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.

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 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.

Madeline is on the lookout for love in her final year of university when she meets Daniel. Attractive, funny, charming, and a musician just like her. He seems to understand her in a way no one has before. Could he be everything she has ever wanted in a boyfriend?

It doesn't take long before something forms between them — but what that is, Madeline isn't sure. As Madeline navigates the rhythms of her connection with Daniel, she also has life's ups and downs to face.

Study stress, family dramas, loss, and friendships both new and old press in on Madeline. It's up to her to find who she wants to be — and who she wants to be with — before stepping into the big world beyond.

Will Madeline be able to deal with the insecurities that have been brought to the surface? Is she destined to remain stuck in toxic relationships or will she find the strength within herself to change her situation?

The book contains five original songs written and recorded by the author, with QR codes to stream the songs online.

Published: March 21, 2025
ISBN: 9780473731380
Language: English

About the Author
Martinette is a graduate from the University of Otago.
She lives in Dunedin with her husband and two children.
'Everything She Wanted' is her debut novel. Also a songwriter, her original music is available on all streaming platforms.

A Kiwi Christmas Tale about a wee tree who believes in himself to shine brightly.
With not a snowflake in sight, it is enjoyed by Kiwi kids at Christmas, asking for it to be read "again".

Published: November1st, 2023
ISBN: 9780473605834
Language: English

About the Author
Debbie is a self published, kids author who is loving the process of words on paper becoming words in a book, read by our gorgeous Kiwi kids.
My first book Taika's Christmas Tale is also available in Te Reo.

A Kiwi Christmas Tale about a wee tree who believes in himself to shine brightly.
With not a snowflake in sight, it is enjoyed by Kiwi kids at Christmas, asking for it to be read "again".

A tale of Christmas acknowledging our unique summer celebration and encouraging tamariki to read Te Reo.

Published: November1st, 2023
ISBN: 9780473713232
Language: English

About the Author
Debbie is a self published, kids author who is loving the process of words on paper becoming words in a book, read by our gorgeous Kiwi kids.
My first book Taika's Christmas Tale is also available in Te Reo.

Thrust into a world previously unknown to her, Agatha fumbled her way through bouts of depression as the desperation of her situation hits home, the denial of her new life, and the brutality of war that ensues, and magic that she never knew was in her. Can she pull herself back into reality, to help those who love her the most?

The crew living in the castle, help with fortification and safety, but what will happen if more join? Will the balance of calm and support hold, or will it teeter on the edge.

Lord Caspian has his tricks with control, deceit, and manipulation, not to mention the growing unease of a town that supported and cared for Agatha’s aunt. As Agatha grows in strength the young woman that first walked through the oak doors, clueless to the unravelling events to face how life is teetering on a thin line stretched over a cavern filled to the brim with Daemons raged and bloodthirsty. Will it be Caspian that breaks the line or will the stress of the new life become all to much for our beloved Agatha.
And don’t forget our beloved Fey and their new home, reveling in their newfound freedom, no more the kamikaze Fey that were only destined to be caged and used as subjects of war.


Reviews:

JD ‘if you’re into epic fantasy with magic, adventure, and a dash of romance, you’ve got to check this series out! Trust me you won’t regret it!’

Grungy_fairy_reader: ‘Here we go! Are you ready for the second book in this series because I loved it even more than the first one!’.

Published: 22 June, 2024
ISBN: 9781067014018
Language: English

From the author of LIMELIGHT ON LOVE and DRAGONUS CHRONICLES comes this sensual, heart-warming story of second chances and rediscovered love.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"A lovely read. I loved the story and characters. I do love this author. 5*."

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "A steamy but romantic read!"

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ "I absolutely love this author and this book didn’t disappoint."

Thirty-two years ago, sixteen-year-old Emily had a crush on Noah Hayes—the boy next door and captain of the high school volleyball team. She had hoped he would finally notice her. But Fate had other ideas, and Noah went off to university, leaving his family, friends, and Emily, behind.

As a reward for finishing her latest manuscript, bestselling romance author, Emily Reid, signs up for a four-day Autumn Colours photography workshop in Otago, New Zealand. While she sits waiting for the bus to head out, a tall, gorgeous stranger with broad shoulders and dark tousled hair, comes on board. She’s never met him before, yet there’s something familiar about him, an inexplicable magnetic attraction that sets her heart racing.

The last person Noah expects to run into on a photography workshop is his high school crush. But he isn’t going to waste the opportunity. With green eyes, fiery auburn hair, and a smile that takes his breath away, she is even more captivating than he remembers. And if she’d let him, he would spend every possible moment in her company.

Can Noah and Emily use the second chance Fate gives them to focus on love?

Find out in book one of Jay Shaw’s new series: Seasons Of Romance.


Content advisory: This book contains adult content and themes best suited to readers over 18 years old.


What people are saying about FOCUS ON LOVE:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...Gently told with a real sense of place (New Zealand) that figures heavily in the story the author slowly unfolds the tentative exploration of two older people trying to recapture the potential of the past. Kristin Gleeson

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...An amazing love story of a couple that are of a non-traditional age - they are 48 + 50 - and this was a long awaited reading treat. Too many stories are based on the 18- 28ish age range with the writing styles reflecting that age. The writing in this book reflects the maturity of our characters and that is refreshing for the older reader. Jay's character development and world building brings the reader into the heart of the story and you won't want to leave. Donna

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️...What a lovely heart-warming book. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and their journeys. Life has a habit of showing us the unexpected. Amazing after all those years their paths would cross again. Highly recommended. Angela Taylor
Content Advisory: Contains adult themes that are best suited to readers 18 years old and over.

Tigger Warnings/Age Restrictions: R18+ for sexual situations and occasional swearing

Published: 11 July, 2021
ISBN: 9798535196763
Language: English

Meet the Author

Jay was raised on a balanced diet of Star Wars, 80's TV, and romance novels. So, naturally, she has a partiality for tall, dark-haired, space heroes and military men in thigh holsters.

When I'm not lunching with my most-excellent author friends or marathoning Netflix, you can catch me writing sexy space adventures, wolf-shifter escapades, contemporary second-chance romances, and steamy action/adventures.

Despite the many trials and tribulations of her characters, it is universally acknowledged that they will discover their one great love. A love all time and space will lie down and be still for.

'I'm going to the beach' says Papa.
'Grab your hats if you're coming too.'
'Yay', we are going in the buggy!' says Coop.
'It's my favourite thing to do.'

Join Cooper and Beauden as they explore the beach with Papa. They have so much fun finding starfish, writing in the sand and trying to spot the shorebirds. And they get to drive the buggy - not too fast!

Format: Paperback
Published: December 11, 2023
ISBN: 9780473696184
Language: English

Meet the Author

As a Nanny to 4 little darlings, Karen became inspired to write about their adventures together. The boys talk often about the fun they have with Nanny and Papa and love reading the books. Cooper and Beaudens adventures will continue and they are now shared with their cousins Keira and Emilie.

Join Cooper and Beauden on their bear hunt adventure! They see sheep poop, the neighbours dog and plenty of avocados - but do they find a bear?

Format: Paperback
Published: March 20, 2023
ISBN: 9780473673628
Language: English

Meet the Author

As a Nanny to 4 little darlings, Karen became inspired to write about their adventures together. The boys talk often about the fun they have with Nanny and Papa and love reading the books. Cooper and Beaudens adventures will continue and they are now shared with their cousins Keira and Emilie.

97-year-old Alice Atkinson is bored. She should be comfortably living out her days at the Silvermoon Retirement Village, winning money off her friends at card games. But a lifetime of living in the grey area between right and wrong means that isn't satisfying.

Then her friend is murdered, and she's the only one who thinks it's foul play. And even she has her doubts. Now she has to dust off her old skills and investigate. With the help of Vanessa her newly appointed and occasionally reluctant sidekick, Alice is determined to find out the truth.

As Alice always says, "be the smartest in any room, and if you can't then be the most cunning". One thing is for sure, it's going to take all her smarts and all her cunning to stay one step ahead of the killer.

Amazon Reviews:
"This series is totally delightful and as lighthearted as a murder mystery can be"
"The characters are top notch and the story was very well written with enough twists to please me"

Published: 28 August, 2019
ISBN: 9780473504441
Language: English

Meet the Author

Rodney is a Porirua based author who specialises in cozy mysteries, while dabbling in other genres on occasion. When not writing he enjoys eating chocolate while watching the antics of his two kittens, who have yet to learn the meaning of the word no. Something that occasionally applies to his children to.

17 year old Levi Collins has been able to joke his way out of most things in life. Until he’s diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Faced with something so terrifying he does the only thing he can think of. He decides to track down Fear and tell it to get lost. His only clue, a whisper of a myth, and a drawing.
His best friend Mel thinks he’s crazy, but it’s not the first time she’s thought that. And she’s still going to help him.
Along the way he discovers some things about his friend, and himself.

Thanks for Coming is a bittersweet tale of friendship, fear, and working out what’s important.

"Loved the character arcs in this book. Glorious from Rodney Strong, capturing teenage angst beautifully and the unspoken pain that so many feel when dealing with imminent loss to a terminal illness."

Tigger Warnings/Age Restrictions: Contains cancer references and death

Published: 30 September, 2021
ISBN: 9781991155603
Language: English

Meet the Author

Rodney is a Porirua based author who specialises in cozy mysteries, while dabbling in other genres on occasion. When not writing he enjoys eating chocolate while watching the antics of his two kittens, who have yet to learn the meaning of the word no. Something that occasionally applies to his children to.