KPE Episode 402: "Muddletopia"

Gabriel and Ahsin from Room 17 review a book from the Kiwi Bites series, "Muddletopia" by Kyle Mewburn.

Muddletopia is the most confusing planet in the galaxy. Not only is it completely flat but all the buildings look the same. The most confusing thing of all is that, at first glance, everyone looks alike. One day, Queen Malvina decides to make life easier by putting labels on everything, including people. She believes this will make Muddletopia a much less muddled place to live. However when a big earthquake shakes up Muddletopia everyone discovers just how confusing labels can be.

KPE Episode 401: "Gulliver's Travels"

Starford and Waata review the classic tale, "Gulliver's Travels" by Jonathan Swift in this episode of KPE.  Many kids have seen the movie made from this book, but as these boys share, it is a great idea to read the book too.  Check out their podcast and tell them what you think of the story.

KPE Episode 400: "Chicken Feathers"

This is an amazing event in the history of Korero Pt England -KPE has published 400 episodes today.

That means Pt Englanders have reviewed 400 books!

Ka pai Pt England kids!

Litia and Vivienne from Room 17 are the producers of this celebration podcast and have done us proud again.

They have chosen "Chicken Feathers" by Joy Cowley for this landmark episode, and we know you will enjoy their review. And check out the very cool photography while you listen...

Joshua lives with his parent on a farm with three thousand chickens. Joshua has been around chickens so long that he knows just about everything that there is to know about a chicken. But then Joshua meets Semolina who is quite different from any other chicken he’s ever seen.


Joshua’s father Tucker gives Semolina to his son one day. “She’s a character this one… Too old to lay, fights with the other chickens,” Tucker says. But Joshua likes the scruffy old chicken with ragged feathers nonetheless.


Then Joshua learns the truth about Semolina. The old chicken can talk just a like a human. Joshua tries to tell his parents but they don’t believe him.....

KPE Episode 399: "Follow that Lion"

Jessica interviews Makalita from Room 17 for this episode of KPE. "Follow that Lion" by Rosemary Hayes is a book in the Aussie Nibbles series.

Hector's mum does some very strange things, but even he is astonished when his mum brings home a lion, and expects it to be a vegetarian. The lion wants meat desperately, and so follows a mad chase. 

They say the author's message is to get a pet that you can look after properly!  And we're guessing that a lion doesn't quite fit the bill...

KPE Episode 398: "Only Tadpoles have Tails"

"Only Tadpoles have Tails" by Jane Clarke is the latest podcast by Maru and Caroline from Room 17. This is a lovely story about friendship and responsibility.

Kicky the frog is upset that he still has his tadpole tail. He endures teasing from the other rainforest frogs because he is the only one who still has a tail. Although his friend assures him that it's only a matter of time before it falls off, he is still impatient - until piranhas attack and Kicky's tail saves the day. The tail helps him to swim faster and escape the piranhas, before it finally drops off. 

KPE Episode 397: "Lucy's Bear"

Caroline and Maru from Room 17 are pleased to share their review of "Lucy's Bear" by Philip Holden in this episode of KPE.

Theodore Bear is Lucy's constant companion, and certainly the best dressed teddy bear in Auckland. He secretly longs to play rugby for New Zealand, but at present he is quite content to accompany Lucy on an adventure-packed South Island holiday. 

KPE Episode 396: "Meet The Kreeps New Step-Mummy"

Brooklyn interviews Maru about "Meet The Kreeps New Step-Mummy" by Kiki Thorpe. This is the second book in the Kreeps series.

Polly can't believe that her dad actually likes Veronica Kreep. But that doesn't compare to how she feels now that the two are getting married! And if Polly thought the Kreeps were bizarre, that was only because she hadn't met the extended Kreep family yet! One thing's for sure, marrying a Kreep is anything but boring! Polly Winkler just wants to be a normal kid in a normal family. When you're ten, that's hard enough. But it's even harder when your dad decides to marry the mother of the weirdest family in town!

Polly seems to be the only one in her family who sees how strange the Kreeps really are. Her older sister is too busy cheerleading to notice anything and her younger brother is consumed with preparing for the county spelling bee championship.

With the Kreeps around, Polly is always at risk of dying of embarrassment. But at least she knows that life will never be boring!

KPE Episode 395: "The Lost Watch"

Makalita interviews Jessica about Phillipa Werry's very popular book, "The Lost Watch".

This is a great story about about things going wrong when someone had forgotten to "be in the right place, doing the right thing, at the right time"!  And the courage it takes to own up when you have done the wrong thing.

KPE Episode 394: "Jason Prince"

Alexandria has been reading "Jason Prince" by Max Dann and Caroline interviews her for this podcast.

We find out about the life of a Prince in this "Aussie Bites" book and these girls really enjoy talking about it.

Jason Prince lives in an enormous mansion with twenty-seven servants and his own theme park. But he has only ever left his grounds once. Now he meets Grace, and she sets out to show him how the other half lives!

KPE Episode 393: "Big Fish, Little Fish"

"Big Fish, Little Fish" by Melanie Drewery is the latest book to be podcast by Kobe and Logan.

All New Zealanders are familiar with the sea because our country is surrounded by water.  And lots of us have great fishing memories and stories.

Check out this podcast and tell us what you think of the fishing story at the centre of this book...

KPE Episode 392: "The BFG"

"The BFG" by Roald Dahl needs no introduction and you will enjoy participating in Chante and Brooklyn's review of this well loved book.

For listeners who have missed out on this story, here is an introduction:

This story is about a little girl named Sophie. One night, when Sophie cannot fall asleep she sees a giant blowing something into the bedroom windows down the street. What could it be? The giant notices her, reaches through the window, and carries her to his home in Giant Country. Once there, he tells her that he is the world's only benevolent giant, the Big Friendly Giant or BFG, who operating in the strictest secrecy, collects good dreams that he later distributes to children.

Listen to their podcast and tell us which part of the BFG is YOUR favourite....

KPE Episode 391: "The Wednesday Wizard"

 "The Wednesday Wizard" by Sherryl Jordan is presented by Darius and Marvin from Room 17. This is a medieval wizard / time travel  story. They have a really interesting  and wide ranging discussion in this podcast and we are confident you will enjoy it.

Check it out and tell us what you think...

When apprentice wizard Denzil miscasts a spell, he finds himself transported from his medieval village to the twentieth century. After much mischief and mayhem, he manages to return to his own time and place.

KPE Episode 390: " The Icecream Cowboys"

Kobe and Logan discuss "The Ice-cream Cowboys" by Adrian Boote in this latest podcast.

George Dobbs is a worrier who even worries about worrying! When the Ice Cream Cowboys promise that their ice cream can make him fearless he's not so sure, but, unfortunately the ice cream falls into the wrong hands and now he really needs to worry. 

This book is a sequel to "The Lemonade Genie", so you might like to read that next!

KPE Episode 389: "Josh and the Tooth Fairy"

Caroline and Alexandria from Room 17 share a story from a School Journal called "Josh and the Tooth Fairy"

Has the tooth fairy ever visited you?  Maybe you could share your experiences with us in the comments below.

School Journal Part 1, Number 1 2009

KPE Episode 388: "Tongue-Tied"

Crusader from Room 17 has been reading "Tongue Tied" by Paul Jennings and Darius interviews him about it.  

"Tongue Tied" is one of 8 stories in an anthology and it may surprise you to hear these boys enjoyed it!  

Sure it takes place behind a toilet!!! BUT it has romance, kissing and a creepy scene with a fish!  We think you need to check this out....

Have you ever

* Swallowed a live fish

* Seen bugs in hailstones

* Had luminous teeth

* Used a smell-detector

* Been a ghost

No? Then read about kids who have – eight twisted tales to leave you tongue-tied.

By the master of madness – The one and only Paul Jennings

KPE Episode 387: "Goodbye Toss"

Vivienne has read "Goodbye Toss" by Diane Noonan and Ashleigh is her DJ for this podcast.

'Super Ace' is the name Toss and Al give to the cool new go cart they are making for the annual derby which has the whole school agog with rumour..... 

This book has a lot to offer Pt England kids because we are really into the soap box derby - as anyone who visits our school knows.  Our shiny red go cart sits in the foyer and every year we bring it out to race in the Auckland champs.

Anyway, listen to this podcast and hear about some other kids who love their derby racing....

KPE Episode 386: "Singenpoo Strikes Again"

Marvin has been reading "Singenpoo Strikes Again" by Paul Jennings and Darius interviews him.

Cats are dumb. They can't read. At least that's what Major Mac thinks. But Scott knows that Singen Poo is a special kind of cat, and if he can prove it, they'll beat that bulldog Mungo the Marvellous and mean Major Mac. Scott knows that his cat, Singenpoo can read. But will he be able to prove it? The competition is on... The hilarious sequel to The Paw Thing.

KPE Episode 385: "Agnes the Sheep"

This hilarious yarn about Agnes, a sheep with a very bad temper, follows the efforts of a couple who try to save her from the slaughterhouse.  

William Taylor has written another kiwi tale about Belinda and Joe, two feuding classmates, who become unlikely allies when they are named caretakers of a sheep. Not just any sheep, but a hulking, obstinate sheep named Agnes. It all begins when they are assigned to visit a local "pioneer." Bored at first with the assignment, they soon find that the life of Mrs. Carpenter was anything but ordinary.

You will enjoy Vivienne and Ashleigh's discussion of this book, but if you get confused about where the 'Angus' references come from, you have to say....."Only in G.I."!

KPE Episode 384: "Wearing the Poppy"

Chante talks to Brooklyn about "Wearing the Poppy" by A J Toledo.

If you have ever wondered;

Why do New Zealanders wear red poppies on ANZAC Day? What is ANZAC Day all about? Why does a flower mean so much to so many people? 

Then this book is for you...

This moving story of the first ANZACs is told through the experiences of one family, whose letters, diaries and memories bring to life New Zealand in the First World War. How the red poppy came to symbolize a lost generation is a poignant and fascinating account, filling in the gaps for young New Zealanders who are discovering their own family history.

 

KPE Episode 383: "Sniwt"

Vivienne from Room 17 interviews Shoal about "Sniwt" by Justin D'ath.

You will have guessed that this is TWINS backwards. The main characters in this story are twins called Sally and Olly. These twins are kidnapped by aliens, and as the story goes along there is a lot to get your nodz around! Two zzziplas, one pair of twins, a blinding pink flash and then - ffzzzzzpwt! - goodbye Sally and Olly, hello Solly and Ally. Twins become sniwT. And only the Chykkans can fix-up the mix-up.

Tell us what you think....

 

KPE Episode 382: "The Cabbage Patch War"

Starford and Kingston review "The Cabbage Patch War" by Paul Jennings for this episode of Korero Pt England.

What does this story include? Try this....

A barbecue from hell. Spuds on the roof. 

A visit from the police. It was war, 

a fight to the finish between Dad and Whacka. 

And Chris was right in the middle of it. 

All because Dad vomited in the cabbage patch. 

KPE Episode 381: "Attacked"

Shoal and Ashleigh have been reading "Attacked" by G Brassi.  

This is a very popular book with Pt England kids and you will discover why when you have heard this podcast.

Attacked is the story of a fishing adventure which takes place around the islands near Whitianga. Livvie goes fishing with Jack and his dog, Serge. When Jack is attacked, Livvie has to overcome her own fears, not to mention engine problems, to get them all back to shore in one piece...

KPE Episode 380: "The Base"

Onosai and Kobe review a book called "The Base" by Carlo Gebler.
As well as learning about "The Base" we find out in this podcast that both of these boys have lived on a farm before they came to live in Auckland!  See if you can figure out where they lived.
In this story:

"The Coin children are delighted when they find an abandoned shed, perfect for their new base. But when they disturb some surprising visitors, they realize it's not only their secret...."

KPE Episode 379: "Giant Jim and the Hurricane"

Tau has has been reading "Giant Jim and the Hurricane" by Jeremy Strong. Donyae interviews him for this podcast.

Check it out....

When Giant Jim comes to town, people are terrified they'll be eaten, or squashed. But Jim is a good giant - he only eats omeletes, likes music and wants somewhere to live. Unfortunately he just can't do things right. He makes a racket with his saxophone, squashes the Town Hall and his hen even lays a giant egg on the library - and so he is banished. When a hurricane hits the town Jim's hen looks after people while he puts the town back together again. People are delighted and Giant Jim is allowed to live in a huge barn in the town.....

KPE Episode 378: "Wonderful Wheels Day"

Alexandria and Makelita have been reading "Wonderful Wheels Day" by Philippa Werry and Alice Bell. Read this taster below, listen to the podcast, and tell them what you think. Maybe you have read this book too and can leave your opinion below...

Henry’s teacher Miss Grace wants to reward room 4 for their excellent work

and behaviour. If all the students keep trying hard they will get a Wonderful

Wheels Day at the end of the term. On Wheels Day you get to bring inline

skates or skateboards or bikes to school and ride them around the playground

while everyone else is in class. Everyone in room 4 is excited – except Henry.

Henry is dreading Wheels Day. He can’t ride a bike or use rollerblades. The

trouble is he has no balance. Henry is worried that he will make a fool of

himself in front of all his friends and plans to come up with a way of getting out

of Wheels Day.

KPE Episode 377: "Zac's Wild Rescue"

Donyae has been reading "Zac's Wild Rescue" by H.I. Larry and Waata is his DJ for this podcast. This book is from the Zac Power series and in this book Zac has two new gadgets to test drive. Are they cool enough for Zac's wild rescue at the zoo?


As well as listening to the podcast, we recommend you visit the very cool website developed around the Zac Power series.

KPE Episode 376: "The Witches"

 Thea and Gloria from Room 13 are back with another engaging podcast for KPE.  These young ladies may only be in Year 4, but they sure know how to spin a good yarn and make you want to read the book they are discussing!


This time they have chosen to review "The Witches" by Roald Dahl.  Roald Dahl has his own website.




This Roald Dahl classic tells the scary, funny and imaginative tale of a seven-year-old boy who has a run-in with some real-life witches! "In fairy tales witches always wear silly black hats and black cloaks and they ride on broomsticks. But this is not a fairy tale. This is about REAL WITCHES. REAL WITCHES dress in ordinary clothes and look very much like ordinary women. They live in ordinary houses and they work in ordinary jobs. That is why they are so hard to catch." Witches, as our hero learns, hate children. With the help of a friend and his somewhat-magical grandmother, our hero tries to expose the witches before they dispose of him.

KPE Episode 375; 'Rose's Challenge'

"Rose's Challenge by Sherryl Clark is reviewed by two of our Year 4 students, Thea and Gloria from Room 13.  

In their very first podcast for KPE they have chosen the third book in an Australian series about a girl named Rose who lives in 1900 and is determined to change the world!

Although this book is part of a series, these two girls have done a great job of giving their listeners a clear idea of what is happening in the story (without giving away the ending) and we are sure you will want to get your hands on it to have a read.  You will enjoy the story as well as finding out about life in very different times from how we live now.

Rose's journey continues in this, the third of four books about a Federation girl who's determined to do things her way! Rose is finally allowed to go to school - the magnificent St Swithin's! But Rose has never been to school before - will she be able to keep up? Will she fit in? And will she be allowed to join the cricket team?! In the meantime, change is afoot in Melbourne: Federation is imminent, and the suffragette movement is gathering force. When Mother gets ill and Aunt Alice takes a position in a poor state-run school, Rose realises that she has taken a lot for granted - but the changes taking place around her will change Rose's life forever...

KPE Episode 374: "Cross Now"

Tyla and Jonita from Room 14 have chosen to share a story from 

School Journal Part 3 Number 2 2002

 "Cross Now!" was written by Roly Hermans, who is actually a Senior Constable in the Police  force. We expect you will learn quite a bit about road safety from this podcast.  

Take a listen....

 

KPE Episode 373: "Karius and Baktus"

In this podcast Rita and Chante from Room 17 discuss "Karius and Bactus" by Thorbjorn Egner .

This book is a real classic in Norway.

The book is about two men, Karius and Baktus, who live in the teeth in the mouth of a boy named Jens. They feed on whatever Jens eats, especially when he eats candy. If he keeps his teeth clean, Karius and Baktus starve. But Jens loves candy, so they have plenty of food. When they're not hungry, the two men make holes in Jens' teeth (the holes are their houses).
In Norway, parents read this story to their children in order to teach them to keep their teeth clean.

KPE Episode 372: "Merry Christmas, Geronimo!"

"Merry Christmas, Geronimo!" by Geronimo Stilton is reviewed by Toko and Casey from Room 21.

These two reviews from Amazon tell us some other readers ideas about this book....

Trouble follows this mouse wherever he goes. His name is Geronimo Stilton, editor of the Rodent's Gazette. Geronimo was planning a wonderful Christmas dinner for his neighbors, family, and friends. He goes out to buy Christmas presents, but forgets to blow his candle out. He comes to his home and finds his house burned.
 

I was so excited about Christmas, I could squeak! My favorite nephew Benjamin was going to come over, and we were planning to trim the tree and eat lots of delicious holiday Cheesy Chews. But before you could say "cat alert," disaster struck! I slipped over my tail and ended up in the hospital. And then my mouse hole caught on fire! Holey cheese, this was turning out to be the worst Christmas ever....

KPE Episode 371: "Kura Toa: Warrior School"

This podcast by two Room 17 boys, Waata and Darius , reviews "Kura Toa: Warrior School" by Tim Tipene.


In this book, a high school student named Haki must learn what it takes to become a warrior.  


After a mysterious old man who seems to know a lot about him steals a precious jade stone from him, Haki’s search for his belongings brings him into conflict with his family, his friends, and his school. Throughout the search, he must confront his fears, find a way to answer the challenge to serve his people and his land, and fight the taniwha, a dangerous mythical predator that lives in deep rivers and dark caves.

KPE Ep 370: "The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes: Reach for the Stars"

Rita and Vivienne from Room 17 bring us "The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes: Reach for the Stars" by Anne Mazer.  

My performance in Peter Pan will be a "thing of beauty." It will be a "joy forever," because my family will never stop talking about it. Neither will Ms. Bunder. The tryouts are in only two weeks. I must prepare myself in every way. Once I get my part, I will rehearse without cease! But first I must decide which part I want. Captain Hook? Peter Pan? Wendy? Or any of the other roles?

You are about to be wonderfully entertained because after you have listened to their podcast you must check out the website for this book.  You will have hours of fun!  Let us know how you got on in the comments below.

KPE Ep 369 : "Goosebumps- Zapped in Space"

Gabriel and Waata from Room 17 bring us the 23rd Goosebumps book "Zapped in Space", by R.L. Stine.  You will enjoy their lively dialogue and the animations interspersed throughout the podcast.



It's a space jam-med with aliens!
Strap yourself into the console! You've just entered Madame Zapp's new Virtual Reality arcade. But once you take on these virtual worlds, forget about scoring. You'll be too busy trying to stay alive!
If you're a real space cadet, check out "Adrift Off Vega" where you end up in space, fighting super-smart - and super-deadly - Arcturian aliens. Or maybe you'd like to try an Arctic adventure in "Abominable Snow Woman." But remember to pack your parka - or you could end up a human popsicle...
The choice is yours in this scary GOOSEBUMPS adventure that's packed with over 20 super-spooky endings!

KPE Ep 368: "Nasty Stinky Sneakers"

Darius and Waata from Room 17 review
 "Nasty Stinky Sneakers" by Eve Bunting.


You will enjoy their banter and their fun graphics!



Colin has spent weeks perfecting his sneaker odor for the Stinkiest Sneakers in the World contest. If he wins, he'll get three brand-new pairs of Slam Dunkers sneakers: one for himself, one for his little sister, Amy, and one for his best pal, Webster.
But now, after weeks of working toward stinky perfection -- not washing his feet, wearing no socks, jogging to get his feet juicy, and even sleeping with his sneakers on -- the nasty, stinky sneakers are missing!