New Zealand Children's Books

The amazing Gavin Bishop brings us a monster-sized book about the mythical monsters of Aotearoa! Award-winning weaver of stories Gavin Bishop retells a variety of tales about the taniwha of Aotearoa, from the guardians who accompanied waka voyages to present-day inhabitants of the whenua and moana. Taniwha are all around us. They are good at hiding or changing their shape....

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...

Whether you want to fish for sprats from a wharf, walk up a stream with a fly rod, or cast a line from a boat or kayak, there's a heap of handy information in here. Learn how to tie knots, bait hooks, cast lures, and fillet and cook your catch. Al Brown has a life-long love of fishing and Hooked...

The Gavin Bishop Treasury is a very special hardback collection of 10 classic children's stories for young readers to treasure, written and illustrated by the multiple-award-winning New Zealand author Gavin Bishop. Comprising over two hundred pages of fabulous storytelling and stunning artwork, children will be spellbound by this beautiful hardback gift treasury featuring ten favourite fairy tales and original stories...

There’s a big surf competition coming up. Eight-year-old Lisa is determined to take part, but she’s nervous. With encouragement from her coach, family and top paddler Māia, she trains hard. But disaster strikes when her canoe capsizes, shaking her confidence. Lisa goes to the river to compose herself and, with the help of her family and dog Colin, she draws...

A fascinating look at Matariki in New Zealand and around the world. The Matariki constellation (or Pleiades) is known by many different names and is seen and celebrated by many cultures around the world. This beautifully illustrated book features 18 stories: 9 of which highlight the Māori Matariki stars, while the others reference the stories about this constellation from different...

An attractive kete gift bag of three stories to celebrate Matariki and explore the wonders and traditions of Māori New Year. Flit the Fantail & the Matariki Map: Join Flit and his friends, Keri the kiwi and wise old Ruru, as they explore the night skies to work out how to capture a sparkling star. The Seven Kites of Matariki:...

Dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul, meals magically appear based on your mood and dreams literally come to life... Nevermoor meets Pokemon in New Zealand author Graci Kim's thrilling new middle-grade fantasy series! Dare to enter a world of secrets and spells, where your wildest dreams—or your darkest nightmares—come to life before your eyes... Fourteen-year-old Aria Loveridge lives...

Old MacDonald's Farm by Donovan Bixley is a delightful and whimsical reinterpretation of the classic children's song. Set against the stunning backdrop of New Zealand's picturesque countryside, this beloved tale comes to life with a fresh twist. Old MacDonald, now clad in a traditional Swanndri and gumboots, tends to his farm where energetic and mischievous animals call home. Bixley's vibrant...

Spiky plants, spicy plants, iconic plants, indestructible plants, useful plants, and New Zealand's giants of the forest! Find out what makes the flora and fauna of Aotearoa so unique in this charming series by award-winning author and illustrator Donovan Bixley. PRAISE for Rustle! 'Several ticks from me! A most satisfying book all round'. - David Hill, Radio New Zealand

Here is the ABC like you've never seen it: featuring Donovan Bixley's uniquely Kiwi characters. Look out for the milkshake-making cow, the All Black lambs, the cute pink ski-bunny, the colossal squid, and many more of Donovan's vibrant, amusing illustrations. Great Kiwi ABC Book is fun for the kids—and fun for the adults!

Bestselling author Donovan Bixley expands on his collection about Aotearoa's native flora and fauna with Buzzz! Native Bugs of Aotearoa. Tiny bugs, tasty bugs, deadly bugs, glowing bugs and New Zealand's giant growing bugs! Find out what makes the flora and fauna of Aotearoa so unique in this charming series by award-winning author and illustrator Donovan Bixley.

The little Kiwi is fast asleep in her burrow. A beam of moonlight shines right down into her burrow. She wakes and realises it is time. Hurrying out into the night, she wakes each of her friends from their mid-winter slumber. Kia tere! Hurry! she urges them.

Edmonds My First Cookbook by Goodman Fielder is the quintessential starter guide for young cooks, bursting with delightful, easy-to-follow recipes that span all meals of the day. With this book, young chefs will embark on a culinary journey that nurtures a lifelong passion for cooking and baking. Featuring the iconic illustrated step-by-step layout reminiscent of the beloved EDMONDS JUNIOR COOKBOOK,...

Over 1 million copies sold worldwide. A guaranteed-to-please book for toddlers that's best shared loudly! The wolf goes aaooooo. The owl goes hoo hoo. The monkey goes oo oo oo. The cuckoo goes cuckoo. The power outlet says NO! With over 100 pages, and impossible to read badly, this unique and sturdy board book is full of bright, bold illustrations...

The kind of book you need to clear a space for, so you can read it in one satisfying gulp.Paula Green, POETRY BOX When a sporty teen's leg is crushed in a mountain-hiking accident, he has to face new challenges, one tiny but huge step at a time. A fast-paced, powerfully told novel for middle-grade readers about limb loss, resilience,...

The Wheels on the Bus go round and round. Everyone knows the song. But now, the bus is going around beautiful New Zealand, and its passengers are ones you just might recognise: kiwi, penguin, tuatara, fantail, and many more. Come along for the ride! Perfect for pre-schoolers.

Great Kiwi Bedtime Book by Donovan Bixley Take your little ones on a soothing journey through the enchanting landscapes of New Zealand with Great Kiwi Bedtime Book by Donovan Bixley. As night falls, all the adorable baby animals across the country begin to prepare for a cosy night's sleep. From fluffy lambs in the rolling hills to playful kiwi chicks...

Kupe's voyage to Aotearoa! Kupe found that a huge, fearsome wheke (octopus) was taking all the fish in the ocean and the people of Hawaiki had nothing to eat.So Kupe chased that wheke across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean). Finally Hine-te-Aparangi, Kupe's wife, saw land and a long white cloud: Aotearoa! Find out what happened when the wheke and Kupe...

This board book is a simplified version from the best-selling book, How Do I Feel? A Dictionary of Emotions for Children. It helps to introduce our little wildlings to emotions and how they might look, using other toddlers so they can recognise themselves in the illustrations, which is very important. When we help young children label their emotions, it helps...

Can Lucas pull off staging an alien encounter and save his tiny country school from closure? A madcap novel by an award-winning author for readers 8 years and older. Eleven-year-old Lucas has got a new worry to add to his long, long list—his rural school is on the Ministry of Education's list for closure. What's his mum going to do...

Lift the flaps and explore 100 first words with Hairy Maclary and his rascally gang in this bumper-sized board book! Take a walk with Hairy Maclary, and sniff out 100 first words along the way in this chunky lift-the-flap board book! A child's best introduction to books - The Times Join the rascally dog and his friends as they go...

Manawatia a Matariki! Celebrate Matariki with this book bursting with activities and colouring-in pages. My Matariki Colouring and Activity Book is a colouring book that also includes a range of activities such as crafts and puzzles, as well as a smattering of te reo. This companion to the 2022 best-seller, Matariki Around the World, is sure to keep readers entertained...

Join Donovan Bixley as he dives in and explores the amazing coastal creatures of Aotearoa. Deep sea divers, great survivors, record-breakers and New Zealand's world champion fliers! Find out what makes the flora and fauna of Aotearoa so unique in this charming series by award-winning author and illustrator Donovan Bixley. This bestselling series has already created a BUZZZ! and this...

Enter the realm of the Astromancer... In this award-winning illustrated series for younger fans of Percy Jackson, Māori myths and monsters come to life! Join the Astromancer and her apprentices on a time travel adventure to Hawaiki and meet Ruapakanga and his albatross warriors! 'An epic fantasy quest' - Magpies 'Chock full of danger, heroes, old wisdom and new blood'...

Hours of fun for the kids - and the adults! The Looky Book is a puzzle book mostly for young children with 11 different puzzles, all featuring colourful New Zealand landscapes, birds, and animals. Find the numbers with the crazy All Black lambs, spot the difference where the mischievous keas have changed around somebody's campervan, and find the animals hidden...

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...

Join Donovan Bixley as he digs up the amazing creatures that called Aotearoa home long ago. Monstrous flyers, sharp-toothed divers, heavyweight parrots, armoured dinosaurs and New Zealand's living fossil! Delve into the fossils, geek out over bones, and be charmed by this series that uncovers astounding facts about Aotearoa. From award-winning author and illustrator Donovan Bixley.

How good are your counting skills? Could you find the moa hiding from the giant eagles? Can you pay better attention than the children in the wartime classroom? We need help finding all the letters in the alphabet. The Looky Book series continues with a hilarious 24-page puzzle book that takes a look through the history of New Zealand. It's...

Discover a world of delightful mischief and adventure with Hairy Maclary and Friends Little Library by Lynley Dodd. This charming collection introduces us to a lovable group of animal characters who captivate the hearts of young readers. Follow the playful antics of Hairy Maclary, a small, scruffy dog from Donaldson's Dairy, and his friends as they embark on various escapades....

From the creator of the bestselling Nee Naw books comes an exciting new character kids will love. Singer-songwriter Dean O’Brien has produced yet another toe-tapping, sing-along song, this time about Nee Naw’s friend, Dusty the Digger. When goats Plinky and Plonky snatch buckets of jelly powder and fall into a swimming pool, they soon become stuck in jiggly, wobbly jelly....

The first book of The Dragon Brothers Novel Series, this book follows on from the best-selling picture book series The Dragon Brothers Trilogy. The two brothers, Flynn and Paddy, are now 12 and 10 years old respectively, and are facing a challenge like no other. This is one of the world's first novels to incorporate augmented reality (AR) content. The...

A delightful gift for mothers of all ages and a beautiful book to share with children. When you hold me and sway like you do, I know it was you who hung the moon. From infancy to childhood, through the teenage years and into adulthood, the love between a mother and child is a bond like no other. This heartwarming...

Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...

Matariki by Melanie Drewery invites readers into the heartwarming story of a family as they come together to celebrate the Māori New Year. Set against the backdrop of the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand, this enchanting tale captures the essence of what Matariki signifies. Without giving away any spoilers, the narrative beautifully unfolds to reveal how each family member...

With 60+ definitions to help improve emotional literacy, this huge hardcover book with over 140 pages is all about our children learning to recognise and label emotions and feelings. Join Aroha and her friends as they share how different emotions might feel in the body and how each emotion might be helpful. This emotions dictionary is all about helping children...

Discover the mischievous world of Slinky Malinki, a gleefully naughty cat who can't resist the lure of pilfering anything that catches his eye. From a clothes peg to a slipper, from a string of sausages to a clock, Slinky Malinki's nightly escapades are a sequence of thrilling heists. With his sleek black coat and piercing green eyes, this cunning feline...

Hold on to your bonnets – can champion knitter Granny McFlitter rescue the Easter Parade in the knit of time? A fabulously crafty story that buzzes with fun and hot cross buns. Champion knitter Granny McFlitter will have you in stitches with this very special Easter story by Heather Haylock and Lael Chisholm. Granny reached for some needles and wool...

When floodwaters threaten a town, the Little Yellow Digger is called to the rescue – but how can it get there? "I know!” the engineer exclaimed. “We’ve got the perfect thing. Our helicopter! It can fly a digger in a sling." Floodwaters are rising and a stranded town’s stop banks are about to burst. The panicked residents are crying out...

When Getwin, Lea and Buckle—with the help of Sharp the raven—unearth the trickster Book of Blacke, they embark on a quest to undo the controls on their world, seeking justice for the Scribes who are forced to work and for those who have never been allowed to read or write. The city of Wyle comes alive with danger and intrigue...

Māori child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has shaped her beloved book Aroha into this special collection of whakataukī and whakatauakī for mokopuna of all ages. Bestselling author of Aroha and respected Māori psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has written a special collection of whakataukī for tamariki mokopuna. Puanga kai rau. Puanga, the star signalling a time of the year...

(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......

A special edition of the Hairy Maclary Treasury to celebrate the raggedy rascal's 40th birthday! This volume brings together all ten of his mischievous and mad adventures, along with a link to download the audio book. This beautiful gold 40th-birthday edition of the bestselling Hairy Maclary Treasury is a complete collection of Hairy Maclary's adventures, and includes a reading of...

Maui and Other Maori Legends by Peter Gossage is a treasured collection that brings together some of the most beloved tales from Maori mythology. With vibrant illustrations and enthralling storytelling, this volume captures the essence of New Zealand's rich cultural heritage. Each story within this collection is an adventure into a world where the extraordinary becomes possible, where heroes rise,...

Let's learn the English and Māori words for our favourite kai! Yum! This beautiful, brightly illustrated board book introduces babies to many of the foods we eat, in English and in Māori. From kiwifruit to kamokamo, sweetcorn to strawberries, Aotearoa has so many nourishing and delicious foods to try, and these eye-catching and vibrant pictures are the perfect way to...

Embark on a delightful journey of early learning with Counting for Kiwi Babies by Matthew Williamson and Fraser Williamson. This engaging board book introduces the youngest readers to numbers, taking them from one to ten in both English and Maori. Little ones will enjoy counting along with the vivid and charming illustrations of unique New Zealand birds, making the learning...

A highly illustrated, playful field guide for budding natural scientists and curious observers of the world right under our noses. Observology is the study of looking. An observologist makes scientific expeditions, albeit very small ones, every day. They notice interesting details in the world around them. They are expert at finding tiny creatures, plants, and fungi. They know that water...

A wonderfully illustrated Donovan Bixley board book for learning shapes in both English and te reo Māori. Including the circle (porowhita), diamond (taimana), and stars (whetū). Perfect for Kiwi kids. "Early concept board books and picture books are essential as a way to both teach children language and begin their lifelong love of books." - The Sapling Love this book?...

A wonderfully illustrated Donovan Bixley board book for learning animal names in both English and te reo Māori. Featuring cow (kau), horse (hoiho), and sheep (hipi), but also bat (pekapeka), gecko (moko papa), and morepork (ruru). Perfect for Kiwi kids. “Early concept boardbooks and picture books are essential as a way to both teach children language and begin their lifelong...

The beautifully illustrated children's book Big Feelings by Rebekah Ballagh brings readers along on a vibrant journey of self-discovery and emotional understanding. Through the experiences of characters Mikah, Chloe, and Charlie, children will learn what it feels like to navigate complex emotions such as sadness, anger, and anxiety. Each page offers a unique storyline designed to resonate with young readers,...

When digging out a drain, the little yellow digger gets stuck in the mud. So they bring in a bigger digger... The story of The Little Yellow Digger was created from a real event, when one of Betty and Alan's grandchildren excitedly told them about a digger getting stuck in the mud next to their house and they had to...

Bright birds, cheeky birds, masked birds, clever birds, warrior birds, shy birds, big birds, tiny birds and the world's most gigantic birds! Join the award-winning author and illustrator Donovan Bixley on an enchanting journey through the vibrant and diverse world of forest birds in Aotearoa. In Squawk!, Bixley brings to life an array of fascinating birds, each with their own...

Wildlife of Aotearoa by Gavin Bishop takes readers on an extraordinary journey through the diverse and unique natural habitats of New Zealand, showcasing the remarkable flora and fauna that inhabit this beautiful land. This stunningly illustrated volume offers an immersive experience, weaving together intricate illustrations with compelling narratives that bring New Zealand's wild treasures to life. Through the pages, you'll...

Meet Theo, the only dinosaur in a school full of humans—or so he thinks! Theo is a dinosaur, which came as a shock to his human parents. Nevertheless, they love him dearly. On his first day at school, Theo refuses to go in because he’s different from all the other kids, so Mum makes him a human costume. The next...

A Maori-English edition of the classic, award-winning story about a boy who makes friends with a taniwha, by one of Aotearoa's foremost artists. Trailblazing Maori artist Robyn Kahukiwa's award-winning picture book about a boy who makes friends with a taniwha is now available in this bilingual Maori-English edition. Kua whakahoa atu tētahi tama ki te taniwha kei tona awa. Kaore...

Lift-the-flap, hide-and-seek fun with mischievous Hairy Maclary and all his friends! Have you seen Hairy Maclary? Where is he hiding? Lift the flaps to see if you can spot the raggedy rascal and his rollicking gang! Is he having a scratch in the strawberry patch? No, that's Bitzer Maloney. Is he taking a bath at the side of the path?...

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy by Lynley Dodd is a delightful children's book that introduces young readers to the mischievous and adventurous terrier, Hairy Maclary. Set in a charming and quaint neighbourhood, the story follows Hairy Maclary as he embarks on an unforgettable walk with his friends. As they trot through the town, readers meet an eclectic group of characters,...

Scarface Claw by Lynley Dodd introduces young readers to a bold and daring character – the toughest tomcat in town. This beautifully illustrated children’s book follows the intrepid adventures of Scarface Claw, a rugged feline who rules the streets with an iron paw and a fearsome growl. He's known far and wide for his piercing eyes and rugged demeanour, commanding...

Atua by Gavin Bishop is a visually stunning and meticulously researched compendium that introduces readers to the rich mythological tapestry of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). This breathtaking, large-scale illustrated book is a treasure trove for children and adults alike, immersing them in the enthralling world of Māori gods, demigods, and heroes. Beginning with the void of Te...

When digging out a drain, the little yellow digger gets stuck in the mud. So they bring in a bigger digger . . . Discover the delightful tale of perseverance and teamwork in The Little Yellow Digger by Betty Gilderdale, as one book's small adventure turns into a collaboration of efforts to overcome a muddy challenge.

Pu and Ru's Bird Beak Clues by Jez Smith is a delightful journey with Pu the pukeko and Ru the ruru, who present a series of engaging rhyming clues for children to solve. The central mystery revolves around identifying which beak belongs to which bird and uncovering who possesses the best beak amongst them.

The iconic Kiwi song, Ma is White, is given the Donovan Bixley treatment and transformed into a wonderful first board book. My First Board Book: Colours includes additional colours not covered in the song, allowing readers to expand their Māori vocabulary.

Let's discover some of Aotearoa's plants and insects and learn their names in English and Maori! This beautiful, brightly illustrated board book introduces babies to the array of plants and insects that are found in New Zealand's great outdoors. From the honeybee to the harakeke flax bush, from a flowering plant to a caterpillar, this is the perfect book to...

Battle of the Mountains by Peter Gossage is a captivating retelling of a cherished Maori legend about the majestic mountains of New Zealand's central North Island. Renowned for his vivid illustrations and timeless storytelling, Gossage immerses readers in a mythic world where the mountains themselves come alive with passion, rivalry, and dramatic confrontations. In this enchanting narrative, the towering Tongariro...

The Looky Book is a puzzle book primarily designed for young children, featuring 11 different puzzles set against colourful New Zealand landscapes, teeming with native birds and animals. Children can immerse themselves in delightful challenges like finding numbers with the quirky All Black lambs or spotting the differences as mischievous keas rearrange someone’s campervan. They can also discover hidden animals...

Set in the 1960s, Koro’s Star is a heart-warming, exciting adventure story. It’s the beginning of the summer holidays in 1967 when 10-year-old Atama moves with his family into a new army base. His father, Atama’s hero, departs for Vietnam, asking Atama to look after his mum and his younger sister, Maia, while he’s away. Atama is nervous about making...

The Wheels on the Bus go round and round. Everyone knows the song. But now the bus is going around beautiful New Zealand, and its passengers are characters you just might know: kiwi, penguin, tuatara, fantail and many more. Come along for the ride! For pre-schoolers.

The Case of the Angry Ghost: Violet and the Velvets Book 2 by Rachael King follows Violet and her band as they make it to BandChamps! Armed with their own songs, they're competing alongside their school rivals, The Alphas, for glory. But wait! Strange goings-on are afoot at the Royal Theatre, where it's rumoured a grumpy ghost ballerina haunts the...

Dragonkind is FREE! Free from the terror of the Blade Wolf. Free to fly the skies and roam across the land.Firefly dragon sisters Dessa and Sacha could not be happier. For them, this is a dream come true. Their happiness is shared by all the other dragons. . . Well almost.Stormy may be the king of the Cliff dragons now,...

Queenie Rikihana Hyland brings together a collection of her favourite Maori myths and legends—from the creation and the ever-popular mischief-making of Maui, to the great love stories of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, and Turongo and Mahinarangi. The stories are brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Patrick Puru. Illustrated Maori Myths and Legends is a stunning addition to any bookshelf,...

Enter the whimsical world of Hairy Maclary and his delightful friends in Hairy Maclary and Friends: Touch and Feel Book by Lynley Dodd. This enchanting interactive book invites young readers to join Hairy Maclary, the scruffy little dog from Donaldson's Dairy, and his beloved gang of canine companions on their charming adventures, brought to life with captivating textures on each...

Kia ora! Welcome - this pukapuka is especially for you! Inside you'll find lots of activities and ideas to help you learn all about the different sides of yourself - and how they make you happy - from your whānau, to moving your body, to caring for others and the environment. There's also room for you to write your thoughts...

Colours for Kiwi Babies by Matthew Williamson and Fraser Williamson is a captivating introduction to the world of colours, tailored specifically for the youngest of learners. Through a delightful journey across the vibrant landscape of New Zealand, this book encourages babies to discover and name different colours, enhancing their visual and linguistic development. Bursting with the rich hues of Aotearoa,...

Meet Violet Grumble: a music-loving, guitar-toting tween whose dream is to compete at BandChamps. The problem is that none of her friends can play an instrument. Violet won't let that stop her! But things get tougher when the band's gear starts to go missing - what's going on? Can Violet solve the mystery and harness her ADHD powers? Can she...

Distinguished educator and translator Tauanu'u Perenise Tapu Sitagata joins with artist Ani Huia Ligaliga to present the ‘ava ceremony, one of the key customs to welcome visitors to a village in Samoa. Drawing on his deep knowledge of fa'asamoa (the Samoan Way), Tauanu'u explains the role of ‘ava (kava, as it is more widely known) in ceremonies and welcomes for...

Award-winning illustrator and author Donovan Bixley provides hours of entertainment with a new puzzle book in The Looky Book series. You'll have a ball of a time diving into the crazy world of The Sporty Looky Book. Can you find all the silver ferns? What about spot the differences on the rugby team's tour bus? You'll have a ball of...

Immerse your young reader in the delightful world of counting with Hairy Maclary and Friends: 123 in Māori and English by Lynley Dodd. This charming board book combines the playful antics of the beloved Hairy Maclary and his friends with an educational journey through numbers, introducing children to counting from 1 to 10 in both Māori and English. Join the...

A young boy learns about the customs around celebrating Matariki from his grandfather. They watch the stars from the top of a mountain, prepare their offering of food for the gods, and the boy learns about Te Waka o Rangi and the tradition of calling out the names of loved ones who have passed away so that they can become...

Wildlife of Aotearoa Colouring Book by Gavin Bishop invites children and adults alike to embark on an artistic journey through the majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife of New Zealand. This captivating 64-page colouring book showcases intricate illustrations that celebrate the natural beauty of Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and ecological wonders of...

There’s another emergency vehicle in singer-songwriter Dean O’Brien’s garage – this time it’s a tow truck called Toot! Those goats of Granny’s have been joy-riding on Farmer Tom’s tractor and have got themselves in a bit of a pickle, with the tractor stuck in a pond, and themselves up a tree! Nee Naw quickly appraises the situation – he can...