{"title":"John Dickson","description":"\u003cp\u003eJohn Dickson’s works invite readers into thoughtful exploration of faith and spirituality, offering perspectives that challenge doubts and deepen understanding. His writing often bridges the academic and the accessible, making complex ideas about religion approachable and engaging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond spiritual themes, the collection includes imaginative children’s books that delight and inspire young minds. Whether navigating profound questions or sparking creativity, John Dickson’s titles offer meaningful experiences for readers of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"bullies-and-saints-by-john-dickson-9780310119371","title":"Bullies and Saints","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIs religion a pernicious force in the world? Does it poison everything? Would we be better off without religion in general and Christianity in particular?\u003c\/em\u003e Many sceptics certainly think so.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJohn Dickson has spent much of the last ten years reflecting on these difficult questions and on why so many doubters see Christianity as a major cause of harm, not blessing. The sceptics, he concludes, are right: even a cursory look at the history of Christians reveals dark things therein—violence, bigotry, genocide, war, inquisition, oppression, imperialism, racism, corruption, greed, power, abuse. For centuries and even today, Christians have been among the worst bullies you could ever imagine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut these sceptics are only partly right: this is not what Christianity was meant to be. When Christians do evil, they are out of tune with the teachings of their Lord. Jesus gave the world a beautiful melody—of love, grace, charity, humility, non-violence, equality, human dignity—to which, tragically, his followers have more often than not been tone-deaf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDenying the evils of church history does not do. John Dickson provides an honest account of the mixed history of Christianity, the evil and the good. He concedes the Christians' complicity for centuries of bullying but also shows the myriad ways the beautiful melody of Christ has enriched our world and the lives of countless individuals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis book asks contemporary sceptics of religion to listen again to the melody of Jesus, despite the discord produced by too many Christians through history and today. It also leads contemporary believers into sober reflection on and repentance for their own participation in the tragic inconsistencies of Christendom, and seeks to inspire them to live in tune with Christ.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HarperCollins New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46513575821548,"sku":"9780310119371","price":34.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/10848293482298.jpg?v=1748868146"},{"product_id":"craig-shanahan-cooking-up-a-storm-by-john-dickson-9780645558418","title":"Craig Shanahan: Cooking up a Storm","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeet Craig Shanahan, the blind chef with his own café. When kids would ask Craig what it was like having one eye, he’d ask them what it was like having two. That was all he knew. He grew up loving cooking and studied to be a chef.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Craig lost vision in his good eye, he didn’t let that hold him back. He decided to open a café that would be accessible to all customers. You can visit Craig’s café, The Blind Chef, meet his service dog Rocko and maybe even eat a four-course meal blindfolded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCraig Shanahan: Cooking up a Storm\u003c\/em\u003e by John Dickson invites you to explore the incredible journey of a chef who defies the odds and continues to cook up a storm against all challenges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46679704928492,"sku":"9780645558418","price":28.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23029753482417.jpg?v=1753113528"},{"product_id":"matt-formston-surfing-in-the-dark-by-john-dickson-9780645558401","title":"Matt Formston: Surfing in the Dark","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eSurfing in the Dark\u003c\/em\u003e tells the story of Matt Formston — a world champion surfer who is blind.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeet Matt and hear his amazing story of resilience as he follows his dreams no matter the obstacles. Matt always dreamed of becoming a professional surfer, but by the time he was five years old, he was almost completely blind. Matt never let that stop him, and now he is a record-holding cycling Paralympian and a world champion surfer!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is the first book in Vision Australia’s new series of children’s books: Big Visions.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis groundbreaking series depicts everyday low vision and blind Australians living well and chasing their dreams. These important new role models are the first step towards changing the kids Vision Australia works with and Australia’s expectations of just how much a child with low vision or blindness can achieve. Vision Australia’s ambition is to use these true, unexpected stories of true resilience, true diversity and inclusion with the ambition of together building a kinder and more accepting Australia through the stories we read and tell.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e#ReadItToBelieveIt\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“Just imagine what it will mean to blind or low vision kids or children with any kind of disability to see themselves in these stories of hope and triumph—to be the hero in books that are for all readers.”\u003c\/em\u003e — Ron Hooton, CEO Vision Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e“…Formston’s successes, and failures, can inspire and empower all people and this necessary and worthy book is the first in what is sure to become a groundbreaking and vital series for all ages.”\u003c\/em\u003e — Books and Publishing Review, Jan 2023\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJoin the Movement! Spread the word!\u003c\/strong\u003e Together let’s build a more inclusive Australia that celebrates unexpected, truly positive role models like Matt, Craig and Nikki. Let’s help change expectations of what children and young people who are blind and low vision can and can’t do to build a kinder more inclusive Australia. You can help us to spread our message across Australia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eJoin the Book Shelf Challenge - \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/drive.google.com\/file\/d\/1FGDE6uf3eMSVaVYTAGJe9XctyXrlygDa\/view\"\u003elink\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eBuy a book\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eGift the book\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAsk your local Library to stock the book\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse the hashtag #ReadItToBelieveIt\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46692756521196,"sku":"9780645558401","price":28.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23029583482417.jpg?v=1753494206"},{"product_id":"have-you-met-scribble-by-john-dickson-9780980671193","title":"Have You Met Scribble?","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAge range 3 - 6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\"Elephants bang into things and are rude and loud,\" says Buttonhole. Scribble and his friend Buttonhole are trying to work out many questions. But when they finally meet an elephant, is it what they were expecting?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHave You Met Scribble?\u003c\/em\u003e, written and illustrated by John Dickson, is a story about wonder and friendship, how it can withstand incursions, and how it can be made stronger because of it. It shows how it can take unexpected turns, and how trust is such an intrinsic part of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt's about acceptance of the 'other', that suspicion of the unknown is human, and with some encouragement, can be overcome. And, as in this case, result in a delightful experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTeacher's Guide also available.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46995507314924,"sku":"9780980671193","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7b296aea20ca5bcc8157d22e45499278.jpg?v=1763161234"},{"product_id":"norton-took-something-by-john-dickson-9780994384140","title":"Norton Took Something","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA story about honesty and doing the right thing, even if that feels difficult.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTaking something his sister treasured wasn’t seven-year-old Norton’s best decision. But returning and making it good proves to be harder than it looks. Fortunately, Norton has a caring family to light the way – though sometimes his older sister can be a bit tricky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNorton Took Something\u003c\/em\u003e by John Dickson explores the challenges of making amends and showcases the importance of family support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46995871727852,"sku":"9780994384140","price":15.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/563223482542.jpg?v=1763120461"},{"product_id":"the-good-the-bad-and-the-silly-by-john-dickson-9780648397373","title":"The Good, the Bad and the Silly","description":"\u003ci\u003eThe Good, The Bad and The Silly\u003c\/i\u003e is a taste of the intriguing history of Australia to alert young readers of the storytelling treasures to be unearthed in Australia’s settlement history.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This is the newest addition to the successful and award-winning series – \u003ci\u003eM is for Mutiny\u003c\/i\u003e (CBCA shortlisted 2018), \u003ci\u003eWilliam Bligh: a stormy story of tempestuous times \u003c\/i\u003e(CBCA shortlisted 2017), \u003ci\u003eThe Startling Story of Lachlan Macquarie\u003c\/i\u003e (CBCA 2018 Notable) and \u003ci\u003eThe Unlikely Story of Bennelong and Phillip\u003c\/i\u003e (WAYRBA shortlisted 2016).","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46996346962156,"sku":"9780648397373","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/d42421c978454788ce9677bc787eadfa.jpg?v=1763184202"},{"product_id":"under-my-bed-by-john-dickson-9780994384133","title":"Under My Bed","description":"How many children have been kept awake wondering “what’s under my bed?”\u003ci\u003e Under My Bed \u003c\/i\u003eexplores this fascination, as a sleepy young boy’s racing imagination wonders what’s really going on beneath his bed. \u003ci\u003eUnder My Bed\u003c\/i\u003e is a fun, sharp and quirky book that demonstrates a valuable lesson: when confronted by our fears and anxieties, sometimes it’s much more fun to just join in.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e A hilarious picture book and an exciting collaboration between Australian author John Dickson (\u003ci\u003eM is for Mutiny! History by Alphabet\u003c\/i\u003e) and renowned Spanish illustrator Guridi (\u003ci\u003e71 Sheep Try Soccer, King of the Castle\u003c\/i\u003e).","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46996585906412,"sku":"9780994384133","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/34400fecff1ee944142a15c71e353aef.jpg?v=1763181866"},{"product_id":"nikki-hind-by-john-dickson-9780645558425","title":"Nikki Hind","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMeet Nikki Hind, the blind fashion designer with her own fashion label. When she was growing up, Nikki couldn’t see out of her left eye. That didn’t stop her from dressing up and making her own clothes, though. When she put on different outfits, she could be anyone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter a stroke during her pregnancy took away Nikki’s vision in her right eye, she decided to pursue a career doing what she had always loved: designing. 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Even the gospel accounts render him as both judge and healer, teacher and temple, servant and saviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eA Doubter's Guide to Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e is a persuasive and often challenging investigation into the historical figure found in the earliest sources. These sources, which include references both direct and indirect—from Roman, Jewish, and Christian accounts—offer us more than simple evidence that Jesus existed; they begin to form a picture that is both deeply credible and profoundly counterintuitive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter explores the evidence for a different aspect of the most influential figure in human history, exploring:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHis words and their impact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe scandal of his social life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHis preference for the poor and lowly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eThe meaning of his death and influence of his promises.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe goal is not to turn Jesus into something neater, more systematic and digestible; but to see him more clearly as someone who stretches our imaginations, confronts our beliefs, and challenges our lifestyles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter two millennia of spiritual devotion and more than two centuries of modern critical research, we still cannot fit Jesus into a box—and this is as challenging as it is deeply compelling.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Arotahi Agency","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47595445354732,"sku":"9780310328612","price":51.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780310328612-a-doubter-s-guide-to-jesus.jpg?v=1777898089"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/john-dickson.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}