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A collection of my favourite picture books to read aloud with my child and keep on the bookshelf as a reminder of the magic of childhood and the magic of a beautiful pukapuka. These are the ones you want to come back to, with beautiful stories but also wonderous illustrations. These would make thoughtful gifts, be perfect for a classroom library or read aloud, or just make a beautiful addition to your own home collection.
Some items may ship separately or take a little longer, depending on availability.
The Complete Brambly Hedge by Jill Barklem is a charming collection of stories set in an idyllic woodland world inhabited by a community of mice. The tales follow the mice through their seasonal adventures, depicting their everyday life, festivities, and traditions in the enchanting Brambly Hedge.
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen is a charming and subtly humorous tale about a bear who has lost his hat. As he politely asks a variety of woodland creatures if they've seen it, the story unfolds with delightful illustrations and a twist that keeps young readers engaged. This children's book is celebrated for its clever storytelling and expressive artwork.
From sleeping giants to battling mountains, fiery sisters to adventurous trees, dig into Whenua and discover eleven tales of how Aotearoa was formed beneath our feet. Whenua takes readers back in time with each purakau, exploring the ways in which Aotearoa's land was formed and introducing children to legendary Maori figures and atua. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight the whole whanau, from award-winning illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White.
Each Peach Pear Plum by Allan and Janet Ahlberg is a delightful book where children are invited to play "I spy" with a host of beloved nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters. As each page unfolds, little ones are encouraged to spot familiar faces and objects hidden within the charming illustrations, creating an interactive and engaging reading experience. This classic picture book introduces the fun of combining storytelling with a playful search-and-find activity.
A spellbinding gift book written and illustrated in full colour by Academy Award nominated star of stage and screen, Keira Knightley. Inspired by the author’s experiences as a parent, I Love You Just the Same explores themes of change, acceptance and family love. “I love you best in all the world,” you said. Before the baby came. Now you say, “I love you just the same.” When a young girl’s life is turned upside down by a new arrival, she’s taken on a surreal and dreamlike journey. Through enchanted forests and across mystical seas, she follows a trail of notes from her mother to find her way back home. This gloriously illustrated book, with beautiful foiled jacket and ribbon marker, is the perfect gift for adults and children...
The Smeds and the Smoos by Julia Donaldson is a charming children's story about two different alien species who live on a distant planet. Though the Smeds and the Smoos traditionally avoid each other, young Janet Smed and Bill Smoo become friends, breaking the long-standing barriers between their families. This book teaches valuable lessons about friendship and acceptance through colourful illustrations and engaging rhymes.
I Love You Like No Otter by Rose Rossner is a charming children's book that celebrates the love and joy shared between family members and friends through delightful animal-themed wordplay. With its rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, the story captures heartfelt expressions of affection, making it a sweet and playful read for young children.
A delightful, surprising and profound story – through the eyes of a dog – about the things that worry us, and how perspective and play can help.It looks just like a normal ball, it's perfect by all accounts.It's red, it's round, it rolls and rolls but why does it not bounce?An adorable, and overthinking, dog has a ball that won't bounce. He wonders and worries if something is wrong – there are just so many possible reasons why his ball no longer can bounce up to the sky.Will this worried woofer ever work out what his ball needs?
Animalia by Graeme Base is a beautifully illustrated alphabet book that takes readers on a journey through a fantastical world filled with intricate and imaginative scenes. Each page is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet, surrounded by animals and objects that begin with that letter, offering both visual splendour and clever alliteration. It is a delightful exploration encouraging young readers to discover and identify various animals and hidden details within the illustrations.
A bedtime classic in the making Dreams are things that come to you when you close your eyes Some are magical, some are fun and some are a surprise. They find you when you're sleeping, dreams of every kind. A little like a story or a movie in your mind. Meet a cast of delightful characters with lots of magical dream ideas, ready for children to engage with and dream about.
Meet Hogbert - a baby boar with a big personality and a nose like no other! When Hogbert gets separated from his family, he finds himself all alone in the forest. Can he find his way home? Little Hogbert lives in a fairy-tale forest with his mummy and his brothers and sisters. One day, Mummy Pig decides it’s time for her babies to leave the nest for the first time – but they must remember to stick together … because the Big Bad Wolf could be about! When Hogbert sniffs out a super-tasty trail, he forgets Mummy Pig’s words and finds himself all alone. Luckily, he meets some new animal friends along the way – whom sharp readers may recognise from some of their favourite fairy tales! Can...
Tooth Fairy in Training by Michelle Robinson is a delightful children's book that follows a young fairy eager to learn the ropes of tooth gathering. With guidance from an experienced tooth fairy, the protagonist embarks on whimsical adventures filled with charm and humour, introducing young readers to the magical world of nighttime collections. The engaging storyline and lively illustrations make it a captivating read for children.
Through the Fairy Door by Gabby Dawnay is a delightful children's book that invites readers into an enchanting world of magic and wonder. The story follows a curious child who discovers a tiny door leading to a magical realm filled with fairies and fantastical creatures. As they explore this new world, the child experiences adventure and learns the power of imagination.
If I had a Dinosaur by Gabby Dawnay is a delightful children's book about a little girl who imagines the joys and challenges of having a dinosaur as a pet. Through playful rhymes and charming illustrations, the story explores her whimsical adventures and the practical issues of accommodating such an enormous friend. It's an engaging read that sparks imagination and offers fun insights into friendship and responsibility.
Once, there were two best friends. One was from the sea, a mermaid named Merrin, and one was from the land, a human named Molly. Merrin has never been to Molly’s house; how can she visit when she is a mermaid and has to stay underwater? But then comes the night of the Mermaid Moon, when sea creatures can fly through the air! And this year, Merrin is finally old enough to join in. Together, she and Molly visit the Mermaid Moon festival, eat ice cream, and ride on a swing in Molly’s garden. But trouble arises when it is time for Merrin to leave. If she doesn’t get back home before the moon sets, the Mermaid Moon magic will disappear from the earth forever... In this magical...
Jetty Jumping by Andrea Rowe is a delightful children's story that explores themes of courage and friendship. It follows a young girl who is both curious and anxious about the local jetty, a favourite spot for daring jumps. With vibrant illustrations, the book captures her journey towards overcoming her fears and embracing adventure, supported by her friends' encouragement.
In the Rockpool by Andrea Rowe is a delightful children's book that explores the wonders of life within a rockpool. Young readers are taken on an imaginative and educational journey, discovering the diverse marine creatures and hidden treasures found in these fascinating ecosystems. With vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling, the book fosters a sense of curiosity and appreciation for nature.
Once Upon a Dragon's Fire by Beatrice Blue is a magical children's tale set in a whimsical world where dragons are part of everyday life. The story follows two young friends on an adventurous quest as they seek to uncover the truth about dragons and resolve the misunderstanding between humans and these mythical creatures. Through their journey, themes of friendship, courage, and understanding are warmly explored.
Cora loves the smell of books. She loves the stories they contain and the worlds of imagination they open... But when it’s time to read aloud in class, Cora gets stuck. Stuck on the first word. And on the second. The harder she concentrates, the foggier each word feels. And when her friends move on to bigger books, Cora is left behind and her love of stories starts to fade... Why you'll love this book... Dyslexia Representation: International evidence suggests around 20 per cent, or one to five children in every Australian classroom, has mild, moderate, or severe dyslexia or is a struggling reader. The book offers vital representation for young readers. Storytelling First: While the themes are there to be explored, this is first and foremost a...