KPE Episode 330: "Scary Story"

Starford and Waata have enjoyed yet another of Joy Cowley's wonderful books written for New Zealand kids.  

Ross Beansack, the big hairy author, has been asked by young readers to write a story about ghosts. The very modern publisher is horrified when she hears of his plans. "We don't do ghosts," she says. "Go back home and save the rainforest." Ross Beansack sets off to do his own research in the local haunted house ...

KPE Episode 329: "Treasure Deep"

Litia and Ashleigh have brought us a podcast about another one of David Hill's fabulous books - Treasure Deep.

Glyn and Api are best mates, they always have been. That they come from different backgrounds, Api is Maori and Glyn is Pakeha, is something that neither has given a thought to, until now. But problems start to appear, and Colin the Cop doesn't help matters. The boys make a scary discovery in nearby sandhills, which turns their world upside down.

KPE Episode 328: "Black Gold"

Darius and Crusader bring us this novel by Julia Owen for their latest KPE podcast.

Ollie and Rimu have been planning and dreaming about their week at the coast for two months - one week of fishing, swimming, and camping all by themselves. No adults, far away from the rest of the world, free to do whatever they want, whenever they want.

Equipped with only the bare essentials, they head off into the dawn for what would turn out to be a much more exciting and dangerous adventure than they had dared to hope for.

Other people had set up camp in their cave! These people were armed and very dangerous-looking. Whatever they were up to, they had nearly finished and were making ready to leave very soon.

When Ollie was captured, Rimu has to use his wits to out-think the crooks.

Aided by the abused Storm, he set in action a daring plan to rescue Ollie, free the contraband and escape the clutches of the avenging poachers.

We know you will enjoy this book...

KPE Episode 327: "The War of the Worlds"

"The War of the Worlds" by HG Wells is a world famous science fiction classic and this version of his book is retold by Pauline Francis.  This is the story of large metal cylinders which fall to earth, signalling the beginning of a Martian invasion. The Martians gradually take over London and the surrounding area, causing death and destruction.

 Kayde and Matthew T from Room 17 have really enjoyed reading this and share their thoughts in this podcast.

KPE Episode 326: "Yo, Shark Bait"

Rory has always loved fishing. He loves getting out on the water and enjoys

the thrill of reeling in a really big fish. But everything changes when Rory goes

out with his family during a fishing competition. His Uncle Eddie hooks a huge

shark and Rory accidentally falls in the water. Luckily, a petrified Rory is

rescued before the shark can do any damage, but the incident affects him

deeply. He begins to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. Fishing no longer

holds the same appeal.

After this incident occurs Rory’s school principal puts him in charge of

organising the school’s fishing competition. Rory can’t face the idea of going

out on the water again, but feels he has to organise the event or he will look

foolish in front of his peers. Rory forms a committee which includes his best

friend Sam, a new student called Susi and two other girls called Adele and

Christine. To Rory’s horror, Mr Lonigan insists that Rory’s archenemy Bart

also be involved. Bart knows about Rory’s encounter with the shark and takes

every opportunity to taunt him about it......

This is a very exciting story and Aidan and Matthew have lots more to share in this podcast. Check it out...

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KPE Episode 325: "Aristotle"

Aristotle is the story of a little kitten who did not know that cats have nine lives. His mother decided to let him go to his new home totally unaware of this important fact. Her decision was based on the realisation that he was much bolder than his brothers and sisters and had such an adventurous nature that she knew he would use them all at once.

When he goes to live with Bella Donna, his nine lives expire one by one at an alarming rate. Falling out of trees, down chimneys and getting trapped under milk-jugs are just some of his exploits.

Escaping from Gripper the dog and avoiding being run over by a lorry simultaneously, leaves Aristotle with his ninth and final life. Is it just a coincidence that he has survived several narrow squeaks and lives to old age or might it have something to do with the fact that Bella Donna is not just an ordinary cat-owner?

Check out this podcast by Brooklyn and Jay'Lee and tell them what you think.

KPE Episode 324 :"Alien Time"

Shawn and Joe from Room 17 review "Alien Time" by Donna Malane

Jasper is a pretty normal eleven-year-old New Zealand kid, until one night he has an alien visitor, who gives him a gift that enables him to see into the future. When he discovers his Dad doesn't appear to have a future, he has to rely on his wits and friend Elliot to try and save him.

Check out their podcast and let them know what you think...

KPE Episode 323 :"Attacked"

"Attacked" by G Brassi,  is the story of a fishing adventure which takes place around the islands near Whitianga in Coromandel, NZ.

Joshua and Shawn from Room 17 have created this podcast.

KPE Episode 322: "Ambushed"

Aidan and Joe from Room 17 share another exciting book by Fleur Beale with us in this latest podcast from KPE. Here's a little background about "Ambushed" to wet your appetitie...

Richard is the only one of his family who doesn’t want to leave Cray’s Creek.  He and his friends try everything they can think of, to get his parents to change their minds, but to no avail. At his new school in his new town, Richard finds it impossible to make friends.  Both his sisters seem to have no trouble at all.  He is lonely, bored and very homesick when a group of boys take him under their wings.  Unfortunately for them, when they try to bully Richard they find he is not going to become a another of their victims.  Richard sets out to orchestrate ‘the revenge of the newcomers’ – and there is no shortage of willing accomplices.