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7
Eve Sutton • Lynley Dodd, ill.
My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes
Penguin NZ, 2014 (Originally Hamish Hamilton, 1973, Mallinson Rendel,1984) • ISBN 9780143506072
This simple rhyming picture book, featuring
cats from around the world in extraordinary
situations, followed by the mantra “… but My
cat likes to hide in boxes…” has been a favourite
since it was first published in 1973. Although
very much a product of its time in design, the
captivating humour of Lynley Dodd’s illustrations
complement Eve Sutton’s cheerful rhyming
couplets. This is the first picture book illustrated
by Lynley Dodd, who was soon to follow with her
own titles, while Eve Sutton’s subsequent books
were historical fiction for older readers. My Cat
Likes to Hide in Boxes won the LIANZA Esther Glen
Award, 1975
8
Joy Cowley • Sarah Davis, ill.
The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate
Gecko Press, 2010 • ISBN 9781877467417
The fierce little woman lived in a house at the
end of the jetty, playing her bagpipes, knitting
socks for sailors and fishing through a trapdoor
in the floor. When her solitude is disturbed one
stormy night by a pirate tapping on the window
and demanding to come inside, she refuses
him entry and a battle of wits takes place, until
he finally capitulates and admits that his boat
has sailed and he’s scared of the dark. Children
delight in the actions of the fierce little woman
repelling the pirate, and enjoy the eventual
happy outcome. Sarah Davis’ lushly coloured
illustrations add wonderful drama.
9
Jenny Hessell • Trevor Pye, ill.
Grandma McGarvey
Scholastic NZ, 1992 (Originally Oxford University Press, 1990) • ISBN 9781869431112
This initial rhyming story of the madcap
adventures of Grandma McGarvey cheerfully
loading her car and trailer with rubbish to take
to the dump has been followed by eleven others
that explore the psyche of New Zealand life
with hilarity. They include Grandma McGarvey
playing rugby, painting the shed, going to
the zoo, camping, going to school, to sea, to
computer class - all with outrageous outcomes
that delight the readers. Trevor Pye’s cartoon
style illustrations are a perfect match. Winner
of the 2014 Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award for
a Much-Loved Book
10
Gavin Bishop
The House That Jack Built
Gecko Press, 2012 (Originally Scholastic NZ, 1999) • ISBN 9781877467790
Gavin Bishop gives the historical background to
his masterful picture book with his subheading
“…being the account of Jack Bull Esq who sailed
from these shores to a land far away to live there
and trade with the natives of that said land 12th
day of September 1798…” Using the traditional
nursery rhyme of the title for text, he juxtaposes
the history of the colonial settlers of New Zealand
slowly overwhelming the indigenous Maori
people, from both perspectives, with carefully
crafted illustrations and superb draughtsmanship.
This is an exceptional account of the early history
of New Zealand, with each rereading revealing
additional elements.
the world through picture books • 122