New Zealand Children's Books

The far-fetched, tall tale of why a library book is 293 days overdue! “A seal came flying out of the water at us. ‘I like stories,’ she said and snatched up the book in her jaws ...” A child and their grandfather are returning a book to the library. When the librarian points out it’s 293 days overdue, Grandad recounts...

The far-fetched, tall tale of why a library book is 293 days overdue! But Then . . . tells the story of a child and their grandfather who are returning a book to the library. When the librarian points out it’s 293 days overdue, Grandad recounts an outrageous, funny, and far-fetched story of why it took so long to get...

Meet Bubbles, a lovable, funny, one-of-a-kind young manatee with a love for speed! Bubbles is a gassy little manatee who loves swimming fast. The more she eats, the more she toots, and the faster she zoots. Her elegant mother and aunties are horrified, but when trouble comes – in the form of a hungry alligator – will Bubbles save the...

Drip, drip, drop, drop. Kerplop! Kerplop! The rain was drumming on the ground. It came too fast. It came too hard. "BatKiwi!" came the call. "Save us!" With the help of a mysterious ‘Thing’, clever Kiwi and unstoppable Bat come to the rescue again. The third in the popular BatKiwi forest rescue series.

Whenever there is trouble in the forest, big-hearted Kiwi wants to help. He longs to be fast enough to come to the aid of his friends when they are in need. There is just one problem, Kiwi is pretty fast ... but his sturdy legs are just not fast enough ... and they can’t carry him up trees! Then one...

This favourite Kiwi book is now available in a slightly shortened board book version ideal for little hands.

The Dickensian Christmas story is given a Kiwi twist. "What a whole lot of hoo-ha, this 'let's all be merry' - the dinners, the pressies and fuss! A load of old CODSWOLLOP!" hollered old Jerry. "But leave early then - if you must!" Miserly old Jerry from the Kai Corner Dairy is the New Zealand equivalent of Scrooge. Children will...

A refreshed edition of a best-selling, much-loved book that introduces nocturnal wildlife indigenous to Aotearoa. Our forests are a sight to be seen, by daytime’s warm clear light. But when the sun sets, and the daylight dims, and colours are no longer bright... After Dark: Nocturnal Forest Creatures of Aotearoa by Julia Crouth has cleverly constructed a rhyming description of...

Hot, Cross Bunny by Stephanie Thatcher introduces us to Basil, the sweetest, fluffiest, most adorable bunny you ever saw — as long as he gets his way. Basil is a bunny who doesn’t react well when things don’t go as planned. He gets hotter and hotter, and crosser and crosser, until he becomes a hot, cross bunny. On a picnic...

Nina faces her greatest challenge yet - winning over a fierce Kaimanawa stallion! Nina's and Lily's wild horse adventures take off at a gallop when they get the opportunity of a lifetime to help Kelly Wilson save five wild stallions from slaughter. All of a sudden, Nina is in charge of training a mature stallion called Allegiance, a huge step...

There are so many toys, and games we can play. Whatever we choose, let's do it our way. Join Frank and Quinn on their playdate - there are no limits to which toys they can play with and which games they can choose. A fun rhyming picture book to read with children to reinforce that they can choose to be...

Kupu Tauaro - Opposites (Reo Pēpi Toru Series 3) demonstrates how things can be similar and different at the same time. Enjoy stunning images of creatures from Aotearoa. Tamariki will learn useful new reo while enjoying these beautiful images.

Using high frequency kupu, Kararehe - Animals (Reo Pēpi Tahi Series 1) introduces us to the all-important pēpi vocab of everyday animals! Animal noises are, of course, optional.

Kākahu - Getting Dressed (Reo Pēpi Tahi Series 1) teaches one of the most useful and practical instructions for young whānau members to know: getting dressed. Through the everyday actions of putting on your clothes, this book teaches simple te reo sentence structure and vocabulary. Fun to use for all the whānau.

How can we celebrate Matariki? Let's look to the stars! Maumaharatia: Remembering our past Tiakina te taiao: Caring for our environment Te whakawhanaungatanga: Connecting with our people Me pēhea tātou e whakanui i a Matariki? Tirohia ngā whetū! Maumaharatia te onamata Tiakina te taiao Te whakawhanaungatanga ki ō tātou iwi Explore the nine stars of Matariki in rich, detailed imagery...

Baby's World of Shapes: a Kiwi First Focus Book is the next book in this popular series, introducing babies to common shapes. Simple black and white illustrations will engage infants and provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to interact meaningfully with them, combining fun with education. Suitable for ages 0-6 months.

A bold, graphic black and white board book perfect for babies aged six months and under. Baby's World of Play is the fourth title in the popular Baby's World series. What's in Baby's World of Play? A teddy bear? A toy train? A rocking horse? These durable, non-toxic board books are perfect for babies under six months and offer bold,...

A bestselling little cot book designed to help babies focus and discover the world around them! This specially designed first focus book is safe, non-toxic and perfect to keep your little one entertained in the cot, buggy or car seat. Following the huge success of Baby's World Book in 2001 comes another durable, non-toxic board book to encourage our littlest...

Baby's World: a Kiwi First Focus Book is a bestselling little cot book designed specially for bright-eyed babies! This specially designed first focus book is safe, non-toxic, and perfect to keep your little one entertained in the cot, buggy, or car seat. It is a durable, non-toxic board book that baby will love, featuring simple black and white illustrations. These...

When Lopini is replaced as kapa haka leader at school, he starts to spiral. It doesn’t matter that he thinks it’s a good idea, or that he agreed to the change in the first place. He’s a hard-out perfectionist and this feels like a public failure. Lopini’s best mate, Fi, thinks he’s overreacting. After all, he’s so successful that everyone...

The hee-haw hilarious Wonky Donkey family continues to grow, and in this adventure, Wonky has a wonderful surprise for Dinky Donkey. With laugh-out-loud, alliterative text, adorable illustrations, and a song to stream or download, this fourth book in the bestselling series celebrates the strength of family and friendship with a wonderful, wrinkly, wiggly, witty, whiffy surprise!

The epic conclusion to the Katipo Joe trilogy. Joe has penetrated the very heart of the Nazi spiderweb, spying on Adolf Hitler and his cronies as the Second World War gains momentum and Germany begins its crucial invasion of the Soviet Union. But British Intelligence wants Hitler dead. Joe must use all his skills and put not only his own...

And as Willbee flew away, he did not stop, his jersey unravelled from the bottom to the top, and when he realised this, he lost his hum ... He was showing the whole garden his bare bum! Well, with no jersey and being late in the day, Willbee was so cold he couldn't fly away. Willbee the Bumblebee is so...

'Well, you probably won’t believe me if I say it’s a snake—a huge, child-swallowing anaconda,' said the librarian. A child visits the library with their mum, who tells them to find a book and stay out of trouble. Almost immediately, the librarian warns the child against doing certain things, like climbing the shelves, peeling up the carpet, or taking a...

Tomboy the Headstrong Horse recounts the real-life 1866 journey of Caroline and Nicolas Chevalier, who crossed New Zealand’s rugged Southern Alps on horseback, accompanied by the spirited and wilful horse, Tomboy. While Nicolas documented their travels in his art, Caroline kept a journal. The story follows Caroline as she navigates treacherous rivers, dense forests, and muddy trails, forming an unbreakable...

The whiffy Wonky Donkey is back, and this time he is playing an outrageous bad Dad joke on Dinky. As Wonky listened, his face was deadpan, but he was devising an outrageous plan! Dinky Donkey loves hooved animals so much, Wonky Donkey poses the question to her: 'Are you hoof-hearted?' Hilarity ensues as Dinky innocently enquires of other members of...

A joyful celebration of kai, connection, and whanau. Her recipe is not written, but passed on down the line throughout the generations – and now the time is mine! Join Bubba and Mum as they prepare a boil-up that brings the whole whanau together. From hunting and gathering to simmering and sharing, The Big Boil-Up is a heartwarming story of...

A joyful celebration of kai, connection, and whanau. Her recipe is not written, but passed on down the line throughout the generations – and now the time is mine! Join Bubba and Mum as they prepare a boil-up that brings the whole whanau together. From hunting and gathering to simmering and sharing, Te Kai Kohua Nui (The Big Boil-Up: Maori...

Join Nee Naw and Friends Storytime as they come to the rescue! Four bestselling stories with sing-along songs and hilarious illustrations that will have you laughing out loud!

A true tale of shipwreck and survival in harrowing sub-antarctic conditions off New Zealand’s southern coast. Samuel, the keeper of this diary, is 13 when he signs on as a cabin boy aboard a vessel bound for Sydney. The barque Dundonald founders and sinks off Disappointment Island (part of the Auckland Islands group) in the ocean south of New Zealand...

It’ll be over by Christmas... Young Billy Bowman and his mate Jack get caught up in the excitement when war is declared in August 1914 and leave their jobs on the farm to rush off and enlist in the Mounted Rifles—because the war would probably be over by Christmas. We follow their journey from the Awapuni training camp to more...

Four of our hee-haw hilarious Wonky stories are available in a great-value, hardback collection! The Wonky Donkey Treasury is a celebration of all the beloved family members in this internationally best-selling and laugh-out-loud series.

As a small country school prepares for its Christmas end-of-year show, they receive a call from Santa, who is on his way to the hall when he runs into a spot of trouble! Fortunately, the Little Yellow Digger is on hand to rescue Santa and his truck full of presents.

I’ve lost my boo! I’ve lost my boo! Where has it gone? What will I do? Little Ghost has lost her boo, but she is determined to get it back, so she heads out to look for it. On her night-time hunt, she meets a number of her friends: Owl, Pigeon, Rooster, and Cow. She asks each of them if...

Te Waiata o Kauri by Melinda Szymanik tells the tale of Kauri, who danced with the wind. Cloaked in mist, warmed by the sun, and stirred by a whirling wind, Kauri grows tall and wise through passing years and changing times. This is his song.

The Wonky Donkey, a long-time Kiwi favourite, has been published in more than 40 countries around the world. Now, for the first time, this global bestseller has been retold in tongue-twisting te reo Maori by award winning translator Pania Papa, who has translated classics, such as The Lion King into Maori.

Tahi-Rua-Toru MANU! brings a plethora of NZ birds to life in this exciting counting book! Young children will love spotting familiar birds in this engaging text by Dave Gunson. From One noisy seagull, asking to be fed to Thirteen sleepy moreporks, slowly waking in the trees, the birds are just begging to be counted. Each page spread features a sneaky...

The Clouds think Sun and Rain would get along well, but Rain thinks Sun doesn’t want to know her as Sun always vanishes when she turns up. Likewise, Sun feels that Rain stays away when Sun is around. The Clouds think they’d be a good match, however, and scheme a meeting, resulting in the most beautiful union ... a rainbow!...

With winter chimneys roaring in some of the world’s houses, Santa keeps his bottom safe with his trusty fireproof trousers. From Deano Yipadee, the creator of the beloved Nee Naw series, comes a brand new story and downloadable song about Santa's conundrum when his fireproof trousers shrink in the wash. He needs to come up with a way to safely...

With winter chimneys roaring in some of the world’s houses, Santa keeps his bottom safe with his trusty fireproof trousers. From Deano Yipadee, the creator of the beloved Nee Naw series, comes a brand new story and downloadable song about Santa's conundrum when his fireproof trousers shrink in the wash. He needs to come up with a way to safely...

“Look in the water, Ma! Golly, oh gee! Something in the sea is touching me!” You’ll squawk, screech, yelp ... and laugh out loud at the surprises for all on this funny-sunny family day at the beach. When a small child goes to the seaside with her Mum and Ma, she is unprepared for 'things' floating in the water. Ma...

Originally published by Mahia Publishers in 1988 and then by Scholastic NZ Ltd in 1990, this is the legend of how the islands east of Wairoa came to be. Mere made the commitment to her father Te Hore (Horace) Epanaia Whaanga that this story would be published. Mere took on the role of writer and illustrator, and her father then...

Poor young Bertie is fed up with being asked which brother he is - the sporty one, the arty one, or the clever one. "No," says Bertie, "I'm the other brother." But when Bertie finds out how good he is at helping others, he finally gets his own special tag: the kind brother. Ko Tera Atu O Nga Tama by...

A moving story of friendship. Moving with his dad to live on Grandma's farm turns out to be great fun for Danny. He makes friends with a wee goat — also motherless, just like Danny — and they have many adventures together. Then Dad marries again, and they move to the city...will Danny ever see Rasmas again? Ko Rama is...

Whenever there is trouble in the forest, big-hearted Kiwi wants to help. He longs to be fast enough to come to the aid of his friends when they are in need. There is just one problem, Kiwi is pretty fast... but his sturdy legs are just not fast enough... and they can’t carry him up trees! Then one night, he...

Keith and the Kitten (Keith Vs Queenie, Book #1) by Elaine Bickell introduces readers to Keith, a tiny Chihuahua with a big attitude. He rules both his house and his Mama’s heart. However, his world is turned upside down when his Mama brings home Queenie, a fluffy kitten who steals all the attention. Determined to stay on top, Keith causes...

Miss Burton’s class is on the hunt for the perfect classroom pet—something quirky, fun and definitely better than their past choices. When they finally convince their teacher to bring in turkeys, chaos quickly takes flight! What starts as a simple schoolyard experiment turns into a hilarious, feather-filled frenzy as a runaway flock causes mayhem on the playground. Can the students...

I Waho, I Te Moana unfolds out in the moana, underneath the sparkling sun, where a mother sea lion and her little pup one reside. By the author of the children's classics A Kiwi Night Before Christmas and Down in the Forest, comes a catchy and playful version of the much-loved traditional story, Over in the Meadow. This ocean adventure...

I Roto Te Ngahere is a retelling of Olive Wadsworth's traditional counting rhyme 'Over in the Meadow', featuring New Zealand flora and fauna.

That Grandpa is just a tease! Meg and Grandpa go camping, and Grandpa's teasing and practical jokes always end with him saying, "I can't imagine how that happened." Until finally the tables are turned and Meg gets her own back!

Everyone loved Old Hu-Hu. But nobody loved him quite as much as little Hu-Hu-Tu. Huhu Koroheke is a thoughtful tale of young Hu-Hu-Tu's search for understanding of what has happened to his beloved Old Hu-Hu, who flew all the way to the moon (or so they said), then fell down dead. Sensitively written, this is a beautiful story of death...

A fun, colourful companion to Duck Goes Meow, winner of the 2023 NZ Children’s Best Picture Book award, and its sequel How to Be a Cat. A kind duck asks, “What can you say?” and Duck says Meow! and Oink! and Neigh! Duck is back—and this time, Duck has discovered some exciting new words! Learning from Mama Cat, Duck has...

Will Tiny be able to rid Humphrey of his Christmas Grinch attitude? Humphrey is a grumpy cat who hates everything about Christmas. He would prefer to sit in the basement all day away from the festivities. When Tiny the dog arrives from a pet rescue, she brings an excitement about Christmas that annoys Humphrey hugely. Can Tiny’s enthusiasm for Christmas...

Wonky Donkey’s famous daughter, Dinky Donkey, is back – and this time she is bringing the whole donkey family together in a playful and festive Christmas adventure! Lift the colourful felt flaps to help Dinky find the presents to go under the Christmas tree. Lift the soft felt flaps to discover the best present of all... family... and a big...

Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Christmas in New Zealand on a sunny summer's day, ay! Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, Oh what fun it is to have a Kiwi holiday. Best-selling author and illustrator, Yvonne Morrison and Deborah Hinde, give the old Christmas favourite Jingle Bells the Kiwi treatment. This proven seller is...

The latest picture book from award-winning author Laura Shallcrass. Beautifully written and illustrated in an appealing palette that complements the gentle charm of this unique story. Includes a notes section at the back about the different animals featured in What Colour Is The Sky? Nationwide publicity campaign. Hare and Pihoihoi enjoy a beautiful dawn breaking over the meadow when Pihoihoi...

Motuhake ana ngā āhua rerekē o Tere Tūī, o Taitū Takahē hoki: tērā ka whai ki te tītakataka me te koromiomio i te rangi, tērā anō ka pai ake ki te ngāeheehe ki te ururua o te ngahere. Tu Meke Tūī! he paki hoahoa, he paki mātātoa, he paki tūhura tonu kia ahatia ā tātou rerenga kētanga i roto i...

Tere the Tūī and Taitū the Takahē are two very different sorts of birds: one loves to flit and twirl about in the sky, while the other prefers to rustle around in the undergrowth. Tu Meke Tūī! is a story of friendship, courage, and discovering that sometimes it’s our differences which make us truly special.

Tere the Tui and Taitu the Takahe are two very different sorts of birds: one loves to flit and twirl about in the sky, while the other prefers to rustle around in the undergrowth. Tu Meke Tui! is a story of friendship, courage, and discovering that sometimes it's our differences which make us truly special.

Tahi the Tuatara is down in the dumps, and no matter what his friend, Roger the Ruru, tries, nothing seems to change his mood. It’s not until they answer a cry for help that their journey takes an unexpected turn. Tu Meke Tuatara! Te Reo Paperback is a story about empathy, friendship, and discovering that sometimes the best way to...

Tahi the Tuatara is down in the dumps, and no matter what his friend, Roger the Ruru, tries, nothing seems to change his mood. It’s not until they answer a cry for help that their journey takes an unexpected turn. Tu Meke Tuatara! is a story about empathy, friendship, and discovering that sometimes the best way we can feel better...

Tu Meke Tuatara! tells the tale of Tahi the Tuatara, who is feeling downcast. Despite the efforts of his friend, Roger the Ruru, nothing seems to lift Tahi's spirits. However, when they respond to a cry for help, their journey takes an unexpected turn. This story beautifully explores themes of empathy, friendship, and the profound realisation that sometimes the best...

The Monkey and the Moonbeam follows the adventurous journey of NicNic as he travels around the world. Journey through lions' manes, flamingo feathers, and even the clutches of a cumulous cloud with NicNic. Join him as he searches for something just out of reach, guided by the star-strewn night sky. This magical expedition highlights the importance of appreciating the simple...

Felix discovers the magic of nature in Thank You, when the moon beckons him from his bed. He dances off into the night making friends with a parade of creatures (and even the elements) who help him in their different ways, to find his own way back home.

See Play Do is a children's activity annual that encourages open-ended creative play with children aged 3 to 8. It is a collaboration between creatives of all ages, from chefs to scientists to 5-year-olds, and is filled with fun ideas—make glitter playdough and dress a dinosaur in your own clothes. See Play Do was conceived by designer Louise Cuckow after...

One morning while exploring the woods, Muki and Pickles spot one last peach on the tree across the stream. How will they get across the water to pick it? Muki and Pickles is a beautiful story about friendship, resourcefulness and the quest for one delicious peach.

Kowhai and the Giants by Kate Parker invites readers into a beautifully crafted world where nature and magic intertwine. Kowhai first appeared from the golden glow of a beautiful flower, and her voice was the rain, the sea, and the cry of a bird. Follow Kowhai on her enchanting journey as she discovers a tiny seed's hope to build a...

No matter how hard she tried, Kara the Kakapo just couldn't quite seem to master the art of flying. But with optimism, determination, and a little creative thinking, can Kara still achieve her dream? This delightful picture book is the writing debut from Wellington zookeeper Danni Rae. Her story is paired with stunning illustrations from Northland artist Evan Heasman (also...

"The ALL is in the SMALL!" Comical, wondrous, fun... and a tiny bit scary. A delightfully unpredictable story about a forgetful worm, a mountain, the sun, a greedy bird, and a seed. With life's most powerful statement I Am, threading it all playfully together.

Harry the Hermit Crab has outgrown his shell. But, on his quest to the beach to find a new one, he discovers an unexpected challenge! Will Harry find his perfect new home? This delightful picture book is the second book in a series from Wellington zookeeper Danni Rae, the first being Kara the Kakapo published in 2022. Danni's story is...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sail the Pacific, ballet dance in Paris, or stroll on the moon? I know a Moa that had such dreams. ...the Moa were dreamers so brave and true, They were never afraid to try something new. Dreams of a Moa is a book for anyone who dreams of big adventures....