererū, taniwha, kea and sheep.
Author Juliette MacIver returns with her flawless rhythm and rhyme in this beautiful bedtime story. MacIver has a magical way with words, and this book is no different. Each word, and every sound, is considered and works perfectly.
A mix of the familiar bathtime to bedtime routine with a sprinkle of moonlit magic, it is gentle and beautiful, exactly what you need and expect in a bedtime story. MacIver includes a smattering of Māori kupu to ground younger readers in the undeniable New Zealand setting.
Illustrator Lily Uivel's gorgeous artwork glows with warmth and life. She embraces the unique setting of the story, adding a whimsical touch to bedtime. There's lots of subtle things to spot in her illustrations - from pounamu to one of MacIver's previous books and much more.
MacIver and Uivel may just be the most perfect pairing, Beddy-Bye Time in the Kōwhai Tree takes the best of both of them to create a beautiful book that will be treasured by generations.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Scholastic NZ