Children understand hundreds of words and concepts before they can communicate verbally, and teaching basic signs to children benefits both them and their parents by providing a means of communication before and during speech development. “First Signs – Everyday Words 2 builds upon the foundation of the first book by introducing even more essential signs. This expanded collection helps you continue to enhance communication with your little one, easing frustration by empowering them to express their thoughts, feelings, and needs more effectively.

You can begin introducing signs as early as you want (the earlier you do means more practice for you!), but studies show babies as young as six months old can remember and recognise a sign. By eight months some children are able to imitate gestures or communicate using simple one-word signs.

First Signs contains 13 New Zealand Sign Language signs with details and illustrations on how to do them.

Series: First Signs

Published: October 1st, 2024
ISBN: 9780473716813
Language: English, NZSL

About the Author
Jenna lives in Auckland with her husband, three-year old daughter, and new born baby boy. Her signature style and quality craftsmanship made her a hit at craft markets where she built a passionate following of fellow art lovers. It was these same followers (along with family and friends) who encouraged her to do what she loved and to never stop creating – a journey which culminated in her first published book A, B Seek in 2017. She has then gone on to create 3 more books including the new sign language books.

Jenna taught her daughter sign as a baby but found it hard to find resources with NZ sign. After learning sign through classes and feedback from people in the deaf community she went on to create these resources in hope to help others.

In between creating she focuses her time on her children, raising them with an appreciation and respect for her Cook Island and Māori heritage.

Children understand hundreds of words and concepts before they can communicate verbally, and teaching basic signs to children benefits both them and their parents by providing a means of communication before and during speech development. “First Signs” gets you started with key signs to help you communicate with your little one, easing frustration (for everyone!) by giving them a means to express their wants and needs.

You can begin introducing signs as early as you want (the earlier you do means more practice for you!), but studies show babies as young as six months old can remember and recognise a sign. By eight months some children are able to imitate gestures or communicate using simple one-word signs.

First Signs contains 13 New Zealand Sign Language signs with details and illustrations on how to do them.

Series: First Signs

Published: January 1st, 2022
ISBN: 9780473651923
Language: English, NZSL

About the Author
Jenna lives in Auckland with her husband, three-year old daughter, and new born baby boy. Her signature style and quality craftsmanship made her a hit at craft markets where she built a passionate following of fellow art lovers. It was these same followers (along with family and friends) who encouraged her to do what she loved and to never stop creating – a journey which culminated in her first published book A, B Seek in 2017. She has then gone on to create 3 more books including the new sign language books.

Jenna taught her daughter sign as a baby but found it hard to find resources with NZ sign. After learning sign through classes and feedback from people in the deaf community she went on to create these resources in hope to help others.

In between creating she focuses her time on her children, raising them with an appreciation and respect for her Cook Island and Māori heritage.

Children understand hundreds of words and concepts before they can communicate verbally and teaching them signs gives you and your little one a helping hand as they connect with the world around them, develop interests, and (most importantly) learn basic language skills.

‘First Signs - animals’ paves the way with some favourite animal signs as a fun extension or introduction to pre-verbal communication skills.

Series: First Signs

Published: October 1st, 2023
ISBN: 9780473674120
Language: English, NZSL

About the Author
Jenna lives in Auckland with her husband, three-year old daughter, and new born baby boy. Her signature style and quality craftsmanship made her a hit at craft markets where she built a passionate following of fellow art lovers. It was these same followers (along with family and friends) who encouraged her to do what she loved and to never stop creating – a journey which culminated in her first published book A, B Seek in 2017. She has then gone on to create 3 more books including the new sign language books.

Jenna taught her daughter sign as a baby but found it hard to find resources with NZ sign. After learning sign through classes and feedback from people in the deaf community she went on to create these resources in hope to help others.

In between creating she focuses her time on her children, raising them with an appreciation and respect for her Cook Island and Māori heritage.

Andy & The Little Rimu Tree invites young readers from about ages 3-7 into a world where friendship and nature intertwine in the most remarkable ways. Colouring pages are included at the end of the story to get your child's creativity going. It also has an uplifting message which you can teach your young reader about, using your imagination in a positive way.

Andy's eyes lit up like stars as he sat on his bed looking at the beautiful little rimu tree.

"I wish to go on my own adventure," said Andy and he closed his eyes. Sleep was near and, in his heart, he saw himself journeying off to a faraway land.

Published: April 15, 2024
ISBN: 9780473707712
Language: English

Meet the Author

Hydie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Auckland. Children's Literature and New Zealand Literature were her favourite classes. She also has a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary).

When not working or writing, Hydie loves to spend time with her family and friends and go for walks in nature. Hydie lives in Auckland with her husband and her dog Beau. She has one daughter and a stepson.

As a child, Hydie spent a lot of time in the King Country of New Zealand on her aunty and uncle's sheep and beef farm. The days were spent out horseback riding on the farm with her cousin and in the early evenings she would read all the children's books that her aunty had. This was the beginning of Hydie's love for children's literature.

When sophisticated city lawyer Beth visits Springs for a much-needed break, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to the charming and fun-loving Liam. As they explore the stunning wilderness together, Beth discovers there's more to Liam — and to life in Springs — than meets the eye.

When a high-stakes legal case unexpectedly extends Beth's stay in Springs, her holiday fling with Liam blossoms into something deeper. But as Beth's demanding career beckons her back to the city, they must confront the reality of their divergent paths.
Will Beth trade her high-powered legal career for a small-town life with Liam? Will she return to the city, leaving their love behind? Or will Liam find a way they can both make their dreams a reality?

Fans of small-town romance, opposites attract, and hidden identity tropes will be enchanted by this captivating tale of love and self-discovery in the mountain wilderness. With witty banter, sizzling chemistry, and a dash of legal intrigue, "Wild Dreams" will keep you engrossed from the first cup of artisanal coffee to the final hike.

Keywords:
● Opposites attract
● Capable, ambitious FMC
● Golden retriever MMC
● Hidden identity
● Coffee as a love language
● Mystery
● Hiking
● Open-door
● Small-town
● NZ Author
● Indie Author
● Summer

Published: September 10th, 2024
ISBN: 9798335599191
Language: English

Trigger Warnings: 18+

Meet the Author

K. B. Brookes is a passionate writer and storyteller with a love for crafting empowering and engaging romance novels. With a wealth of travel experiences, K. B. brings a unique perspective and rich detail to her writing.

Inspired by her love for reading and a desire to create stories where women have positive, empowering experiences with intimacy, K. B. has found her niche in the romance genre. Although she has never been in a survival situation like some of the characters in novels, her extensive travels and love for hiking—including on some of the trails mentioned in her books—have helped her create vivid, immersive settings for her stories.

When not writing, K. B. can often be found exploring the great outdoors, seeking new hiking trails and adventures to fuel her creativity. Her passion for storytelling shines through in her work, which aims to transport readers to exciting new worlds while celebrating the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.

In the unforgiving wilderness of the Arctic, two contestants must fight to survive — and discover the warmth of love in the process.
Ava Phillips, a shy accountant with a knack for plants, enters the cutthroat world of "Survive: Duos," a reality show that will push her limits in more ways than one. Noah Hartman, a seasoned wilderness guide and search and rescue volunteer, chooses Ava as his partner, setting the stage for an adventure neither could have predicted.

As Ava and Noah battle the elements and their own fears, an unexpected bond blossoms between them. But when a dangerous rival threatens their safety and their budding romance, they must dig deep to find the strength to survive - and to fight for the love they never saw coming.

Fans of slow-burn, opposites attract, mountain man romances will be captivated by this gripping
tale of survival and romance in the Arctic wild. With heart-stopping peril, sizzling chemistry, and a
touch of humor, Surviving With Noah will keep you turning the pages long into the night.

Keywords:
● One-bed
● Forced Proximity
● Protective Hero
● Shy heroine
● Acquaintances to friends to lovers
● Open-door
● Small-town
● Slow burn
● Reality TV show
● NZ Author
● Indie Author
● Winter

Published: May 14th, 2014
ISBN: 9798325550959
Language: English

Trigger Warnings: 18+

Meet the Author

K. B. Brookes is a passionate writer and storyteller with a love for crafting empowering and engaging romance novels. With a wealth of travel experiences, K. B. brings a unique perspective and rich detail to her writing.

Inspired by her love for reading and a desire to create stories where women have positive, empowering experiences with intimacy, K. B. has found her niche in the romance genre. Although she has never been in a survival situation like some of the characters in novels, her extensive travels and love for hiking—including on some of the trails mentioned in her books—have helped her create vivid, immersive settings for her stories.

When not writing, K. B. can often be found exploring the great outdoors, seeking new hiking trails and adventures to fuel her creativity. Her passion for storytelling shines through in her work, which aims to transport readers to exciting new worlds while celebrating the power of love and the strength of the human spirit.

Jayden hasn't been having a good year. He's probably not going to keep his job long. His two oldest friends are getting way too judgy as they go about cleaning up their act and becoming "mature". To make things worse they keep expecting him to do the same. As if they're so perfect? But what's the point, why bother? Jayden knows what sort of person he is, and aiming to "improve" himself is just a waste of everybody's time.

Then those friends decide to introduce him to someone new; Katie. Katie seems to get it. Katie sees how pointless people can be. Now dinner is eaten and the four of them are going to the movies together. Will this be a chance for Jayden to turn over a new leaf and begin something new? Or is it all true what they say about him, what he thinks about himself? Is he really that awful?

But what happens among the dark seats of the cinema will start a chain reaction for Jayden and everyone around him. Still dripping from the rain outside, grotesque things will force all who encounter them to uncover their true selves, if they want any chance to survive.

Rotten is the latest novel by New Zealand author Aaron Dick. This nauseating horror story follows Jayden as he is confronted with the up close and personal faces of both death and deep regret. Not to mention he must face the unnatural things that just keep coming, keep crawling, keep stumbling closer every moment; while he scrambles to finally find somewhere he feels safe.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473539160
Language: English

Trigger Warnings: Swearing, Violent Death

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

Shanti has been living in the city of Gorduum for two years, working alongside her shrewd uncle Dunin and exploring streets lit by shining plants. But the excitement of such wonderful places palls over time, and now she has an opportunity to follow investment opportunities to strange distant lands. Her desire to explore has been awakened once more.

Travelling to the canals and jungle of Chechezuk will bring her the same awe and joy as her first journeys to Gorduum. But unfamiliar customers bring new dangers in the watery canals of this city and desperation hides in plain sight.

When Hidden Eyes Grow Dim is a standalone sequel to Where The Fields Grow Light, by Aotearoa New Zealand author Aaron Dick. Follow Shanti as she delves into a city built on water, and finds her faith and relationships challenged by the people she meets there.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473639136
Language: English

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

Shanti is a young woman who spends her days helping out behind the counter of the family general store in the small village of Graama. Seeing as her family and friends are content to remain working hard in the shops and fields of Graama, Shanti feels she must restrain her dreams of seeing far off places from the stories she heard as a child.

But when a chance comes up to travel to the distant city of Gorduum, as part of her mother’s business, she leaps at the opportunity; though she worries about leaving her family to cope without her. She doesn’t know how she feels about leaving behind two young men who often seek her company either.

Before long she is caught up in the world of the lights traders, companies that grow plants which glow and illuminate the city. With her uncle’s help she begins to navigate through this shining unfamiliar city to complete her business, but finds herself spending more and more time with a man pursuing darker goals.

Where The Fields Grow Light is the first full-length novel by New Zealand author Aaron Dick. This fantasy story features family left behind in search of something more, beautiful sights and luxurious places, strange technologies, the perilous navigation of a new and unfamiliar society, chances for romance, and a slow descent into something dark and dangerous.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473523442
Language: English

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

People are dying in Blackriver.

Mikel Ofeli is tired. He has been commander of the guard at Sheerwall Castle for decades. As he mourns the passing of his wife, Mata, and with his son Tuomas away on a diplomatic mission, he is confronted by horrifically maimed bodies discovered near the castle walls.

Mikel will avoid the interference of godlings and question the benevolence of Mercy's Shield as he searches for the cause of these murders before anyone else is put in danger. He is the only one who can face down mercenaries, religious leaders, and the Lord of the Castle, one of his oldest friends.

Events in his past continue to affect his present, and his decisions will be influenced by memories that won't let him rest.

There Is A Stranger Here is a fantasy thriller that places familiar action into a new world. The damaged detective with personal issues is commander of the castle guard. He has to stop a serial killer before they strike again, but this killer is not human. Settle into the lush world-building, danger, and excitement of Aotearoa New Zealand author Aaron Dick's latest novel.

Published: January 30, 2025
ISBN: 9780473731724
Language: English

Meet the Author:

Aaron Dick is a teacher living north of Auckland in New Zealand with his wife, their two daughters, and a small menagerie of household animals. They all love when his eldest daughter visits too.
He grew up as a voracious reader of science-fiction and fantasy, often to the annoyance of his unheeded family. Becoming an author was a childhood dream, alongside being a palaeontologist, or a rock star.

Beau and the Stone Giant is a rhyming extravaganza, masterfully illustrated with comic book font. Children 5 - 10 will enjoy this heroic tale with its three dog heroes who are based on real life dogs!

Beau and the Stone Giant, an adventure story of how three furry dog heroes help a stone giant to get the cure for his stone malady and save the day with fun, courage and love.

Published: August 26, 2024
ISBN: 9780473717865
Language: English

Meet the Author

Hydie graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English and History from the University of Auckland. Children's Literature and New Zealand Literature were her favourite classes. She also has a Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Primary).

When not working or writing, Hydie loves to spend time with her family and friends and go for walks in nature. Hydie lives in Auckland with her husband and her dog Beau. She has one daughter and a stepson.

As a child, Hydie spent a lot of time in the King Country of New Zealand on her aunty and uncle's sheep and beef farm. The days were spent out horseback riding on the farm with her cousin and in the early evenings she would read all the children's books that her aunty had. This was the beginning of Hydie's love for children's literature.

Quake-powered time travel...

Tarawera, 1886. Napier, 1931. The formation of Rangitoto Island. The Waimangu Geyser.

Deadly eruptions and earthquakes dot New Zealand's history. When an ancient artefact opens a portal, Anira, Tiger, and the Earthcore team are scattered into dangerous events of the past.

Their abilities and knowledge of history give them the power to survive—but can they change the past, or save lives they know were lost?

Meanwhile, Manaia realises stepping through time might lead to her lost husband, and sets out into the past to seek her young son’s father.

All their powers will be called on to fulfil what the guardians ask. If they can find the the right place and time, they might just become part of a legend.

Series: Earthcore, #6

Format: Pocketbook
Published: September 29, 2024
ISBN: ‎ 979-8335332828
Language: English