A Bushman's Book of Yarns

Sam Gibson’s 'A Bushman's Book of Yarns' is an entertaining collection of outdoor stories that captures the rugged humour and hard-case characters of the New Zealand backcountry. The book is packed with memorable adventures, from trading venison for crayfish in Fiordland to tracking giant red stags in Haast, alongside unique wildlife encounters.

What makes the stories particularly special is its accessible, colloquial language, rich descriptions, and authentic local flavour. The stories are further enriched by heartwarming family anecdotes featuring his children, including a lovely reflection asking if you’ve ever seen that little dance of happiness a child does when good food fills them with joy when he talks about smoked trout.

I personally loved the tactile nature of the imagery and descriptions. Every alternate chapter serves as a practical guide to native trees and edible native plants, highlighting their culinary uses and their vital role in the whenua. Complete with practical tips at the end of each section and how to look after our natural resources, beautiful illustrations, and vivid, interesting imagery, the book naturally inspires a deep respect for local ecosystems and kaitiakitanga.

Overall, this is a highly engaging informative book that readers can easily dip in and out of. Highly accessible and deeply rooted in New Zealand's rich natural environment, it makes an awesome addition to any classroom shelf or school library, especially for upper middle school students in Years 9, 10, and 11, and even for reluctant readers in 12 and 13.