{"title":"Benjamin Zephaniah","description":"\u003cp\u003eBenjamin Zephaniah's works span vibrant poetry, heartfelt stories, and vivid memoirs, offering readers a rich journey through themes of nature, identity, and social justice. His writing captures the rhythm of contemporary life with a unique voice that resonates across children’s and young adult literature as well as arts and culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom accessible board books to compelling biographies, Zephaniah’s stories explore human connection and resilience, inviting readers to reflect on the world around them. His celebrated titles encourage empathy and inspire a deeper understanding of diverse experiences and the natural environment.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-life-and-rhymes-of-benjamin-zephaniah","title":"The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah\u003c\/i\u003e is an enthralling and inspiring autobiography that chronicles the extraordinary life of one of Britain’s most celebrated poets. Embark on a riveting journey through Zephaniah’s vibrant and diverse experiences, from his tumultuous youth in Birmingham to his meteoric rise as an international poet and activist. This compelling narrative showcases his relentless dedication to art, social justice, and empowered expression, all woven together with his characteristic wit, lyrical mastery, and unyielding spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBenjamin Zephaniah's story begins in the early 1980s, a time of social upheaval when punks and Rastas took to the streets to protest against unemployment, homelessness, and the National Front. During this period, Zephaniah's evocative poetry resonated through the air at demonstrations, rallying cries outside police stations, and even on the dance floors. Determined to democratise poetry, he ventured beyond traditional boundaries, reaching audiences who had never picked up a book. His work stood out for being politically charged, musically infused, radically minded, and profoundly relevant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBy the early 1990s, Zephaniah had achieved the remarkable feat of performing on every continent within a single year. His journey of artistic and personal exploration continued unabated, marking him as a perpetual globetrotter. A poignant moment in his career was when Nelson Mandela, after being moved by Zephaniah's poetic tribute while imprisoned, requested an introduction to the poet. This meeting burgeoned into a lifelong friendship, profoundly impacting Zephaniah’s endeavours, particularly his work with disadvantaged children in South Africa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn a significant artistic milestone, Zephaniah became the first poet to record with The Wailers after Bob Marley's passing, creating a stirring musical homage to Mandela. Through all these experiences, Zephaniah's life has been a testament to the transformative power of poetry and the importance of challenging and transcending artistic boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah\u003c\/i\u003e is more than just a memoir; it is a celebration of a life dedicated to the arts and activism. It is an extraordinary tale of resilience, creativity, and hope that will leave readers deeply moved and inspired by Benjamin Zephaniah’s unwavering commitment to making a difference through his words and actions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45686931456236,"sku":"9781471168956","price":23.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781471168956.jpg?v=1725471225"},{"product_id":"people-need-people-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781408368169","title":"People Need People","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eWinner of The Queen's Knickers Award 2024\u003c\/b\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo walk to\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo talk to\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo cry and rely on,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePeople will always need people . . .\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the creators of \u003ci\u003eNature Trail\u003c\/i\u003e comes an uplifting picture book about the power of people, and the importance of connecting with others. This timely poem reminds us all to be kind to one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by legendary poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, one of \u003ci\u003eThe Times'\u003c\/i\u003e top 50 British post-war writers. Beautifully illustrated by Nila Aye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eNature Trail:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA joy to read with small children - \u003ci\u003eIndependent\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46414512488684,"sku":"9781408368169","price":18.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/11792383482689.jpg?v=1746346547"},{"product_id":"nature-trail-board-book-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781408369661","title":"Nature Trail Board Book","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA joy to read with small children - \u003ci\u003eIndependent\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChunky board book edition of this joyful \u003cb\u003ecelebration of nature and the wonder of the world around us by legendary poet and performer Benjamin Zephaniah, one of \u003ci\u003eThe Times'\u003c\/i\u003e top 50 British post-war writers.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the bottom of my garden, there's a hedgehog and a frog,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd a lot of creepy-crawlies living underneath a log . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll around us, from parks to gardens and flowerpots to pavements, there's a world of wonder just waiting to be discovered. Why not look a little closer and see what you find?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis uplifting celebration of nature reminds us all to take a closer look at the world around us, and enjoy the wonder of nature wherever we find it. Packed with animals and minibeasts galore, this imaginative rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46445980549356,"sku":"9781408369661","price":18.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/11807303482689.jpg?v=1747376787"},{"product_id":"nature-trail-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781408361269","title":"Nature Trail","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA joy to read with small children - \u003cem\u003eIndependent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn uplifting celebration of nature and the wonder of the world around us. By legendary poet and performer Benjamin Zephaniah, one of \u003cem\u003eThe Times'\u003c\/em\u003e top 50 British post-war writers, and beautifully illustrated by the award-winning Nila Aye.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the bottom of my garden, there's a hedgehog and a frog,\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnd a lot of creepy-crawlies living underneath a log . . .\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll around us, from parks to gardens and flowerpots to pavements, there's a world of wonder just waiting to be discovered. Why not look a little closer and see what you find?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis joyful celebration of nature reminds us all to take a closer look at the world around us and enjoy the wonder of nature wherever we find it. Packed with animals and minibeasts galore, this imaginative rhyming text is perfect for reading aloud.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBe sure not to miss \u003cem\u003ePeople Need People,\u003c\/em\u003e winner of The Queen's Knickers Award 2024.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46837889925356,"sku":"9781408361269","price":19.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/c18f59d6d469a3e08d9656ddbd20dcce.jpg?v=1758652552"},{"product_id":"leave-the-trees-please-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781915569202","title":"Leave the Trees, Please","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFollow a little boy's friendship and journey with one tree, in this powerful and beautiful love letter to nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom master wordsmith, Benjamin Zephaniah, comes a breathtaking new poem and story showing how trees offer us the perspective and connection to nature we crave in our daily lives. The final scene is an honest representation of the devastating effects of deforestation and urban development, encouraging all of us, everywhere, to \u003cem\u003eleave the trees, please\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith resplendent illustrations from bestselling Melissa Castrillon, this book is both magnificent and timely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853537759468,"sku":"9781915569202","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/274723482870.jpg?v=1759207621"},{"product_id":"a-poem-in-the-sky-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781408368183","title":"A Poem in the Sky","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA joyful picture book that celebrates the magic of poetry,\u003c\/strong\u003e from the award-winning makers of \u003ci\u003eNature Trail\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003ePeople Need People.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere's a poem on your face\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere's a poem in the sky\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere's a poem in outta space\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThere are poems passing by\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePoems are EVERYWHERE - in your dreams, on your fingers and in your teeth! There's even a poem in you. Can't you see it? It's right there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGet ready to see poems wherever you are in this toe-tapping celebration of rhythm and rhyme from award-winning poet Benjamin Zephaniah, beautifully illustrated by Nila Aye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eNature Trail\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e'A joy to read with small children' - Independent\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47105173094636,"sku":"9781408368183","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/b9addb279394698ecadfa1e39507028a.jpg?v=1765789397"},{"product_id":"let-dem-know-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9780241789704","title":"Let Dem Know","description":"A new collection combining Benjamin Zephaniah's three Puffin Poetry books with a previously unpublished spoken-word poem and a new foreword by George the Poet\n\n'a shining light ... showing us all the power of words to delight, enthral and challenge' - Joseph Coelho\n\nMusical, plain-spoken, playful and powerful, Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry has been lighting up British cultural life since the early 1980s. Written to be performed, his funny, serious poems sing with a rare energy, with subjects ranging from racism, pollution and revolution to the lottery, vegetables and his cat, Danny.\n\nThis new collection brings together Zephaniah's three Puffin Poetry books, from his first volume of children's poetry, Talking Turkeys, to Funky Chickens and Wicked World with a previously unpublished poem and a new foreword by the poet and spoken-word artist George the Poet.\n\nFull of wisdom and laughter, Benjamin Zephaniah's poetry is a tonic for our times - a celebration of people, culture and love that will entice readers young and old, whether they're well versed in poetry or new to the form.","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47288552653036,"sku":"9780241789704","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/c0b6fd9314a6d844adb9d674a0942024.jpg?v=1770629664"},{"product_id":"refugee-boy-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781350171916","title":"Refugee Boy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAn eye for an eye. It’s very simple. You choose your homeland like a hyena picking and choosing where he steals his next meal from. Scavenger. Yes, you grovel to the feet of Mengistu and when his people spit at you and kick you from the bowl, you scuttle across the border. Scavenger.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a violent civil war rages back home in Ethiopia, teenager Alem and his father are in a bed and breakfast in Berkshire. It's his best holiday ever. The next morning, his father is gone and has left a note explaining that he and his mother want to protect Alem from the war. This strange grey country of England is now his home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn his own, and in the hands of social services and the Refugee Council, Alem lives from letter to letter, waiting to hear something from his father. Then he meets car-obsessed Mustapha, the lovely 'out-of-your-league' Ruth, and dangerous Sweeney – three unexpected allies who spur him on in his fight to be seen as more than just the \u003cem\u003eRefugee Boy\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLemn Sissay's remarkable stage adaptation of Benjamin Zephaniah's bestselling novel is published here in the Methuen Drama Student Edition series, featuring commentary and notes by Professor Lynette Goddard (Royal Holloway, University of London, UK) that help the student unpack the play's themes, language, structure, and production history to date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47427520495852,"sku":"9781350171916","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781350171916.jpg?v=1774767495"},{"product_id":"people-need-people-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781408368152","title":"People Need People","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA joyous book to share, with charming details to spot on every spread - \u003ci\u003eBookTrust\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo walk to\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo talk to\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eTo cry and rely on,\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003ePeople will always need people . . .\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom the creators of \u003ci\u003eNature Trail\u003c\/i\u003e comes an uplifting picture book about the power of people, and the importance of connecting with others. This timely poem reminds us all to be kind to one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWritten by legendary poet, Benjamin Zephaniah, one of \u003ci\u003eThe Times'\u003c\/i\u003e top 50 British post-war writers. Beautifully illustrated by Nila Aye.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePraise for \u003ci\u003eNature Trail:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA joy to read with small children - \u003ci\u003eIndependent\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47607359045868,"sku":"9781408368152","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408368152-people-need-people.jpg?v=1778162026"},{"product_id":"rewild-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781917768634","title":"Rewild","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom one of our most beloved poets, Benjamin Zephaniah, and bestselling illustrator Emily Sutton comes this powerful and uplifting book for children - an urgent, hopeful call to restore our relationship with Earth, and rewild our future.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn the beginning, the land was bare. Humanity rose, learned to speak, to farm, to build, to imagine. With language, art, science and community, we shaped the world - and ourselves. For a time, we lived in harmony with nature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut, as cities grew and industries spread, nature was pushed aside. Forests fell, the air thickened, seas were plundered and money was mistaken for happiness. The balance between people and planet was lost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBut this vast human story is not a tale of despair: at its heart is a turning point.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA new generation of children see clearly what has been lost - and can also see what could still be saved. Children with wheelbarrows and seeds begin the work to rewild and repair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eZephaniah's distinctive voice and Emily Sutton's richly imagined artwork invite young readers to understand the past, confront the present, and believe in their power to shape a better future. It celebrates nature not as something separate from us, but as something we belong to - and are responsible for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book about humility, possibility, and action. A book that honours the wisdom of children. A book that asks us all to breathe in, look again and rewild the world - together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48000245072108,"sku":"9781917768634","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781917768634-rewild.jpg?v=1784978001"},{"product_id":"refugee-boy-by-benjamin-zephaniah-9781408894996","title":"Refugee Boy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSelected for The Pleasure List 2026 - Hay Festival's crowd-sourced list of the 39 most unputdownable books ever\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Playful, obstinate and courageously humorous ... hilarious and later heartbreaking'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eGuardian\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e'Sweet, funny, highly inventive'\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eYorkshire Post\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe poignant but funny tale of a young refugee now marking its 25th anniversary with a \u003cstrong\u003enew foreword by Joseph Coelho, former Children's Laureate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcclaimed performance poet and novelist Benjamin Zephaniah's honest, wry and poignant story of a young refugee left in London is of even more power and pertinence today than when it was first published.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eLife is not safe for Alem. His father is Ethiopian, his mother Eritrean. Their countries are at war, and Alem is welcome in neither place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSo Alem is excited to spend a holiday in London with his father – until he wakes up to find him gone. What seems like a betrayal is in fact an act of love, but now Alem is alone in a strange country, and he must forge his own path...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVery accessible and easy to read; perfect for reading for pleasure and classroom discussion.\u003c\/strong\u003e QR code link to new Teachers' Notes included in anniversary edition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBrilliantly written and with a real ear for dialogue, fans of Angie Thomas and Malorie Blackman will love Benjamin Zephaniah's novels for young adult readers:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRefugee Boy\u003cbr\u003eFace\u003cbr\u003eGangsta Rap\u003cbr\u003eTeacher's Dead\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48243849298156,"sku":"9781408894996","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408894996-refugee-boy-1.jpg?v=1787989927"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/benjamin-zephaniah.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}