Joy Cowley

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. The very first Greedy Cat adventure! Mum went shopping to buy some food. Along came Greedy Cat, in a hungry mood...

This enduring tale of independence and family is an unconventional love story with a strong female lead and a pirate with a sensitive side, written by New Zealand’s leading children’s writer and illustrated by one of Japan’s foremost children’s illustrators. The fierce little woman lived in a house at the end of a jetty. She knitted socks in blue and...

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. Greedy Cat sat on a mat by the fridge. Meow, meow, meow! What will happen next?

An evocative and beautiful bedtime picture book about summer days spent at the beach by internationally renowned author, Joy Cowley. Summer holidays by the sea have a rhythm all their own. With a few resonant images, Cowley takes us straight to the end of a long hot day with beach treasures under the pillow and the salty smell of the...

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. Greedy Cat and the Sneeze tells the tale of Greedy Cat, who is feeling poorly. Snuffle and wheeze! Sniffle and sneeze! Katie thinks she has the answer to make him strong and healthy again... more food!

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. In this story, Greedy Cat's Door, Greedy Cat gets into strife when he finds that he has grown too large to fit through the cat door! How will he get out of this situation?

Hineniwha me te Kaitiora (The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate) is a te reo Māori edition of a beloved New Zealand picture book. This timeless tale is an unconventional love story featuring a strong female lead and a pirate with a sensitive side, exploring themes of independence and family. The fierce little woman lived in a house at...

Mrs Wishy Washy's Farm by Joy Cowley brings delightful antics as Mrs Wishy-Washy is at it again, rubbing and scrubbing all the animals on the farm. But this time, they are not standing for it. Duck, Cow, and Pig decide to leave mean old Mrs Wishy-Washy forever. With a daring escape, they run away to the big city, but soon...

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. What is Greedy Cat to do when lunch doesn't meet his tastes? It's time to take matters into his own paws! Lunch for Greedy Cat remains a beloved choice for young readers and cat enthusiasts alike, captivating with its charming illustrations and delightful story....

A fierce wind blows. Thunder rumbles. Will the brave engine and carriages tumble? Written in steady, clicketty-clack rhyme, Joy Cowley’s tale of Hero Of The Hill brings a little-known slice of New Zealand history to life.

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. When Grandma goes on holiday, Katie offers to look after her goldfish. Greedy Cat thinks that's an excellent idea...

Snake and Lizard live together in a burrow in the desert. They are such good friends that Lizard decides to display their names above the burrow entrance. But three small words can cause trouble between friends. They must decide whose name should appear first. Then Lizard makes an unfortunate spelling mistake—he thinks it’s very funny but Snake is not laughing....

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this New Zealand classic picture book. Greedy Cat and the School Pet Show follows the story of Katie, who is determined to take Greedy Cat to the School Pet Show. However, Greedy Cat doesn't want to go...

Immerse yourself in a world of whimsy and laughter with The Gobbledegook Book by Joy Cowley, a marvellous anthology that promises to enchant readers of all ages with its delightful tales and playful rhymes. Featuring a vibrant mix of stories, poems, and pure nonsense, this collection is brimming with Cowley’s beloved wordplay and infectious humour. Among the highlights are cherished...

The award-winning classic story of discrimination, friendship and destiny. The Silent One is Jonasi, sent from the sea as a baby to grow up in an isolated Pacific village. Separated from the villagers by his silence and their prejudices, Jonasi finds solace in his underwater world where he develops a special relationship with a huge white turtle. However, the superstitious...

True story by world-renowned writer Joy Cowley about the beautiful rare white kiwi Manukura in picture book format for young children. When a rare white kiwi was born in captivity at Pukaha Mount Bruce, Māori recognised this as something very special - a treasure and a sign of new beginnings. In this beautiful picture book, Joy Cowley tells the story...

When Leo was five, he wanted a real bike for Christmas. Dad helped him write the letter to Santa. Leo wanted to see Santa and say thank you, but he only ever visits when Leo is sleeping! Why can't Santa visit during the day?

Shock numbed Luke. For a while, he could not believe what he was seeing. The body was bare. It had dark skin spattered with mud and leaves, and the eyes were closed. Was it real? Was it actually a man? He leaned over and, with one finger, touched the man's arm. The eyes opened. Luke jumped back. It was alive!...

Snake and Lizard features characters who are distinct and captivating in their own ways. Snake is elegant, calm, and a bit self-centred, while Lizard is exuberant and irrepressible. With its wisdom, acceptance, and good humour, Snake and Lizard beautifully captures the essence of friendship. The stories are enriched by Gavin Bishop's illustrations, rendered in the warm and clear colours of...

Greedy Cat is back - and this time it's off to the vet! Katie wants to make sure that Greedy Cat stays healthy, so it’s time for him to go to the vet for a check-up and flu injection. Greedy Cat is not happy about this, and makes sure that he makes his feelings known! Another great story by Joy...

Join Grandpa, Big Bubba, and his big brother as they do the shopping, visit a friend, and bond with their cats, Fluffy and Scruffy—all while Mum is at work! Big Bubba contains three illustrated short stories featuring the same characters. It is great for struggling readers with an emphasis on action, relationships, and humour. The text is dyslexia-friendly, printed on...

Joy Cowley knows what makes children laugh. In A Lot of Silly, a book full of absurd poems and very short, silly stories, a man takes his tadpoles for a walk in his hat, a cat is surprised by its talking feet, and a tiger gobbles up a dentist. Ten baggy clowns do a do-wacky dance, along with many more...

Join Sam, Dad, Uncle Peng and Eli as they venture out on a fishing trip for Sam's birthday. After a dramatic rescue, will Mum have fresh fish to cook for dinner? Going Fishing contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on action, relationships, and humour. Dyslexia-friendly text on soft matte cream...

Join Sonny and his tuahine as they earn pocket money by learning the rules, make yummy (or not so yummy) kai for Mum and Dad, and share embarrassing moments together. Pocket Money contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on action, relationships and humour. Dyslexia friendly text on soft matte cream...

Join Emili as she goes on the hunt for new boots for her rugby-loving brother Sefa, swaps unwanted items for new treasures with her friends and reduces waste by starting a neighbourhood street swap. The Swap Shop contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on action, relationships and humour. Dyslexia-friendly text...

Join Violet and her little sister, Rose, as they navigate the complexities of their blended family and embrace Violet's love for shoes and her passion for football. Two Roads Home contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on action, relationship, and humour. Dyslexia-friendly text on soft matte cream paper. Illustrated by...

Summer holidays by the sea have a rhythm all their own. With a few resonant images, Joy Cowley takes us straight to the end of a long hot day with beach treasures under the pillow and the salty smell of the sea. The cadence of the final words echoes the shushing waves in a gentle signal of time for readers...

Join Selena and Mia in Auckland as they snap a pic, get the better of some bullies, and sweeten Grandma. Selena and Mia contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on action, relationships and humour. Dyslexia friendly text on soft matte cream paper. Illustrated by premium NZ illustrators, each title includes...

Join Grandpa and Boy as they try to catch snapper, go pig hunting, and stop swearing—all with a little help from Nan. Grandpa and Boy contains three illustrated short stories featuring the same characters. It's a great choice for struggling readers, offering a delightful mix of action, relationships, and humour. The book is designed to be dyslexia-friendly, with text printed...

Join Buster the dog and his family as he makes terrible smells, annoys the man at the bike shop, and saves the day! Buster contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on action, relationships, and humour. Dyslexia-friendly text on soft matte cream paper. Illustrated by premium NZ illustrators, each title includes...

Celebrating over 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. Poppy the dog is staying with Katie's family while Nan is away. Mum and Katie decide to take Poppy for a walk to the market, leaving Greedy Cat at home - or so they think!

Join Kate and Kyle as they put up with their embarrassing parents, manage everyone's fears, and miss the bus! The Twins contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on action, relationships, and humour. Dyslexia-friendly text is printed on soft matt cream paper. Illustrated by premium NZ illustrators, each title includes an...

Celebrating over 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. There are delicious smells wafting over the fence from the barbecue next door. Will Greedy Cat be able to resist?

Join Ari and his motor sports family as they race karts, speed around a Formula One track, and tear through a rally. Motor Sports contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers with an emphasis on action, relationships, and humour. Dyslexia-friendly text on soft matte cream paper. Illustrated by premium NZ illustrators, each title includes...

Bert wants nothing more than to be old enough to fight in the war—to handle weapons, defend his country, and have a life filled with adventure. Little does he know that the secrets and danger of war don’t always stay at the front line, and that one boy’s actions can change everything. The Bakehouse by Joy Cowley unravels the unexpected...

The General and his men are about to fire on a town they are at war with. But the Gunner has bad news - they can't load the gun as there is a duck nesting inside it. The General calls a ceasefire until the gun can be used again and takes a white flag to the opposing town. But the...

The plates were full. Oh, how delicious! A Christmas feast on fancy dishes! But Aunty said, "He's just a cat. He'll eat cat biscuits and that is that." The latest book in the series by Joy Cowley and illustrator Robyn Belton will throw young readers straight into some Christmassy mischief! What will he do? What will he eat? Greedy Cat's...

In this resonant story from Joy Cowley, Cam the mountain boy follows the river from its trickling source in the snow all the way to the sea. The river leads him through forest, farms and towns to the salty wind of the sea. The dramatic landscapes are packed with detail to discover in the world of the river.

Two very different creatures learn about the give-and-take of friendship in this warm and funny story set in the desert. Snake is elegant and calm, and a little self-centred; Lizard is exuberant and irrepressible. With its wisdom, acceptance, and good humour, Snake and Lizard captures the essence of friendship. The stories are beautifully illustrated by Gavin Bishop in the warm...