Christmas lit.

As well as being an award-winning children's author and all-round good sort, the Ockham Collective's Sonya Wilson is also the force behind Kiwi Christmas Books. Founded by Sonya in 2019, this grassroots charity has already put over 43,000 books into the stockings of Kiwi kids - many of whom have never had a new book to call their own before. How it works is that members of the public (we're looking at you) purchase a new book and donate it to Kiwi Christmas Books, either directly or through collection points at participating bookshops. They then distribute them through a variety of partner charities throughout the country serving families in need.

We're delighted that Sonya has decided to host a book drive at our Ockham Collective space at the Nix this month. It's taking the form of a Festive Season Salon on Monday 16 December featuring Christmas-themed readings, a quiz and a carols performance. For our part, we're throwing in some yummy snacks. Admission is by way of the donation of a brand-new book (why limit yourself to just one?). RSVPs are essential.

Even if you can't attend, consider donating a book this Advent. Auckland bookshops accepting donations include Dorothy Butler (Ponsonby), Lamp Light Books (Parnell), Matakana Village Books, Onehunga Books & Stationery, Paper Plus Takapuna, Paradox Books (Devonport), The Booklover (Milford), Time Out (Mt Eden), Unity Books (City) and the Women's Bookshop (Ponsonby).