The Christmas Visitors – A Eugene’s Island Book

Description

Eugene’s Island is an early children’s chapter book fiction series where readers can experience with Eugene the problems, pitfalls and potential that lie in island life.

The books in the series are The Birthday Solution, The Christmas Visitors, The Pet Problem and The Art Project.

The series appeals to independent readers 5-7 years old as they begin to read chapter books. It’s also suitable for reading aloud to younger children or for classroom use. Similar in size and market to series by Sally Rippin, Yvette Poshoglian and Susannah McFarlane, Eugene’s Island is unique in offering a New Zealand setting and a gentle introduction to environmental concerns, all within simple, enjoyable tales.

A large portion of the language used in the writing is from the ‘basic sight word’ lists used in many New Zealand primary schools.

Reviews

NZ Booklovers ~ “Set against the background of conservation, Eugene’s Island is sure to become a family favourite as the values of respect for the environment, resilience in the face of adversity and responsibility are demonstrated strongly. Plus, there are some kaka chicks which are ‘quite cute’ according to at least one very impressed six year old.”

Whatbooknext.com ~ “Eugene’s Island gives young kiwi kids their own hero to have adventures with and tackle day to day life with an added environmental flavour.”

Jessie Eyre, teacher ~ “Eugene is a relatable character that I know my students will love getting to know more. We can’t wait to read about his future adventures.”

Weng Wai Chan, award-winning children’s author ~ “I loved this story of how a boy adapts to his new surroundings with joy and ingenuity—so beautifully relatable, with a real New Zealand flavour!”

Fiona Pollock, teacher ~ “I loved this book about Eugene and his family. A nice message about the importance of family in a uniquely New Zealand setting. I look forward to reading about Eugene’s future adventures!”

Kiwi author Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod

Find out more about Waikato author Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod on her author page.