'Homework Powerpack' is an easy-to-understand and down-to-earth guide that gives an overview of the education system in all curriculum areas from Primary up to and including Intermediate levels. It has tips on how to motivate children to do their homework, to help them when they have difficulties and ideas to extend children.
RRP $29.95 order online Zenith Publishing

'Bird’s-eye View: Through the eyes of New Zealand birds' reveals how thirteen New Zealand birds see their natural habitat. By using the latest avian-vision research, the bird’s-eye view is shown in a series of stunning panoramic images. Bird’s-eye View provides an entirely new perspective on the way birds live. Photography by Darryl Torckler and Geoff Moon. Bird’s-eye View’ was chosen as one of the ten most notable non-fiction books for 2006 by Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand and shortlisted for the 2007 LIANZA awards. Order online RRP $19.95

'Operation Nest Egg: Saving New Zealand's Kiwi' explains the important work Operation Nest Egg plays in preserving New Zealand’s national icon. The book contains information about why and how Operation Nest Egg came into being, information about the different species’ of kiwi, kiwi centres, island and mainland creches, predators and pests of kiwi, and how children can be involved in the programme. Order online $16.95

In ‘Dogs on the Job’ Maria Gill interviews thirteen dog handlers about their working dogs. Meet an acting dog going through its moves in an advertisement; hear how a hearing dog alerts his deaf handler when the phone rings; see a mobility dog pushing the button at the crossing lights; find the search and rescue dog that can trail scents 12 hours old and marvel at the therapy dog that gives cuddles to people in Rest Homes. Read about more dogs on the job in this engaging and fun-filled book. RRP $19.95

‘Rangitoto: Te toka tu moana, The rock standing in the ocean’ is a beautifully illustrated non-fiction picture book about Auckland’s most striking icon. Read about its volcanic birth, the imprint of humans on its fragile wildlife and how the island’s guardians are saving it today. Rangitoto was a 2010 finalist in the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards. Illustrator – Heather Arnold. RRP $19.95

‘Save Our Seas: Continuing the mission of the adventurer Sir Peter Blake’ takes you on a journey with Skipper L.B. Tross around the coasts of New Zealand. You will discover fascinating facts about the amazing creatures and plants that live in and beside the sea. Inspired by the environmental work achieved by the legendary sailor and explorer Sir Peter Blake, the Skipper reveals exactly what’s going on in the oceans around us and what we can do to help. Selected as a 2010 Notable Book by Storylines Foundation. Illustrations by Vivienne Lingard. RRP $19.95

‘Eco-Rangers Save the Planet: Earth friendly missions for kiwis’ is a non-fiction chapter book for 10-14 year olds. We’ve prepared 12; missions for you: get the lowdown on the facts on each topic, check out the eco-tasks for you to do, work out how well you’re doing in the action stations, read the inspiring stories from eco-heroes and giggle over some truly terrible jokes. It is time for all green kiwi teens/teenagers to step up to the challenge and make your home, school, community and the planet a better place. Illustrations by Vivienne Lingard. RRP $19.95.

'New Zealand Hall of Fame' interviews 50 of our remarkable kiwis. Bruce Potter’s caricatures and cartoons make it a fun read. Ages 8-12 years. RRP $34.95.

'The Call of the Kokako' book shows how kokako are being saved illustrated with Heather Arnold’s gorgeous artwork. The second half of the book tells a story of how one man saved 10 kokako and a nation’s forest. Ages 8-12 years. RRP $29.95.

Order the books online at the following bookshops:
Children’s Bookshop (Auckland, Christchurch), Children’s Bookshop (Wellington),  Jabberwocky,  Storytime, Wheelers

Kiwi Write4Kidz Author Visits -

Maria Gill is available for author talks anywhere around the country (as long as expenses are paid for). She is part of the 'Kiwi Write4Kidz Author Visits' programme. Maria entertains children from New Entrant to Year 10 utilising power point, a DVD presentation, puppets and props. She can also give writing workshops. She can talk about her books, bird conservation, working dogs, dolphins, marine conservation, volcanoes, saving the planet and what is like to be a non-fiction author. Go to Maria Gill’s website:  www.mariagill.co.nz to download free lesson plans on her books.