Reviews for Look! Said The Little Girl
"This is not so much a story as a poetic exploration of descriptive language... the appeal of this book is in the beautiful turn of phrase... a lovely book to share with young children or even with older children exploring creative writing." - Carola Crawford, Read NZ - Te Pou Muramura.
"Tania Norfolk has written a captivating story that makes the world come alive though senses. Like a poet she uses similes to elevate how we absorb the world – and I am not talking old cliched similes but bright refreshing ones that pop in the eye and zing in the ear." - Paula Green, Poetry Box
"Tania Norfolk’s evocative, imaginative language makes this story sing and demonstrates to children how to be creative in their own descriptions. This beautifully told story contains themes of friendship, self-expression and appreciating others’ differences." - Grown Ups.
"The writing is poetic, but not cliched, with fresh similes captivating all the senses. A flower is not simply a flower to the young girl, but a 'pom-pom painted in gold, with eye-lashes dipped in white'. The old man hears a butterfly as 'a velvet flutter...a colourful quiet'... Full of imagination and creativity, Look Said The Little Girl is simply delightful." - Rebekah Lyall, NZ Booklovers
"An old man with a walking stick ... and a little girl, who is very descriptive in her language, go walking in the countryside... beautifully illustrated... the ending is delightful and a surprise." - Bob's Books Blog.
Reviews for Grasshopper's Week
"This is a wonderful children’s book. It brings together nature and the days of the week in a delightful story that made me smile." - Linda Hall, Bay of Plenty Times.
"It’s beautifully illustrated by Chris and his charming pictures are accompanied by Tania’s equally charming, evocative text: ‘And in the wind, Grasshopper could smell old leaves … and lost secrets … and forgotten ice.’" - Hawkes Bay Today.
"Kids will love the recurring patterns as ‘grasshopper’ works through the days of the week, with a sun-pun surprise at the end. It’s the sort of book that can draw children into the world of books at an early age, and keep them hooked for life." - Alan Clarke, Nelson Mail.
"...it is to this New Zealand author's credit that she has kept the tale simple and fun yet injected an element of learning." - Eastlife.
"… for parents who want to read quality stories to their children. Chis Norfolk’s chalk pastel illustrations are outstanding. The tree is big gentle and wise and the grasshopper green and enthusiastic. I loved the moth and the tui is the parson bird extraordinaire. I hope we see more of this talent." - Bob’s Books Blog.
"captivating characters… engaging chalk pastel drawings" - Sally Kidson, Nelson Mail.
"superbly illustrated and written book… a fun read for all preschool and primary ages, as well as for the grown-ups reading it." - The Star Christchurch.
"This is an endearing book with stunning illustrations from a brother/sister team." - Tots to Teens.
Published short stories
Rosie and the Wolf – Te Tau Ihu NZSA Short Story Awards, 2024
Detritus – Horizons 2: Poems & Stories, 2015
Raining on Santa Fe – SIWA National Short Story & Flash Fiction Competition, 2011
Zoo, radio-play, broadcast on Fresh FM, 2006
Competitions/Awards
2024 – Rosie and the Wolf – Te Tau Ihu NZSA National Short Story Awards – 2nd place
2024 – A Perfect Fit – NYC Midnight Micro Fiction, International Challenge, Historical round – 3rd place
2023 – The Parade – long-listed The Plaza Prizes Literary First Chapters, International Competition
2023 – The Wasp’s Caress – short-listed Bridport Prize Flash Fiction, International Competition
– long-listed The Plaza Prizes Microfiction, International Competition
2023 – Summer’s Autumn – short-listed Te Tau Ihu NZSA National Short Story Awards
2023 – Ice Creams with Ravel – NYC Midnight Flash Fiction, International Challenge, Comedy round – 4th place
2023 – Rosie and the Wolf – long-listed The Plaza Prizes Flash Fiction, International Competition
2022 – The Sugar Works – Recipient NZSA Complete Manuscript Assessment Award
2014 – Detritus – Page & Blackmore National Short Story Competition – Highly Commended
2010/2011 – Raining on Santa Fe – South Island Writers Association National Short Story Competition - Highly Commended
2008 – Strawberry Kiss – Heartland National Short Story Competition – Highly Commended
2007 – The Prawn’s Whiskers – Page & Blackmore National Short Story Competition – 3rd place
2007 – Silk – short-listed 'The Six Pack' National Short Story Competition/Publication
2006 – Zoo – Fresh FM Radio Play competition, 1st place - Environment/Comedy
