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The Beach Activity Book: 99 Ideas for Activities by the Water around Aotearoa New Zealand

An engaging activity book for young New Zealanders and their families.

By Rachel Haydon, illustrated by Pippa Keel

Publication: January 2024
Extent: 176 pages
Format: Limpbound
ISBN: 978-1-99-116551-0

RRP: $35

Buy The Beach Activity Book:

The 99 activities in this immersive book for children aged 7 to 14 range from experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness. Developed to inspire curious young minds to explore and appreciate our beaches, lakes, rivers and streams. It is also designed to be taken out into natural environments and to be drawn and written in.

Written by a children’s learning expert, all sorts of learning styles are recognised, with each activity being open to children who like to draw and those who like to write. The book’s journal-like format and activities that range across the seasons make it a long-term and much-treasured companion. Mātauranga Māori concepts and the theme of nature connectedness are an integral part of the activities.

Review highlights

  • NZ Listener, reviewed by Ann Packer. “Comprehensive compendium of science and art.”

  • The Sapling, reviewed by Linda Jane Keegan. “It is fantastic as a book for families, a resource for educators, and as a gift for almost any kid.”

  • Bookrapt, reviewed by Penny Guy. “Every child will find something of interest in this comprehensive book.”

  • BookTrailers for Kids. “A great book for making the most of family time together.”

  • Kids Books NZ, reviewed by Maria Gill. “More than enough activities to keep families busy for every day of the school holidays.”

Author interviews

About the authors

Rachel Haydon has more than 18 years’ experience of teaching science to children of all ages in schools, museums, zoos and aquariums around the world. She is the General Manager of the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

Pippa Keel is an award-winning illustration designer, with an honour’s degree in illustration and a huge love of the great outdoors!

Publication: January 2024
Extent: 176 pages
Format: Limpbound
ISBN: 978-1-99-116551-0

RRP: $35
Buy The Beach Activity Book: