The war carried the Spanish flu across the world. Faces grew masks. Shops and schools wore signs that said, 'Closed'. Families nursing the sick drew their curtains together to say their house was quarantined... From the award-winning creators of Flood, Fire, Cyclone and Drought, comes this powerful story of humanity prevailing during a pandemic.

It is 1918, and World War I is finally drawing to an end. In the small Canterbury settlement of Southill Downs, 11-year-old Freda Rose looks forward to the return of her brother, Bobby, from the Western Front. But Freda doesn’t know that something else is on its way to New Zealand from battle-scarred Europe: a disease that will soon prove more devastating than any war. As the lethal sickness spreads, striking down even the strongest and healthiest, Freda’s joy turns to horror and disbelief. And when Bobby shows up, damaged by the fighting, she knows her life – and the lives of everyone she loves – will never be the same again.

A heartfelt story about what it was like to have a baby during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a mom of a Pandemic baby herself, the author Monique Simões shares a story to describe all of the emotions that came along with it. This book is a wonderful keepsake or gift that captures a bit of our history. It is a great book for anyone who wants to share something special with their little one who experienced something extraordinary - a global pandemic.

"Haven't you heard about the virus?" When her BFF asks this question at the bus stop, there was no way ten year old Emilia could know that the global pandemic of Covid-19 was about to turn her life upside down. Based on true events, this story follows the journey of Emilia, a 'TCK' or Third Culture Kid, who lives in South Korea with her teacher mother, where they both enjoy their international school community. Emilia is from New Zealand, but she's lived outside of her native country for longer than she's lived in it. She loves her life in Korea and travelling the world with her family. Life is wonderful until the rapidly spreading global pandemic of Covid-19 prompts her mother to take Emilia from her home in Korea to her home in New Zealand, after the Lunar New Year holiday of 2020. Emilia's life changes without warning and the range of heart wrenching feelings she experiences is overwhelming. Back in New Zealand, and missing her friends, school and apartment in Korea, Emilia has to face the unplanned reality that she may not be able to go back and instead has to start a new life and school in New Zealand. Despite feeling safe in New Zealand, she wonders how long it will be before the pandemic follows her there too? An Unexpected Journey - a Covid tale is closely based on the real experiences of the author and her daughter, who like many families around the world faced upheaval and anxiety in the wave of the global pandemic in early 2020. This story deals tenderly with real emotions of fear, confusion and grief and the inspiring resilience of a child who has to adapt overnight to a new reality. The transformational story of Emilia honestly expresses the pain and confusion of sudden transition from a child's point of view and celebrates the comfort that family and community can provide. It honors the story of an everyday girl hero who could be your neighbour, classmate or relative! An Unexpected Journey - a Covid tale is a story for anyone who has been affected by change, and specifically addresses themes to do with belonging, identity, and relocation. Ideal readers of this story are: Third Culture kids and their parents Covid-19 refugees Expatriates/Global Nomads Educators International schools An Unexpected Journey - a Covid-19 tale, written by Naomi Barton (B.A.Hons, Dip. Teaching) is a story which demonstrates the healing and empowering nature of storytelling. With extensive experience in theatre, high school drama and philosophy education as well as childbirth education, Naomi combines her skills and experience with her passion for authentic voices to tell a touching story of being a hero in your own life. Having spent years working in international schools in the Middle East and South Korea, Naomi knows the value of stories to embolden self-identity and transform upsetting experiences into tools of empowerment for young children, teenagers and adults.

In 2020, the world collectively hit pause. The coronavirus came unexpectedly and with it a new way of living. For new parents, all prior plans were thrown out the window. They had to adapt to quarantine, new visitation rules at the hospital, and adjust to anxiety at home with a newborn. Born on the Curve is a picture book celebrating the unique experiences of growing families during the pandemic. It highlights commonly used terms like social distancing, essential workers, and contact-free delivery while also putting a positive spin on a tough time. Children born during COVID-19 can use this book to understand how special the beginning of their story truly is. One reader described the book as written for all the moms and dads, grandparents, family and friends, and babies that went through this alone. The most wonderful thing, having a child, couldn't be shared in the traditional way every new parent dreams of. Born on the Curve is a tribute to those families impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

When Debbies grandmother gives her a copy of her forefathers old sea journal, she finds it fascinating. While Debbies own diary tells of 1960s school life and troubles with her friends, excerpts from the diary of 1841 tell of the hardships of life on an emigrant sailing ship. At home, sick with glandular fever, Debbie feels transported back in time. Is it the fever, or is her long-dead relative trying to tell her something? Following a trip to the South Island to visit relatives, Debbie boards the ferry to return home to Wellington. It is April 1968. The ferrys name is Wahine...