Sarah Forster

Sarah Forster works for Booksellers New Zealand, and also acts as co-editor of The Sapling, the brilliant site dedicated to children's books. Sarah was born in Winton in 1981.

Books
Dec 4, 2018

In which Amazon goes to war with New Zealand bookstores

An essay by Sarah Forster from Booksellers New Zealand about the threat that Amazon-owned Book Depository pose to bookstores - and, ultimately, readers.

Read on.

Books
Jun 7, 2017

God bless the children, and The Sapling: the state of kids books in New Zealand

Adult literature in New Zealand gets most of the press, but kids books is a fresh and exciting field, writes Sarah Forster, co-creator of the brilliant website The Sapling.

Read on.

Parents
Mar 30, 2017

What school librarians wish parents knew

School libraries are a sanctuary and safe place for many children. Here Sarah Foster, co-creator of the amazing children's literature website The Sapling, lists the things all parents should know about school librarians.

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Books
Dec 15, 2016

Best books of 2016: the 20 best books for kids

Sarah Forster - a judge at next year's childrens book awards - chooses the best 20 local and international books of the year.

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Parents
Aug 3, 2016

Children’s book awards: another interview with the likely winner (maybe)

Sarah Forster interviews the awesome David Hill, a finalist at next week's childrens book awards, when he goes head to head with veteran author Kate de Goldi, horsist writer Stacy Gregg, and Luncheon Sausage Books star Jane Bloomfield.

Read on.

Books
Aug 2, 2016

The children’s book awards: an interview with the likely winner (maybe)

Sarah Forster interviews the awesome Kate De Goldi, a finalist at next week's childrens book awards, when she goes head to head with veteran author David Hill, horsist writer Stacy Gregg, and Luncheon Sausage Books star Jane Bloomfield.

Read on.

Parents
Jun 8, 2016

Yet another Spinoff Review of Books exclusive: first with the shortlist for the New Zealand children’s book awards

The embargo for the shortlist of the New Zealand children's book awards was lifted at 5am - and this story went live at 5.01am. Sarah Forster reveals the shortlisted authors and books, and makes her picks for who will win at the awards ceremony on August 8.

Read on.

Parents
Mar 9, 2016

Enid Blyton and the enduring appeal of the Land of Do-As-You-Please

Enid Blyton! Genius. Noddy, Big Ears, Golliwog, Mr Twiddle, the Naughtiest Girl, Moon Face - she wrote incredible characters and compelling stories, and maybe her masterpiece were her four books in the Faraway Tree series.

Read on.

Books
Dec 11, 2015
Books
Dec 9, 2015

Week-Long New Zealand Kids’ Books Special: Inside a Weird Christian Cult

YA novelist Fleur Beale continues her powerful series of books set in a religious cult with Being Magdelene - in which a teenage character attempts to leave the cult.

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Books
Dec 9, 2015

Week-Long New Zealand Kids’ Books Special: Bob Kerr’s Imaginary Newspaper

All week this week we feature the best kids books of 2015. Today: Sarah Foster reads Bill Kerr's account of the life and death of a fictional newspaper - the and family who ran it.

Read on.

Books
Dec 7, 2015

Week-Long New Zealand Kids’ Books Special: The Monsters of Paul Beavis

All week this week we highlight the best kids books in advance of Christmas. Today: an interview with Paul Beavis, awarded the supreme award for illustration this year.

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Parents
Oct 7, 2015

Books: Who’s The Most Popular Kid in School? Power Ranking NZ Children’s Literature

Fight! Fight! Playground escapades with the first ever power ranking in NZ children's literature.

Read on.

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