Happy Feet's Incredible Journey

On June 21st, 2011, a lonely emperor penguin stepped onto Peka Peka beach and into stardom. He had swum further from Antarctica than any other emperor penguin in recorded history. This delightful book follows Happy Feet's incredible story from the penguin's point of view.

This is more than just a storybook for young children though, as scroll shaped boxes on every page give facts about Happy Feet and Emperor Penguins in general. Some of the facts are illustrated with photos and maps while the story is illustrated with a collage of photo and illustration.

Happy Feet's Incredible Journey is a book that requires reading twice as (particularly with younger children) it is easy to get lost if you try reading both the story in the facts in one sitting. In reality though this is a book that will be read again and again both for the delightful, unique story and the learning experience.

RRP $19.99
Published and distributed by Penguin Group

.
Harry Potter Film Wizardry from the creative team behind the celebrated movie series

If you ever wondered how the very successful Harry Potter movies were created, this is the book for you. With contributions by various members of the cast and production crew, you will be able to find out how a bunch of muggles were able to create a magical world and bring Jo Rowling’s visions to life.

The book is presented in the form of a scrapbook and includes never before seen concept art and photos including Rowling’s own sketch to explain the layout of Hogwarts to production staff. There are also high quality close-up pictures of the props, sets, costumes and effects that bring Harry’s world to life on the screen. Some special interactive features are included such as reproductions of Harry’s letter of acceptance from Hogwarts, a Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes product catalogue, a Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher training book, a Potter Stinks/ Support Cedric Diggory badge and an advanced potion making mini book.

The book explains how creatures like Dobby were created, how Hedwig was trained and how the game of Quidditch was brought to life. Readers will also find out how Hagrid was made to look larger than life and what it is like to spend over half your life on a movie set. Readers might be amazed to find how much detail goes into each set and at the amount of preparation that goes into creating each scene.

This book will be enjoyed by any fan or Harry Potter or any student wanting to enter the movie industry.

RRP $59.99
Published and distributed by HarperCollins Publishers under the Collins Design title

New Zealand New Millennium: A decade in pictures

This book is hailed as the perfect book for everyday New Zealanders with an interest in the world around them. I was looking forward to a photographical history of the major events of the past decade. Even keeping in mind the last decade finishes in 2010 and therefore doesn't take into more recent major news headlines like the February 22nd quake in Christchurch, the Rena disaster or winning the Rugby World Cup, I was sure there would be enough exciting and interesting events for everyone.

This book certainly covers a lot of events, but I was surprised at some omissions, especially considering some other content worthy enough to be included. For example, there is a photo taken during a rugby league semi final in Auckland, but none of the final nor no photo during the game or after, when the Crusaders won their seventh title in 2008, becoming the most successful rugby franchise in super rugby and one of the most successful teams in world sport.

Rather than saying this book reflects the highs and lows of the decade, I felt it was more of a reflection of our society. Yes we did have top sports people competing on the world stage but we also had golfers prepared to go out on their local course on a foggy morning to play just for the love of the game. Some major events around the world had an impact on us, but we also had more regular things like rescues from our beaches, nit checks in schools and sheep musters.

Rather than saying this book is 'the perfect book for everyday New Zealanders with an interest in the world around them' I would say it offers a snapshot of New Zealand during the first decade of the new millennium through the eyes of photographers of the New Zealand Herald. It represents the news, events and other points of interest that had an impact on New Zealanders but also the more ordinary things that New Zealanders, particularly Aucklanders participated in. If you look at it this way and see the photos for the splendid works of art they are, then it is worth buying.

RRP $50.00
Published and distributed by Penguin Group

.
White Out: The historic snowfalls of 2011

There is something about snow that makes just about everyone enjoy seeing pictures of it. Whether it is the pristine whiteness, or the fact that it makes things look so different, there is no disputing that it makes beautiful photos. Earlier this year we had perfect conditions for making wonderful photos of snow covered cities and countryside as in August the whole country encountered spectacular snows.

White Out shows the affects and beauty of these snows through photos submitted by everyday people right around the country. Some are funny, some are quirky and some are simply beautiful, but all pay tribute to this significant weather event.

This book not only provides a great pictorial record of what for many was the first snowfall in decades, but will also be a treasured gift or addition to any library.

RRP $17.99
Published and distributed by Penguin Group
 

>> Back to Book Search <<