Episode Playlist
Books Aloud - KIM - A Journey Between Worlds, by Kim Logan( 0:26:59)
Episode Information
Kim: A Journey Between Worlds by Kim Rangiaonui Logan, Foreword by Peter Hillary.
Kim's father was in the 8th Māori Battalion, but returned from war a damaged man, unable to cope with his children. But his son Kim climbed away, literally - Everest, Aorangi Mt Cook, anywhere, to love and contentment. This is Kim’s story of courage and discovery.
Published: 9/12/2025 5:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud - Obligate Carnivore, Stephanie Johnson( 0:27:19)
Episode Information
Politics, religion, conversation, love, sex, ageing and addiction are all explored in Stephanie Johnson’s brilliant collection of short stories. Join Viv as she talks to Stephanie Johnson, one of New Zealand's most accomplished novelists and short story writers.
Published: 2/12/2025 5:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud - Mandy Hager, Revenge and Rabbit Holes( 0:28:49)
Episode Information
Revenge and Rabbit Holes is the latest adult novel from Kapiti Coast's award-winning author, Mandy Hager. She talks to Vivienne about this second book in the Chasing Ghosts mystery series.
Published: 25/11/2025 5:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud - Angels of Clay by Madeleine Eskerdahl( 0:24:34)
Episode Information
Thrilling crime novel from bestselling NZ author Madeleine Eskedahl.
Madeleine has done it again with a fabulous thriller. In the latest thrilling crime novel from bestselling NZ author Madeleine Eskedahl, a killer stalks the shadows of a quiet town. There are two victims, one message, and a truth that has been buried since the war. Set in the lush, sun-soaked wine country of New Zealand, the Matakana Series delivers gripping, atmospheric mysteries where small-town charm collides with chilling crimes. Featuring a cast of unforgettable characters and layered investigations that span generations, each novel offers a tense, emotionally rich journey into the heart of a seemingly peaceful community with a dark undercurrent. Perfect for fans of Jane Harper, Ann Cleeves, Camilla Lackberg and Tana French.
Published: 18/11/2025 5:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud - Softly Calls the Devil Author Chris Blake( 0:29:35)
Episode Information
Softly Calls the Devil is a dark gripping intricate crime thriller set on the South Island's wild and wooly remote West Coast. Catherine talks with the talented author Chris Blake on how he came up with the book, does his real job as a Detective Senior Sergeant influence his work and where do these dark characters come from? This book is a great read. Listen in to what the author, Chris Blake has to say about the book, the characters and his process in writing the story.
Published: 11/11/2025 5:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud - Home Grown Fruit - A Practical Guide by Kath Irvine and Jason Ross( 0:29:43)
Episode Information
This guide takes you step-by-step to an abundant, naturally healthy, home orchard, and along the way teaches you all the skills you need to be an epic fruit gardener and Catherine had a wonderful chat with the authors - Kath Irvine - organic gardener who has been teaching food growing to Kiwi gardeners for 25 years, and Jason Ross, who runs Habitate, a coastal Otago nursery specialising in heritage fruit trees and edible landscape design.
Their book focuses on creating a healthy setup and selecting well-suited varieties. From this solid foundation, fruit trees flourish, care is easy, there are fewer pests and diseases, and most importantly, growing is fun!
This inspiring, accessible book is perfect for beginners setting up a new orchard, busy people who want homegrown fruit without the fuss, and seasoned growers seeking deeper knowledge.
Published: 4/11/2025 5:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud - He Puawai - A Natural History of NZ Flowers( 0:25:30)
Episode Information
100 native flowers of Aotearoa revealed in extraordinary 3D photography in this beautiful hardback book by Philip Garnock-Jones. Catherine talks with Philip to find out how this beautiful book was created.
About the book - Aotearoa has at least 2,200 native species of flowering plants that have evolved in our unique conditions, and the vast majority of them grow nowhere else on earth. This has made New Zealand a natural laboratory for studies of flower biology and a vibrant wonderland of gardens and bush for Māori and Pākehā to enjoy. Botanist Philip Garnock-Jones discussed this book with Catherine. The book is available now and is a book to be treasured.
Philip is a botanist, emeritus professor and former chair of botany at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington.
Published: 28/10/2025 5:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud - Kuwi the Kiwi Treasury with Author Kat Quin( 0:25:41)
Episode Information
Kuwi the Kiwi Author Kat Quin Celebrates 10 years of Kuwi & Friends with a beautifully presented Kuwi the Kiwi Treasury. Featuring all five of Kuwi’s bestselling adventures, along with glimpses into Kat Quin’s artistic and story-making process. Kat joins us at Coast Access Radio to talk about her writing process and what is has been like creating these adorable stories for her many fans.
The Kuwi collection is a true treasure trove of stunning, simple, and playful stories for young readers. While every story shines on its own, together they create a wonderfully cohesive and captivating collection.
Stories included: Kuwi’s First Egg, Kuwi’s Huhu Hunt, Kuwi’s Very Shiny Bum, Kuwi’s Rowdy Crowd and Kuwi’s Fluey Huwi.
Published: 21/10/2025 5:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud - Peta Mathias - It's been six weeks since my last confession( 0:27:53)
Episode Information
Peta Mathias joins us to talk about her new book 'It's been six weeks since my last confession". In this, her 19th book, Peta regales her readers with indiscreet stories from her life - how to deal with anger and temps perdu, why it's not a sin to wear black underwear, how eating sun-drenched food will keep you young and beautiful forever, how to open your eyes with a knife and what happens when you go on holiday with five A-types. "It's been six weeks since my last confession" is just glorious. It makes you think about what is good in life, love and food. This is a laugh out loud book that will have you rolling about one minute and running to the kitchen the next - full of inspiration to make something fabulously simple and delicious. Peta's hilarious wit and charm is present in every page.
Published: 12/10/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud - The Hatchling by Suzanne Main( 0:22:26)
Episode Information
Award-winning children’s book author Suzanne Main releases her much-anticipated third junior fiction novel!
Something is making a racket in the attic!
Since the mysterious disappearance of their parents, Willow and Hunter have been living with their grandfather in his creaky old house. But Grandpa’s memory is fading fast, and the twins dread the prospect of being placed into foster homes.
The Hatchling is a gripping, fast-paced adventure story brimming with fantastical characters. But most of all it’s about family, the joy of belonging, and the importance of finding your way home.
Published: 3/10/2025 6:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud - Turkey Hurly-Burly by Annelies Judson( 0:29:50)
Episode Information
Annelies Judson, Auckland based children’s writer, talks to Vivienne about her latest picture book, Turkey Hurly-Burly, an entertaining rhyming tale where one simple classroom decision pet decision spirals into schoolyard chaos.
Published: 27/09/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud - Lest They Have Eyes - The Blood Maker Fables by Bonivon Dyer( 0:24:5)
Episode Information
Catherine speaks to American author Bonivon Dyer about her book - 13 years in the making, that plants us into a story 600 years past the earth that is 70 years from now - a dystopian novel where we self destruct thanks to our selfish and power hungry future, but having enough foresight to preserve a number of people to be awoken again in the future - into a world where we meet magical characters, twists and turns and every changing worlds, bizarre gifts and strange beings. This is creativity on steroids.
For six centuries, the utopia of Elusis has thrived - a society of supernatural Gifts, peace, and prosperity. But beneath the surface, secrets stir. Arkarian Story, a long-lost warlord, lies frozen
in a hidden cryo tank, his name a whisper of fear and rebellion.
His awakening could destroy everything.
You will need to buy this book and devour it!
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 20/09/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud - The Terrible Trio - The (not so) Superheroes by Swapna Haddow( 0:25:26)
Episode Information
Author Swapna Haddow talks to Catherine about her hilarious new book - The Terrible Trio - The (not so) Superheroes.
In a world where all animals have superpowers, Zeb the zebra, Margarine the penguin, and Barry the lemur have the WORST powers of all.
Terrible Trio books are written by Swapna, an award-winning children’s author, and illustrated by multi-faceted illustrator and designer, Minky Stapleton. The Terrible Trio books are a fun illustrated series, best described as ‘The Bad Guys’ meets ‘Madagascar’!
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 15/09/2025 9:46:10 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep45 - With Jodie Shelley and her new book Zoe & Mila( 0:23:27)
Episode Information
Jodie Shelley releases her third engaging kiwi novel - Zoe & Mila. In this book she is challenging societal beauty standards with her humorous style. Catherine sits down with Jodie to discuss how this book came about, an insight into the characters and brings up some questions around self image and pressures felt by women.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 6/09/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud - Ghost Kiwi by Ruth Paul( 0:24:9)
Episode Information
Ghost Kiwi - Viv sits down with award-winning author and illustrator Ruth Paul to talk about her first junior fiction book.
When her grandfather Rex is hospitalised, 11-year-old Ruby retreats to the forest with her trusty dog sidekick and a weird old doll she wants to get rid of. Near the treehouse built by Rex, she discovers a kiwi burrow. And is that a white kiwi chick she sees?
Ruby and her friend Spider uncover a plot by the local vet to catch the white kiwi for an international smuggling ring. Together with a social misfit, who is both ex-convict and nature lover – and perhaps some mystical help from the local patupaiarehe – they manage to expose and catch the crooked vet.
This well-crafted, compelling story weaves two cultures in anintriguing mystery adventure, spiced with Kiwi banter and humour. With trees that hold hands and friends that bridge cultures, the story takes us from deep inside a kiwi burrow to a town where families work together to protect a taonga of Tāne Mahuta – a precious white kiwi chick named Rākaunui, after the full moon. Ghost Kiwi features themes of family relationships, friendship, conservation, mental health and the supernatural.
Published: 30/08/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep43 - Stephen Myhre - Wood Carving: Tools, Techniques & Concepts( 0:30:2)
Episode Information
Author and craftsman Stephen Myhre talks about his new guide to wood carving for New Zealanders - Wood Carving : Tools, Techniques & Concepts.
This how-to guide covers every aspect of wood carving from selecting the right wood to understanding patterns and achieving the perfect finish.
Stephen Myhre is a renowned artist who has been carving in wood, jade, bone and other materials since the 1970s. After many years living overseas and absorbing a range of Pacific, European and Asian influences, he now has his studio in Paraparaumu Beach.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 23/08/2025 8:30:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep42 - A Beautiful Family, by Jennifer Trevelyan ( 0:24:30)
Episode Information
Vivienne talks to Wellington-based writer, Jennifer Trevelyan about her mystery/ family saga debut novel, A Beautiful Family. Set on the Kapiti Coast, the book has been getting huge international attention with film rights picked up by Niki Caro (Whale Rider).
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 9/08/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 41 - What do you do all day? by WJ Moloney( 0:27:16)
Episode Information
Catherine speaks with kiwi author WJ Moloney about his new book "What do you do all day?"
What does a wealthy Auckland stay-at-home mother andwife do all day? What really goes on when the cat's away? On the surface, Sam has everything any woman should want:
a successful husband, a nice house, a holiday home, two lovely kids, and a desirable, expensive car. Yet Sam is frustrated and unfulfilled. When her usual distractions fail her, she retraces the steps of how her life turned out like it has.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 26/07/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud - Ep 40- with Kate Furze, author of PekaPeka, Secret Forest Bat( 0:23:14)
Episode Information
Vivienne talks to Auckland-based author, Katie Furze about her recently released children’s non-fiction picture book, Pekapeka, Secret Forest Bat, published by Scholastic NZ.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 19/07/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 39 - Ingrid Prosser interviews Terrier, Worrier author Anna Jackson( 0:29:7)
Episode Information
Terrier, Worrier - A Poem in 5 Part. This book is a luminous exploration of thought by one of our most distinguished poets. Part autobiography of thought, part philosophical tract, part poetics,
a book about chickens and family and seasons, Terrier, Worrier is a literary sequence to be relished as language and as thought.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 12/07/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 38 - Viv talks to Kirsty Powell about her recent novel, The Strength of Old Shale( 0:27:22)
Episode Information
Vivienne chats to New Zealand author, Kirsty Powell about her recently released novel, The Strength of Old Shale, a stand-alone sequel to The Strength of Eggshells, winner of the 2020 New Zealand Booklovers Fiction Awards. Her story weaves two worlds together in a blend of New Zealand’s goldmining history, family saga and contemporary fiction.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 28/06/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 37 - Bookmark Kapiti( 0:25:16)
Episode Information
Kirsten Le Harivel and Cerid Jones talk about the upcoming Bookmark Kapiti Book And Community Festival coming to multiple Kapiti venues on 9 and 10 August
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 21/06/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 36 - Is my worry worth worrying about? - by Becky Overeem( 0:26:46)
Episode Information
Is My Worry Worth Worrying About? by debut author Becky Overeem is a beautifully illustrated story that helps young readers navigate anxiety and find calm. With Sarah Trolle’s stunning artwork, the book delves into the overwhelming world of childhood worries through a heartfelt narrative that empowers children to face their fears.
This picture book goes beyond storytelling, offering a dedicated section for children, parents and caregivers with practical tools to help families navigate challenges together.
Perfect for homes, classrooms, and mental health discussions, Is My Worry Worth Worrying About? is both a comforting story and a valuable resource for growing minds. You can pre order the book at Becky's website - www.bexteachingresources.com/books
Published: 31/05/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 35 - The Wonderful Stranges with Melanie and Monica Koster( 0:23:2)
Episode Information
Catherine sits down with The wonderful Stranges author Melanie Koster and her daughter Monica Koster who beautifully illustrated this lovely book,
The Wonderful Stranges is a story about inclusion; being open minded and how accepting others just as they are can be an enriching experience. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination and innovation. The Strange family embrace the arts and sciences, with inventions, including some for sustainable living.
Accompanied by glorious, whimsical illustrations, this delightful book with themes of kindness and acceptance, that draws attention to climate change is a very timely book. Melanie Koster wrote the first draft of The Wonderful Stranges in 2011, in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes. The story had some success in various writing competitions and was then shelved in the bottom drawer. After a little tweaking, the story was ready to see the light of day again and she thinks its message is more relevant now than ever.
Melanie Koster has been shortlisted six times for the Joy Cowley Award finally winning in 2022. She haswritten many children’s books including Elephant Park, Tama and the Taniwha and Milly Maloo and the Miracle Glue.
Monica Koster is an artist and illustrator who has just completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts with Honours at the University of Canterbury. Her paintings have been exhibited in Christchurch and Ashburton as part of the Creator’s Room and ZONTA Female Art Awards Exhibitions.
Published: 14/05/2025 10:30:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 34 Vividwater with Jacqueline Owens( 0:27:50)
Episode Information
Vividwater, envisions a chillingly plausible future Aotearoa where water is a luxury commodity, and survival hinges on access to this precious resource. Through the lens of Alex, a "mnemopath" navigating a society teetering on collapse, Jacqueline crafts a narrative that is both thought-provoking and eerily resonant with contemporary global challenges.
Jacqueline Owens is a Wellington-based writer whose latest novel is a richly imagined dystopian fiction - Vividwater
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 7/05/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 33 - The Only Dinosaur in School by Leonie Agnew( 0:4:33)
Episode Information
Catherine reviewed this delightful children's book by Leonie Agnew. The Only Dinosaur in School is a delightful and imaginative story that combines humour, heart, and a touch of chaos - perfectly suited for young readers and anyone who remembers the awkwardness of standing out.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 1/05/2025 2:00:00 p.m.
Books Aloud Ep 32 - The Biggest Kiwi in the world by Colleen Brown. The kiwi was carved into a hillside by WWI returning soldiers in 1919( 0:28:54)
Episode Information
This is a true New Zealand story. Colleen intended writing this story 15 years ago, but was side-tracked by the material she uncovered while researching the story.
She turned that information into ‘The Bulford Kiwi. The Kiwi we left behind.’ Now, it’s time to tell the children’s version of that story – ‘The Biggest Kiwi in the World’. Illustrated by Emma Lay the book cleverly takes the reader back in time through the use of sepia images, while former British soldier Danny Fisher narrates the story to his granddaughter Pru.
Danny Fisher, his grand-daughter Pru, and his dog Kiwi takes the reader back in time … to 1919 when our national emblem – the KIWI – was carved into the chalky slopes of Beacon Hill, above Sling Camp in Southern England by NZ soldiers at the end of WW1.
This Kiwi was saved from extinction by Danny and his Arctic Warrior team in 1980. Now our Kiwi is a protected Heritage England monument, still standing proudly on Beacon Hill.
Colleen believes that these stories are important in shaping our country and we need to tell them proudly.
You can find Colleens books here at https://www.colleenbrownbooks.com/books
Published: 19/04/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 31 Three Dogs, Two Murders and a Cat by by Rodney Strong( 0:28:41)
Episode Information
Catherine sits down with Wellington based author Rodney Strong to talk about his latest book, Three Dogs, Two Murders and a Cat. This is part of a new mystery series and is a fabulous crime novel - that is unputdownable. Its the type of book you want to take away on holiday, to sit down in a comfy chair in front of the fire with or just to have a great read. A face paced and surprising novel about an animal detective, based in recognisable streets and suburbs of Wellington.
In the opening pages of this excellent cosy crime novel, the reader learns that Nicolette Briggs doesn’t do humans. But she does do animals, which is a good thing, as she is Wellington’s premier, and possibly only, animal detective. She investigates missing pets and cases of animal cruelty. Her latest case is one of a poisoned cat, who thankfully survived, but her client wants to know what happened. This is exactly the type of case that Nicolette excels in, but then human bodies start showing up. Before she knows it, Nicolette is smack bang centre in the middle of two murder investigations.
Published: 12/04/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 27 - Bad Jelly returns to the bookshelves and the screen( 0:27:45)
Episode Information
Catherine talks to Mukpuddy co-founder Ryan Cooper about bringing Badjelly back to the bookshelves and onto the screen. For those who remember the iconic story from Spike Milligan, there is a wonderful reimagined book available now written by Ryan Cooper. For those who are new to this iconic tale, the classic tale is of a lost cow, a mysterious forest and a sinister sorceress. The series is available to watch now on TVNZ+ and features the voices of Miriam Margolyes, Rhys Darby & Rose Matafeo.
In this chat, we get the background of how this project was able to get going, why our innovative Kiwis were given permission to get the project off the ground - and Catherine will be giving a copy the book away.
Published: 15/03/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 26 with Patricia Donovan and her new book Rita Vegas( 0:18:57)
Episode Information
Patricia Donovan is the author of three previous novels, including The Remarkable Miss Digby which in 2022 was shortlisted for a NZ Booklovers Award.
Rita Vegas continues her notable exploration of genre. Patricia says that while her novels span numerous genres, they do share a common theme: a woman’s journey and her quest, in the face of obstacles, to find her strengths and make her way in the world.
Patricia lives on the Kapiti Coast. More information at www.patriciadonovan.nz
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 22/02/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 25 with Melinda Syzmanik and her latest book BatKiwi and the Big Wet( 0:27:49)
Episode Information
Vivienne spoke to New Zealand children’s author, Melinda Szymanik about her latest picture book, BatKiwi and the Big Wet. It is the third in the BatKiwi series, which introduces a variety of Aotearoa’s forest creatures and sees BatKiwi, the superhero duo again come to the rescue.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 15/02/2025 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 24 - Features Tonight I Burn, by Katherine Adams( 0:26:29)
Episode Information
Viv chats with local author Katie Adams, about her trilogy, with part 2 due to be published in March 2025 and Viv reads extracts from the already published part 1.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 8/12/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 23 - Kiwis and Koalas: Bridge to Anywhere with Sarah Milne( 0:18:32)
Episode Information
With her cousins visiting from overseas, Lily shares her magical bridge … and this time they venture further than Australia. Where do you think they will visit and what do you think they will see?
Following the success of Kiwis and Koalas, Bridge to Anywhere is the much-anticipated sequel—another charming and whimsical tale of love, loss and bridging the distance between the people and places we miss. A quarter of New Zealanders are estimated to be foreign-born according to StatsNZ, so this book will resonate with many New Zealanders.
Published: 30/11/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 22 - The infamous goose - Thomas, by Michael Peryer( 0:9:9)
Episode Information
Narrated by Sue Scott, here is the story of Thomas the goose. The rainbow relationship of Thomas the goose and Henry the black swan received worldwide fame in February of 2018 when Thomas, the blind, bisexual goose passed away and was buried next to his partner of nearly thirty years, a black swan named Henry. Headlines appeared in news columns as far as the UK and America including the BBC News, Daily Mail and even a mention on The Ellen Show in the US!
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 23/11/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 21 - with Peter Shaw - Japan: An Auto-biography( 0:31:21)
Episode Information
Peter Shaw first went to Japan in 1989, staying in Tokyo for only two days. Surprised at how little he knew or understood, he determined to return. Since 2000 he has visited Japan every year, sometimes twice, in search of answers to his questions about the country’s culture: its art, architecture, food, religion, history and people. This book is the result.
Accompanied by many photographs, it conveys his feelings and thoughts about a unique culture which can seem strange to non-Japanese people. Drawing similarities with his own country, Aotearoa New Zealand, this book is written for the enjoyment of all who want to follow in his footsteps.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 16/11/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 20 - Elephant Park by Melanie Koster( 0:20:34)
Episode Information
Elephant Park by Melanie Koster and Jenny Cooper
An ode to the beloved Elephant Park in this poignant story for children.
Generations of children have played on the trusty elephant slide in the park. But now her tusks are broken, her paint is cracked and her bones are weary. Even her pink toenails have lost their shine. Children visiting the park run instead to the shiny new playground equipment. But Elephant’s sad face captures the heart of one little boy, who invites her home with him. There, Noah discovers that his dad also played on the elephant slide as a boy! Together, they decide to give Ellie a makeover.
The author was inspired by a real elephant slide that sits in a playground in Bishopdale in Christchurch and has become an icon for the community since it was built in the late 1970s.
This is a poignant story that will tug on the heartstrings that is beautifully illustrated by one of NZ’s top children’s illustrators, Jenny Cooper, who captures the pathos and infuses the story with joy.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 9/11/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 19 - Strays and Waifs with Mandy Hager( 0:25:2)
Episode Information
Today Viv Bailey talks with Kapiti local author Mandy Hager about her new book, Strays and Waifs. We are also tempted further into reading the book by a reading from Mandy.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 2/11/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 18 - Author Juliette MacIver talks about her new book Beddy-Bye time in the Kowhai Tree ( 0:23:27)
Episode Information
Catherine sits down with award-winning storyteller and wordsmith Juliette MacIver and talk about her new book "Beddy-Bye Time in the Kowhai Tree, which is a bedtime story with a mix of the familiar bathtime to bedtime routine and a sprinkling of moonlit magic. The smatterings of te reo Māori will help ground children in the identifiably New Zealand surroundings. Lily Uivel’s gorgeous illustrations glow with warmth and life and add a whimsical feel to a child’s everyday routine.
Published: 27/10/2024 9:30:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 17 - Flit the Fantail author Kat Quin talks to Coast Access Radio( 0:22:4)
Episode Information
Catherine talks with popular kiwi author-illustrator of the bestselling Kiwi the Kiwi series. This is her fourth book in the Flit the Fantail series.
Kat Quin’s pint-sized fans will love the news that she is back with a new seasonal story in her popular Flit the Fantail range. This adorable Kiwi Christmas forest and bird adventure allows Flit to fly not only alongside Santa, but also alongside much-loved Kuwi the Kiwi as Kat celebrates a 10th anniversary!
Published: 26/10/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 16 - The Little Yellow Digger and the Helicopter by Peter Gilderdale( 0:24:37)
Episode Information
A big favourite for Kiwi kids, Peter Gilderdale has released another book in the Little Yellow Digger series and Catherine sits down and talks to Peter about the book, where the series came from and some history about how the books came about in the first place.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 20/10/2024 9:30:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 15 - Don't Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle with Stephanie Thatcher( 0:17:46)
Episode Information
Catherine talks to author Stephanie Thatcher about her new book, Don't Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle. A book that will do well in a Christmas stocking. It's a story about an adorably grumpy cat, Humphrey, and his new housemate Tiny - an excited little rescue dog.
Humphrey hates everything about Christmas. He would prefer to sit in the basement all day away from the festivities. When Tiny the dog arrives from a pet rescue, she brings an excitement about Christmas that annoys Humphrey hugely. Can Tiny’s enthusiasm for Christmas turn Humphrey’s bad attitude around?
Published: 19/10/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 15 - Catherine reviews "The Peri Diet" by Jaime Rose Chambers( 0:8:58)
Episode Information
Catherine reviews a new book - eating for a happy and healthy perimenopause and beyond - with 50 simple family friendly recipes are provided along with myth-busting facts, kitchen hacks and safe advice. The Peri Diet is a complete guide to eating for happy and healthy perimenopause.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 13/10/2024 9:30:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 14 - Talking to children author Dana Winter on hew new book "I Am" ( 0:15:42)
Episode Information
Catherine talks to author Dana Winter about her new children's book "I AM". A delightfully unpredictable story about a forgetful worm, a mountain, the sun, a greedy bird and a seed.
Showcasing Kiwi and Aussie books with author interviews, story excerpts and special guest narraters in this engaging, entertaining and educational show.
Published: 12/10/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 13 - Plant Based Goodness from The Reckless Foodie - Tracey Bennett( 0:31:0)
Episode Information
Catherine chats with chef Tracey Bennett about her new cookbook. Tracey is a plant-based, wholefood chef and passionate advocate for the plant-based lifestyle. Tracey shares her decades of experience nurturing and nourishing her family, friends, and retreat attendees in her first much-awaited cookbook. Tracey is passionate about creating, enjoying and sharing delicious and nourishing plant-based food – and inspiring others to do the same with confidence! As a
working mother of four (and, more recently, a grandmother of four), Tracey knows how important it is to create simple meals that taste fantastic and are quick and easy to make. She also understands the challenge of being tired and time-poor, yet still wanting to put appealing food on the table without skipping on nutrition, protein and deliciousness.
Spoiler alert - the recipes are gorgeous! Catherine has been busy making and eating them - DELISH!
Published: 5/10/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 12 - No one will know by Rose Carlyle( 0:27:14)
Episode Information
Internationally bestselling author of the Girl in the Mirror talks to Coast Access Radio about her new book "No one will know". Released on 1st October, we get an insight from the author on her writing process and some hints on the characters.
About the book - A deliciously twisty and suspenseful novel about a desperate young woman and the manipulative wealthy couple who will stop at nothing to ensure their worst nightmare becomes a dream come true.
For more information on book signings and on Rose, head to her website https://www.rosecarlyle.com
Published: 28/09/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 11 - Help me help my teen with Maggie Dent( 0:28:31)
Episode Information
Catherine talks to the "Queen of Common Sense", Maggie Dent. Maggie has become one of Australia's favourite parenting authors and educators and she joined us here at Coast Access Radio.
This book is a reassuring and practical guide for parents to help teenagers navigate adolescence and grow into confident, capable adults. Our in-house expert on Teens read the guide and wishes she had access to this years ago. Highly recommended guide for everyone who knows a teen.
Published: 21/09/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud - Ep10 - Kiwi Bees Have Tiny Knees by Rachel Weston( 0:23:57)
Episode Information
Author Rachel Weston joins us to talk about her new book - Kiwi bees have tiny knees.
Most people are not aware that New Zealand has native bees, but once you meet them, you’re sure to fall in love with them! With 36 stunning photographic images, fun illustrations, diagrams and QR video clips of native bees zipping and zooming, Kiwi Bees Have Tiny Knees is an informative, interactive visual feast!
Kiwi Bees Have Tiny Knees connects children to the world around them, where native bees, ngaro huruhuru, have had a long evolutionary history with New Zealand’s unique heritage – they are a taonga! Not only do they have knees (not quite how we imagine them) but the book is FULL of wonderful pictures, facts, illustrations and information to help us look after our native bees. A delightful book that is a pleasure to go through for both young and young at heart.
The book is available at westonbooks.co.nz or rachelweston.co.nz where you can find more of Rachel's wonderful stores including Bumblebees Have Smelly Feet.
Published: 14/09/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 9 - Pamm Millage talks about her book ASTRAL( 0:30:49)
Episode Information
Pamm Millage chats to Oliver in the Levin Mall Studio about her new book, ASTRAL: Discover the Greatest Human Delusion of All Time, which is an Amazon Best Seller. Pamm also takes us into the world of hypnotherapy, and some self-affirmation techniques that you can use in your everyday life.
Books Aloud is a show embracing New Zealand authors, locally and nationally. In each episode we will bring you an exert from a book, an interview or an entire narration of a book.
Published: 7/09/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 8 - Rēwena and Rabbit Stew by Katie Cooper( 0:25:27)
Episode Information
A look through the kitchen window into early rural life in Aotearoa.
Cookhouses and wharekai, hāngī pits and coal ranges, boil-ups and mutton – this book tells the hearty story of sustenance and manaakitanga in rural New Zealand.
The rhythms and routines of country life are at the heart of this compelling account of the rural kitchen in Aotearoa. Historian Katie Cooper explores how cooking and food practices shaped the daily lives, homes and communities of rural Pākehā and Māori throughout the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Delving into cooking technologies, provisions, gender roles and hospitality, the story of New Zealand’s rural kitchen highlights more than just the practicalities of putting food on the table.
Thoroughly researched and richly illustrated, Rēwena and Rabbit Stew reveals the fascinating social and cultural milieu in which rural people produced, cooked and shared food in Aotearoa.
Books Aloud is a show embracing New Zealand authors, locally and nationally. In each episode we will bring you an exert from a book, an interview or an entire narration of a book.
Published: 17/08/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 7 - Lost cows of Kapiti by Michael Peryer( 0:6:3)
Episode Information
How does a farmer lose his cows overnight? One dark stormy night a herd of cows escaped from their farm and ended up wandering down the beach, a very long way from home…
This story, based on real events, is narrated by Kapiti Mayor Janet Holborow, this is Michael's fifth story to be published as a children’s book.
You can purchase your own version of the book here https://www.kapitibirdtours.co.nz/product/the-lost-cows-of-kapiti/
Books Aloud is a show embracing New Zealand authors, locally and nationally. In each episode we will bring you an exert from a book, an interview or an entire narration of a book.
Published: 10/08/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud - Ep 6 - Weeping Angels by Riley Chance ( 0:27:11)
Episode Information
Inspired by personal experience, NZ author Riley Chance turns his attention to the topic of family violence in this page-turning thriller. Catherine catches up with Riley and digs into the characters and storyline of this great read.
Book is available now and you can visit Riley at his website www.rileychance.com
Published: 3/08/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Ep 5 - The Tramp by Caz Bartholomew - a pick-a-path story( 0:25:31)
Episode Information
We talk to local author Caz Bartholomew about her nail-biting pick-a-path adventure story where YOU get to decide what happens next!
You can get this book through Caz directly at the website https://pickapath.nz/ and is available in some bookstores on the Kapiti Coast.
Books Aloud is a show embracing New Zealand authors, locally and nationally. In each episode we will bring you an exert from a book, an interview or an entire narration of a book.
Published: 27/07/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Ep 4 - Sight Lines - Women and Art in Aotearoa by Dr Kirsty Baker. ( 0:27:34)
Episode Information
Books Aloud Ep 4 -We have a korero with the talented Dr Kirsty Baker about her beautiful book - Sight Lines - a book about extraordinary women and groundbreaking art. From ancient whatu kākahu to contemporary installation art, Frances Hodgkins to Merata Mita, Fiona Clark to Mataaho Collective, Sight Lines tells the story of art made by women in Aotearoa. Gathered here are painters, photographers, performers, sculptors, weavers, textile artists, poets and activists. They have worked individually, collaboratively and in collectives. They have defied restrictive definitions of what art should be and what it can do. Their stories and their work enable us to ask new questions of art history in Aotearoa.
With more than 150 striking images and essays by Chloe Cull, Ngarino Ellis, Ioana Gordon-Smith, Rangimarie Sophie Jolley, Lana Lopesi, Hanahiva Rose, Huhana Smith and Megan Tamati-Quennell alongside the author, Sight Lines is a bold new account of art-making in Aotearoa through 35 extraordinary women artists.
Books Aloud is a show embracing New Zealand authors, locally and nationally. In each episode we will bring you an exert from a book, an interview or an entire narration of a book.
Published: 20/07/2024 8:00:00 a.m.
Books Aloud Ep 3 - A Thousand Paper Cups by Jodie Shelley - We talk to NZ writer Jodie Shelley about her hilarious and heartbreaking 2nd novel. ( 0:23:59)
Episode Information
A finalist in The Wishing Shelf Awards, New Zealand writer Jodie Shelley releases her second engaging novel, by turns hilarious and heartbreaking. The book is available at https://www.jodieshelleywrites.com
About the book:
The Lewis brothers are each making their way in the world, but when youngest brother Benjamin reveals he is gay, their father Murray cuts him from his will. How will the family navigate the stormy seas that result?
When Hugo receives a poor report from his teacher, it serves as a catalyst for his father Henry to intensify his brutal campaign against Hugo and his mum. Will they ever be safe?
Emma is a new teacher, doing her best for the kids in her class. When the principal increases the frequency of parent-teacher interviews she must conduct, it’s enough to drive Emma to drink. Will she ever get better at this dreaded part of her job?
An engaging and amusing Kiwi tale, set against a backdrop of failed parent-teacher interactions and fashion crimes. Hilarious and heartbreaking in turn, A Thousand Paper Cups explores the blight of family harm, homophobia and the misplaced loyalties of children to their imperfect parents.
Books Aloud is a show embracing New Zealand authors, locally and nationally. In each episode we will bring you an exert from a book, an interview or an entire narration of a book.
Published: 13/07/2024 8:00:00 a.m.