New Zealand Children's Books

When Daisy McCray and the Wave of the Day wandered down to the bay, she carried her surfboard, expecting a wave. But the wind was onshore and the ocean was flat, so Daisy decided to wait on her mat . . . Daisy’s eyes are glued to her screen when the tide steals her surfboard. Join the exciting adventure of...

Celia Seagull perched on the cliff, eyeing up plastic and watching it drift. Scanning for pieces to weave through her nest, she held her beak high and puffed out her chest. Join Celia Seagull as she gathers plastic pieces from the ocean to build a bigger, better nest. With far too much on her agenda, busy Celia refuses to help...

Follow Capsi's adventures in this delightful and amusing tale from acclaimed cartoonist Toby Morris. Enjoy the whimsical journey in Capsicum, Capsi Go as Toby Morris brings a unique and entertaining story to life through his vibrant illustrations and engaging narrative.

Packed with charm, joy, and practicality, Calm the Farm is a must-have for every children's bookshelf. This beautifully illustrated story follows a cranky rooster whose kerfuffle causes chaos on the farm, only for his animal friends to model emotional regulation and mindfulness techniques to find calm. The story's gentle repetition teaches children valuable steps to manage their own emotions while...

'Tis the run up to Christmas and there is so much to do! At Elf School we are learning how we can help too. Elroy McChristmas and his friends are about to sit their final test before Santa decides the best job for each elf. But when it's time to show off their skills, the classroom erupts into chaos! Can...

Don't Go Near the Creek

Very charming story for small children, aged 2-6. In this story of cosy and chaotic family life, the imaginative world of a little child is front and centre. Rosie likes to wrap things up: her crayons, her toys, her kitten, a parcel for Granny, some baking, flowers. Rosie herself is wrapped up in a towel after her bath; her mother...

There's a big, roaring, yellow, whiskery lion in the meadow. Go and see for yourself. What would you do if you knew there was a lion in the meadow, but your mother doesn't believe you? And when she gives you a matchbox with a dragon hidden inside to scare away the lion, you discover that the dragon is in there...

Many women marched, but one led the way... It's 125 years since New Zealand became the first country in the world to give women the vote. This accessible story for children is written as historical fiction, telling of Kate Sheppard's life journey and her struggle to advance the cause of women's suffrage.

When three Tasmanian children meet a couple of home-alone kids who live on an old barge in New Zealand’s Bay of Islands, they soon find themselves heavily involved in a conflict with one of the local oyster-farmers. The outcome is a signal to youngsters everywhere that it is possible to bring about positive change in the world. Those Sugar-Barge Kids...

Discover wonder and magic where you least expect it. There is a special spot down the end of the drive where toys are made, and dreams come alive. A heartwarming and beautifully illustrated book that takes you behind the scenes of Poppa's toy workshop, where magic awaits. Can Poppa get everything ready in time for Christmas? With a special fold-out...

Meet Jean Batten, the brave, trail-blazing and glamorous aviator, who strove to set new records in death-defying solo flights across the world. Brave, trail-blazing and glamorous, this stunning picture book tells the true story of how Jean Batten became an international superstar for her solo flights across the world. The little plane has been flying across the sea for eight...

The sixth book in a bestselling junior fiction series inspired by true stories from the Wilson Sisters' childhoods. It's a whole new world... rescuing an injured stallion! In the sixth Showtym Adventures, Vicki will stop at nothing to save a crippled beach-racing stallion. When Vicki and her sisters discover that horses are roaming on country roads because the locals can't...

The fifth book in a bestselling junior fiction series inspired by true stories from the Wilson Sisters' childhoods. The chance of a lifetime - training a dream pony into a champion! In the fifth Showtym Adventure, Kelly's new pony is gorgeous, talented and a whole world of trouble. Will he overcome his problems to reach his potential? With Cameo sold...

The fourth book in a bestselling junior fiction series inspired by true stories from the Wilson Sisters' childhoods. Diamonds in the rough - will these unwanted ponies find love? In the fourth Showtym Adventure, Amanda must earn the trust of a beautiful but wild Welsh stallion. Will Chessy ever be safe enough to ride? Seven-year-old Amanda Wilson dreams of training...

The second book in a bestselling junior fiction series inspired by true stories from the Wilson Sisters' childhoods. The adventure continues – training a street pony into a show pony! In the second Showtym Adventures, Kelly receives an unbroken pony. Will she gain the confidence to train and ride her? When nine-year-old Kelly Wilson outgrows her pony, her mum surprises...

A bestselling junior fiction series inspired by true stories from the Wilson Sisters' childhoods. Let the adventure begin... taming a wild pony! In the first Showtym Adventure, Vicki must train her own wild pony to continue her dream of riding. When nine-year-old Vicki Wilson's beloved lease pony is sold, she is heartbroken. Her family doesn't have much money, and she...

This innovative flip-format picture book is a sequel to the best-selling and CBCA Notable Book for 2017, Smile Cry. Piglet, Bunny, and Cat return in a charming, whimsical sensory adventure that encourages kids to explore the multitude of ways that they can engage with the world around them, particularly via the senses of sight and sound. From watching ‘squiggly rain’...

A lockdown bestseller and high-spirited story about an enterprising only child and a single father’s juggle to work from home. Mika’s father works from home and he’s very busy! He can never find time for the promised swimming trip. So Dad allows Mika to choose a pet from the store while he finishes the project—something quiet like a mouse. And...

Book lives at the library and desperately wants to go outside like the other books, but is intimidated by all the things that might happen ‘out there’. A page might get torn. Book’s cover might get dirty. Book might never be returned to the library! Meanwhile, little Emma loves visiting the library and delights in the many adventures to be...

Olivia and her dog Barkley are inseparable. He’s her sidekick, her partner in crime-fighting — they’re the perfect pair. But then, Barkley dies and Olivia is heartbroken. She dreads falling asleep because waking up without Barkley is just too sad. Gradually, however, she realises that Barkley wouldn’t want her to be unhappy for the rest of her life. So she...

This bestselling title is now released in paperback. Olivia and her dog Barkley are inseparable. He’s her sidekick, her partner in crime-fighting — they’re the perfect pair. But then, Barkley dies and Olivia is heartbroken. She dreads falling asleep because waking up without Barkley is just too sad. Gradually, however, she realises that Barkley wouldn’t want her to be unhappy...

Ruby buys a pen that gives her the power to fix all of her problems, only to discover that power comes with its own problems. Ruby and the Pen is the story of a 12-year-old, cartoon-drawing girl who buys a pen from a mysterious market stall. The pen has a magical power: whatever she draws, happens! Initially, the pen protects...

A marvellous menagerie of animal poems for children by New Zealand's best writers—some of them children—selected by star New Zealand poet Paula Green and adorably illustrated by Jenny Cooper. A marvellous menagerie of more than 200 animal poems by Aotearoa's best writers, Roar Squeak Purr shows just how fun poetry can be, and is sure to inspire a new generation...

In spite of his brilliant blue feathers, Takahe is very good at hiding - in fact, he's so good that you might think he isn't there at all! But look carefully at the illustrations... can you help Fantail to find Takahe on every page of this story? Help Fantail find Takahe in this look-and-find story about a rare New Zealand...

Audrey has the worst case of ‘imaginitis’ her teachers have ever seen! While other children paint their families, Audrey paints the ogre who lives under her bed drinking tea. Instead of singing about a black sheep, she writes her own song about a desk with legs that runs away. Her alphabet turns into soup. It’s clear that her ‘imaginitis’ is...

Most children would say that the ocean is blue, but when Bowen looks at it, he sees white where the waves crash, deep black on the ocean floor, and green when there’s a storm. He wonders whether fireflies are hot and notices how the brushstrokes of a painting tell a story too. Bowen sees the world differently from other children...

An exuberant read-aloud story about a school trip outdoors with rhyming wordplay and madcap energy, starring the quiet observant Liam. From the award-winning creators of That’s Not a Hippopotamus. It’s the class trip to Dismal Hills wilderness. The children aren’t worried about the legendary Grizzled Grist who lives here; they’re excited to show off their outdoor skills— foraging, climbing, trapping,...

It’s handy having a dad who can fix just about anything. A young girl believes her father is the king of fixing things, but following the death of her mother, she discovers that broken hearts are not as easy to repair as damaged toys and cracked teapots. Together, she and her father find a way to glue back the pieces...

He let the matchstick burn, knowing the power in his hand... flame filled the inside of his head. It ran along his arteries. It licked around his bones. Kitty Wix is knocked over as a strange loping figure is seen fleeing the burning stables. But who is the fire-raiser and why is he creating such terror? Kitty has her own...

A poignant story about a child finding her own inner strength, courage, and resilience by drawing inspiration from the generations of women that came before her. Whenever Isla’s mother brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the women in her family’s past. Touching on themes of immigration, war, and the feminist movement,...

It's 1974, and a dark, cold New Zealand winter. So when Darryl's mum announces she is going to the remote Pacific island of Mangareva for work, and she's taking him with her, he is thrilled. But even as Darryl soaks up the warmth and idyllic beauty of French Polynesia, his holiday is darkened by ugly anti-nuclear protests. And then there's...

The Boys in the Waka Ama by Angie Belcher invites readers to meet the dedicated team of boys training hard for the big competition in this thrilling tale of waka ama racing! This story celebrates the traditional Polynesian sport of outrigger canoe racing, brought to you by the creators of the bestselling The Girls in the Kapa Haka. These are...

When Sam gets his first pair of glasses, he feels like no one knows who he is anymore. His parents say he looks handsome in them, and his grandpa thinks he must be a superhero, but Sam just wants to be himself. Even at school, everyone except his best friend George seems to have forgotten who he is. How will...

When Sam gets his first pair of glasses, he feels like no one knows who he is anymore. His parents say he looks handsome in them and his grandpa thinks he must be a superhero, but Sam just wants to be himself. Even at school, everyone except his best friend George seems to have forgotten who he is. How will...

Liam and Kai are the best of friends. They do everything together. Each day in the park they race around in their box cars, pretending to be everything from policemen chasing down bad guys to chauffeurs driving around movie stars! One day they notice a little girl watching them—she’s keen to join in and they’re happy to be her friends...

A picture book with delicate illustrations that explains the path of grief, ending with the uplifting new beginning of a budding friendship based on understanding. When the little bird dies, his friend the bear is inconsolable. Full of grief, he locks himself in his house and ventures out again only when the smell of young spring grass blows through his...

Find out what happens when you learn to let down your guard, be yourself, and open up to friendship in this encouraging tale about a boy and a school full of ogres and dragons. It’s Edward’s first day of knight school and he’s scared of what’s to come. He puts on his armour and prepares for battle. After all, it’s...

Find out what happens when you learn to let down your guard, be yourself, and open up to friendship in this encouraging tale about a boy and a school full of ogres and dragons. It’s Edward’s first day of knight school and he’s scared of what’s to come. He puts on his armour and prepares for battle. After all, it’s...

Words are everywhere! Come on this lively adventure to learn more about how they can be shortened, extended, and even switched around. Meet ugly words, colourful words, and words that just need a friend. The Art of Words is a unique, fun and interactive story about the magic of words. Two children and their adorable dog are illustrated playfully interacting...

In this award-winning chapter book about prejudice and justice, an orphan girl is adopted by a gorilla who lives in a junkyard. Their growing friendship defies all odds. Now an animated movie. Jonna lives in an orphanage whose manager is strict and obsessed with cleanliness. Like all the other children, Jonna has only one dream: to be adopted by a...

Meet Mittens, Wellington's world-famous cat-about-town. He has thousands of followers, a hit song, an exhibition of fan art, and with his exploring paws, he brings joy to everyone he meets! Join Mittens, Wellington's pawsome celebrity cat, on his real-life adventures in this feline-fabulous picture book by Silvio Bruinsma and Phoebe Morris. Have you met Mittens? If not, it's only a...

Taming the Sun showcases four classic Maori myths beautifully retold with stunning illustrations by award-winning author Gavin Bishop. This captivating collection includes two well-known legends: Maui and The Sun and Maui and The Big Fish, alongside two lesser-known tales: Rona and The Moon and Kahu The Taniwha. Aimed at children aged 3-7 years, these myths are simply yet elegantly written....

When Tabitha wakes up on the wrong side of the bed, she finds a big raincloud next to her taking up most of the space. Immediately, she knows it’s going to be one of those yucky days when nothing seems to go right. But what if she doesn’t have to let a raincloud spoil her day? All morning, Tabitha tells...

Once there was a little rabbit... I’m not a LITTLE rabbit! I’m Super Rabbit! Simon is not afraid of anything. He’s Super Rabbit! But one day, when he goes out to save the world, he comes across a situation he wasn’t expecting.

Three Autistic friends try to save their school from never-ending maths in this fast and fun story, told from a rarely seen perspective. Superheroes for a Day tells the engaging story of Max, Daniel, and Natalie’s mission to save their school from endless maths lessons. Using their unique abilities like heightened memory and attention to detail, they turn their differences...

A warm and comforting board book about the bond between grandfather and child, from award-winning author and illustrator. A Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year 2023. A small hand in a big one, big boots and little, some food from the garden, story time and a nap to finish. Through powerful illustrations and simple words, Pops captures a...

From the author of the worldwide bestseller Tickle My Ears, comes a companion, interactive board book about a child helping their rabbit feel better. Oh no, Little Rabbit has hurt his arm. And there’s blood! Can you help him? Blow gently three times, try a band-aid, a rhyme, but he’s still crying... Let’s give his ears a stroke and wipe...

A happy comic gift book for all ages—especially those who are hard to buy for! In this little hardback book about gifts and giving, a satisfied lizard has found the perfect presents for a hard-to-please friend. With 32 pages of comic strip style fun and hilarious illustrations by award-winning Anke Kuhl, this joyful book makes a perfect stocking filler, Secret...

Loppy the Little Anxious Creature is very worried about not doing his homework well enough. He always focuses on what he’s done wrong rather than right, and often becomes very frustrated with himself. In this book of encouragement for those little people who find it hard to make mistakes, Loppy learns that 'perfect' means trying your best, and not worrying...

Peas in a Pod by Tania McCartney is a delightful story about quintuplets Pippa, Pia, Poppy, Polly, and Peg. Since birth, they have done everything the same—cry, eat, sleep, sit. However, as they grow older, things begin to change. Now, they want to do things differently—very differently. Can Mum and Dad keep their little girls as matching peas in a...

Anna loves the old pear tree that lives at the bottom of the garden. When she becomes seriously ill, her relationship with the tree provides comfort and peace on her journey, particularly when she plants a seed from one of the tree’s pears. Pear of Hope is the story of a little girl with cancer and her tale of recovery....

Patch the pony is lonely. He has fun with his young owner, Sam, and the other farm animals are friendly, but sometimes it feels as if he still doesn’t quite fit in. Then one day Sam has an idea, and something happens that changes Patch’s life forever. Patch and Ruby is a wonderful, often very funny tale about friendship and...

A beloved Māori legend about the immortal, sea-dwelling Pania, as told by the iconic author and illustrator Peter Gossage. Pania of the Reef is a creature of the sea, but she is fascinated by the land. She falls in love with a young chief who tries to make her stay on shore. This is the legend of how Pania became...

Find out how reading just one book can lead to a brand-new library in this lively chain-reaction story about actions and their consequences – however unintended they may be! Violet has searched her room high and low but just can’t find a book she hasn’t read before. She wishes her town had a library; a magical place full of adventure...

An old toy rabbit finds himself in a box of toys being donated to charity. But it wasn’t always this way, Tock sadly reflects, Once, I was loved. We rewind the clock to 1939 when a girl named Sam receives a toy rabbit for her 5th birthday. From that moment, Sam and Tock are inseparable. They’re together when Sam hugs...

Ollie’s Treasure is a tale of mindfulness for young, developing minds. It’s a story about how simply noticing and taking in what is on offer to our senses can lead to the Holy Grail of treasure — happiness. Ollie’s Treasure takes children on a treasure hunt. Ollie’s grandma sends him a treasure map that promises to lead him to something...

Ollie’s Treasure is a tale of mindfulness for young, developing minds. It’s a story about how simply noticing and taking in what is on offer to our senses can lead to the Holy Grail of treasure — happiness. Ollie’s Treasure takes children on a treasure hunt. Ollie’s grandma sends him a treasure map that promises to lead him to ‘something...

Nova’s Missing Masterpiece uses a girl’s bond with her dog to address the themes of anger, self-regulation, problem solving, resilience, and persistence. When Nova realises the artwork that she created for her dad’s birthday present is missing, her tummy flip flops and her heart ker-thumps. She and her dog, Harley, turn the house upside down, but the missing masterpiece is...

An illustrated collection of thought-provoking stories about how anger doesn’t always have to be angry, with illustrations from Marc Boutavant. In ten thoughtful, philosophical, absurd tales by master storyteller Toon Tellegen, the forest animals—from squirrel to scarab beetle—spend their days as friends do, with birthday parties, writing letters, visiting, dancing, or sometimes all alone. Each day brings emotions that are...

In a world where the days of the week come to life, Monday learns to let go of negativity and accept herself for who she is. It’s pretty tough being Monday – you’re not named after a god like Thursday, and you’re certainly not a two-day party like Saturday and Sunday. Instead, you’re the start of the week, when people...

Simon feels a new emotion stirring—he thinks he is in love with Lou! Sadly, Lou loves Mamadou... One day Lou comes to school with nits. She’s suddenly not so popular any more. Except with Simon. He doesn’t care about nits! Lou gives Simon a big hug for being so kind—and some small visitors too... Nits by Stephanie Blake is a...

What started as an exciting challenge turns into a nightmare when a gale unexpectedly blows up during the night race to Kawau Island. Sam and her mother suddenly find themselves in charge of their yacht with a dangerous task ahead of them. Will Sam be able to save her family? Night Race to Kawau by Tessa Duder is a gripping...

A moving story about the bond between a mother and her child. My Heart depicts the many ways a mother’s heart can experience love and emotion while her baby journeys through the milestones of growing up. The story uses repetition and subtle variation to reflect the activity and reactions of the mother's heart, and how they change with each mother-child...

Papa Monkey and Little Monkey are on their way home. But the street is very busy and they are going so slowly! Monkey loses patience and jumps onto the fire engine. Up the ladder from there and he joins a TV crew! Then the rubbish truck, a rabbit takeaway stall packed with carroty treats, Arctic animals travelling by snow globe,...

An uplifting story about a boy who doesn’t let his eczema hold him back from having fun and facing his fears. Meet Mitchell, a boy who is part of the one in five children living with eczema. In Mitchell Itches, we learn about his experiences with this condition, including the common triggers and stresses of managing it, while also understanding...

A delightful story about the magic of both home and other worlds, which will encourage exploration, caring for the environment, and seeing the wonder in everywhere we go. When Milly and Papa plant a mulberry tree, Milly has no idea how magical and inspiring the tree will become. From nurturing silkworms to making magic potion mulberry ice-cream, the mulberry tree...

The world of the sandy seabed is brought to life in Meet Mim, the story of one of the natural world’s masters of disguise — the mimic octopus. Sandra Severgnini sets up a delightful guessing game for the reader while showcasing the abilities of this little-known creature. The mimic octopus can change colour, shape, and skin texture in all kinds...

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...

A sensitive, beautifully illustrated book that uses backyard chickens to give a closely observed child’s-eye view of early-onset dementia. Mama's Chickens presents a touching narrative where Mama didn’t want chickens, but she grows to love them as her dementia symptoms increase. Her young children notice the changes in her behaviour, unsettling them and the chickens. Despite these challenges, Mama always...

When Lucy makes friends with the Dark, she discovers a new and exciting world - but the world is about to discover what it's like without the Dark! A funny and enjoyable bedtime story with a glow-in-the-dark cover to encourage lights out! From an award-winning author and illustrator comes this delightful story about a child who faces her fears and...

A moving story of young - and old - love. 'He looks at me now, full face, and I can see how drawn, how much older that face is - dark pits under his eyes, lines of tiredness. He's not the warrior king I fell for eight months ago.' Christy is under siege. Her father is dangerously near losing it,...

A concertina board book of big bright faces to place around baby on the floor at tummy time—by multi-award-winning author/illustrator Gavin Bishop. Babies will love tummy time or learning to sit up surrounded by this beautiful two-metre fold-out, wordless board book illustrating faces and toys in bright colours. This safe and sturdy concertina book is a perfect new baby or...

Little Kiwi, Whose Nest Is Best? by Bob Darroch is a delightful bedtime adventure and part of the bestselling Little Kiwi series. Experience a journey of discovery as Little Kiwi seeks a quiet place to rest. Little Kiwi is so tired, but he can't sleep. Little Sister keeps kicking and Dad is snoring, making their nest far from restful. In...

Little Kiwi Looks After the Egg takes readers on an exciting adventure where Little Kiwi is not alone this time. Mum and Dad are quite busy, entrusting Little Kiwi with the crucial task of looking after his soon-to-hatch sibling. The egg, containing either a new brother or sister, seems to have its own plans. It leads Little Kiwi on a...

Little Kiwi Has a Forest Feast by Bob Darroch is a fun new story in the bestselling Little Kiwi series. Little Kiwi has caught a cold and is starving. What better way for his friends to cheer him up than by having a party? Poor Little Kiwi. All he wants to do is snuggle in his burrow and eat worms....

Little Kiwi Flies to the Rescue by Bob Darroch allows Little Kiwi to shine as a hero in this bestselling series. Little Kiwi is having a hard time getting things right. He's afraid of the dark, fears water, and his little sister's friends always seem to be mocking him. However, when his sister finds herself in trouble, Little Kiwi might...

Learn how to count from 1 to 10 with Little Kiwi and Little Sister, in a fun new book by bestselling children's author Bob Darroch! In the silence, they heard a faint cheep cheep. Then a tweet tweet. And suddenly there was bird talk everywhere as all the mothers welcomed their new chicks! 'There must be hundreds,' cried Little Sister....

Early in the morning, just before dawn, the first sweet sounds of singing birds floated through the quiet forest. Join Little Kiwi and Little Sister as they take a walk through the bush. Lift the flaps to help them find all the birds that make the dawn chorus. Morning time in the bush can be very noisy - and full...