WINNER: Isla Thompson, Auckland
Jennifer Beck’s The Choosing Day



Dear Ms Beck,

The Choosing Day makes me feel really excited because Briar has a birthday that is so special and I love birthdays. I loved how you described the bath so deep and bubbly she could barely breathe. Sometimes when it is my bath time I pretend I am in a bath like that.

Briar was like me because once I made my Mummy wear a long green dress that I had never seen her wear.

I felt a bit sad when Briar and her Mum were dressed so beautifully to go to the shops but no grown ups noticed. I think that is different to me because if I dressed up like Briar I know people would say something nice to me. When the children saw Briar and her Mum and they knew it must be a special day I was really glad because it made her feel very happy, and when her Dad came and they all had the party together it made the whole day perfect.

I love how this book makes me feel

Love from Isla


RUNNER UP: Brian Kim, Auckland
Rats! Gavin Bishop



Dear Gavin Bishop,

Hello Gavin! My name is Brian and I am six years old. I’ve read your book Rats! I had a similar problem like Mrs Polly Piper. I have a little sister names Lianne. She often came to my room and read some of my books and played with my things. Sometimes she wasn’t gentle with my books. I got frustrated and couldn’t lay down in peace.
Then one morning, grandma came to pick up Lianne. When she was gone I felt happy for a while. But later that day, I started to miss her. I hadn’t realized I had so much fun with her reading my books together. When my sister came back, I was so pleased to see her and I gave her a huge hug. I also let her come into my room as long as she was gentle with my books.

Gavin, I wish you could visit my school then I can show you around the library at school. And after school, I will introduce my sister. She loves books.

Your friend,
Brian