New Zealand Children's Books

What's more perfect than a day on the sofa while the rain patters on the windows? I'm just settling down with books, cocoa, and my long-haired dachshund, when the doorbell rings. It's Fred the dragon, hoping to use the bathroom. There's nowhere suitable for a fastidious dragon. After rejecting all the usual places, Fred sweeps us off through the storm...

What's more perfect than a day on the sofa while the rain patters on the windows? I'm just settling down with books, cocoa, and my long-haired dachshund, when the doorbell rings. It's Fred the dragon, hoping to use the bathroom. There's nowhere suitable for a fastidious dragon. After rejecting all the usual places, Fred sweeps us off through the storm...

Arabella and the Magic Pencil tells the story of Arabella, a beloved only child who has everything a little girl could want. That is, until her brother, Avery, the master of mayhem, comes along. While she certainly loves him, she finds that it’s sometimes very hard to like him. Arabella spends her days creating marvellous, magnificent things with her magic...

This big-hearted picture book captures the warmth and fun of a spontaneous summer’s day with friends, where one lovely activity leads to another until they all go back home to bake a cake (two cakes!) to finish. In this domino story, Raccoon decides to bake an apple cake. But he has no eggs, so visits his friend Fox, who needs...

An honest, humorous and factual book for children and early teens who want to understand and feel at home with their own bodies. Sometimes we feel uncomfortable in our own skin, sometimes invincible. Expert Katharina von der Gathen’s many years of experience working with children as a sex educator are the basis for this witty encyclopaedia covering interesting facts about...

Despite being oceans apart, Tug and Ship are connected by strong bonds in Anchored, a tale of love and connection told through the relationship of a tugboat and a cargo ship. Debra Tidball was inspired to write Anchored by the watercraft she observed on harbourside walks, especially the tugboats that send huge ships out into the open ocean and welcome...

A contemporary and original gift book, celebrating modern motherhood and mothers. The Times Children’s Book of the Week. In this eye-catching, neon-bright picture book, a baby sees their mother in every aspect of their day from birth to first steps. A mother's a house, She's a car in a rush, She's a lullaby hush. As the pages go by, the...

For some kids, school is a place full of friends and fun. For others, though, it is a lonely place where bullies pick on them, and it feels impossible to be brave. Meet Scott, Buttons, and Duncan, otherwise known as A Boy, His Bear and a Bully. Scott takes Buttons to school with him every day to help him feel...

Meet mischievous Hairy Maclary and his rollicking gang in this delightful shaped board book for babies. A shaped board book about Lynley Dodd's most delightful canine character that's perfectly pitched for babies and toddlers. Hairy Maclary is a rascally dog, he's a playful dog and a hungry dog. Wherever Hairy Maclary goes, trouble is never far away! Find out all...

In a cosy hay-bale house, a little brown mouse dreams of a future full of wonder and possibility. As Littlemouse’s imagination takes flight—from painting masterpieces and baking grand cakes to sailing the high seas and pondering life’s deepest thoughts—Mamamouse joins in with boundless encouragement. But when doubt creeps in and Littlemouse wonders, What if I’m just me?, Mamamouse’s love remains...

In a cosy hay-bale house, a little brown mouse dreams of a future full of wonder and possibility. As Littlemouse’s imagination takes flight—from painting masterpieces and baking grand cakes to sailing the high seas and pondering life’s deepest thoughts—Mamamouse joins in with boundless encouragement. But when doubt creeps in and Littlemouse wonders, What if I’m just me?, Mamamouse’s love remains...

New York Public Library, Top 10 2017 The international bestselling and award-winning illustrated chapter book for ages 6–8. Giraffe, who lives in Africa, is bored as usual. He’d love a friend to share things with, so he writes a letter and sends it as far as possible across the other side of the horizon. There he finds a pen pal—Penguin....

The international bestselling picture book about a little rabbit who could only say one thing. Now a series on Netflix. Simon is children’s favourite cheeky rabbit! With bright and bold illustrations, the Simon picture book series is intelligent, funny, and adored by toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. Once there was a little rabbit who could only say one thing... In...

Dani’s been trying her best to stay happy ever since her best friend Ella moved away. But when some girls in Dani’s class start being cruel to her, it starts a chain of rather unhappy events. It would all be okay if only Ella would move back. My Heart is Laughing is a perfect story for children aged five and...

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...

A heartstoppingly beautiful wordless picture book about migration and empathy. The migrants must leave the forest. Borders are crossed, sacrifices are made, and loved ones are lost. It takes such courage to reach the end. At last, the journey is over, and the migrants arrive. This is the new place. Through extraordinarily powerful images, Migrants narrates the journey of a...

A special anniversary extra-large hardback celebrating 50 delightful years of a much-loved and fun rhyming story that is just right to read together. A hardcover with foil and beautiful endpapers, this is a special anniversary edition that celebrates 50 delightful years of a much-loved classic. Lots of cats all around the world do exciting things like fly aeroplanes or play...

A reo Māori edition of a brilliantly interactive, bestselling picture book that tickles the funny bones of both children and adults. Kei te hia hunahuna a Arewhana. Nau mai, whakapiri mai! Otirā kia kaha koe – Ka KINO tana pai! Elephant wants to play hide and seek. You can play too. But you’ll need to try your best—he’s VERY good!...

Mr Otter and the River tells the story of Mr Otter and his friends, Needles the Hedgehog and The Squirrel, who have lived peacefully by the river for years. Their lives trundle on from day to day with nothing much happening, and that's the way they like it. One day, the riverbank quiet is interrupted by loud bangs and crashes....

If you ever thought detectives can't be divas, you need to meet Lulu and her fabulous mystery-solving dance troupe! This illustrated chapter series is ideal for dance-mad emerging and confident readers. A story of friendship and facing your fears – and a whole lot of fun! – The Pool Party Poisoning is storytelling that fans of dancing and detecting will...

What a lot of jobs a tugboat has to do in a busy city port! Will it ever get some time off? Spend the day at the port with a very busy tugboat in this colourful picture book, perfect for preschoolers fascinated with boats and ships. Chugga tugga tugboat, chugging out to sea, Can't you, won't you, play with me?...

Margaret Mahy's classic cautionary tale The Great White Man-Eating Shark is reimagined with delightfully cheeky illustrations from Herb MacDonald, the winner of the 2024 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize. Welcome to Caramel Cove. The beach is amazing. The ocean is even better. Norvin loves to swim and shoot through the water like a silver arrow. He doesn't like sharing his beloved swimming spot...

Jason Mason and the Flightless Bird Fiasco brings you the extraordinary tale of Jason Mason, a pretty average kid with a twist. He's the kind of kid who gets to play a dog in the school play, buys a hotdog only to drop it on the ground, and believes his classmate when she claims to own a Maserati. But there's...

The sixth title in the award-winning explore & discover series, Up the River: Explore and Discover New Zealand’s Rivers, Lakes and Wetlands gives children an opportunity to look under the surface and see what special creatures live around New Zealand’s freshwater habitats – our creeks, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Included in this title are animals ranging from the familiar pūkeko...

In the Bush is the fourth title in the popular and award-winning 'explore & discover' series. The successful author and illustrator combination of Gillian Candler and Ned Barraud turn their attention to the New Zealand bush and its iconic animals and plants. Young readers will be fascinated to learn more about familiar creatures as well as discover other intriguing plants...

This is a beautiful, comforting and uplifting story for anyone who has lost someone that they love. From far away, Hawaiki called to her. Turning her face to the sun, she was ready for her next adventure. In the distance, across the shining sea, smiling faces of her ancestors were ready for her, their hands reaching out to welcome her...

The saying 'as quiet as a mouse' does not apply to Ruby Loud Mouse. Ruby finds it super tricky to stay silent in movies, to whisper in the library, or to keep quiet on the school trip to the marae. In fact, Ruby is so loud everyone is always telling her to 'sssshhhh!'. But when her village is under attack...

At the bottom of one thick tree trunk, wedged in the dirt, is a large rotting log. Inside the large rotting log, in a dark hole, lies a ball of feathers. Not a ball of just any old feathers, but a ball of soft, fine feathers belonging to a special bird. The strands in the feathers are so fine, close...

Because I'm Māori He Māori Ahau is a delightful pukapuka for young tamariki that inspires cultural pride. He pukapuka rawe mo nga tamariki nohinohi e whakakipakipa nei i te whakahi ahurea.

Everyone's favourite pampered pedigree secret agent returns with yet another wild case to solve. This time, Enzo's got much more than he bargained for with a new addition to his household: a tiny, smug kitten called Pawsha. Not only has she replaced him in the affections of his family, but it also turns out she is the newest recruit for...

The Ballad Of The She Pirate Mouse by Emma Vere-Jones and Lisa Allen is a thrilling adventure filled with daring escapades and high-seas excitement. Piratical punch-ups and duels at dawn. Battles on boats with cutlasses drawn. Biting and fighting and thieving - that's me! I'm small, but I'm tough. I'm the Queen of the Sea.

The land holds the truth ... the maps will reveal it. Sal, Joe, Francie, and Humphrey Santander are mapmakers looking for their father, a famous explorer who disappeared on his last expedition. Their search takes them to Cruxcia, where the people are fighting to protect their land from the all-powerful Grania Trading Company. The Santanders’ mapping skills may be the...

The Mapmakers' Race follows Sal, Joe, Francie, and Humphrey as they misplace their famous mapmaker mother at the start of the Great Race. They must map a rail route through an uncharted wilderness. Having already lost their father on his last expedition, and with their finances depleted, this race becomes their last opportunity. The children have twenty-eight days to find...

What does a double bass or a sitar sound like? What’s the difference between bongos and congas? Which instrument has only one note? Which one takes just 30 seconds to learn? What do these instruments really sound like? Sounds Good! engagingly presents 50 common and uncommon musical instruments with practical and curious facts that will spark interest in music of...

Internationally bestselling, oversized lift-the-flap book that reveals the secrets of the most famous fairytale villains. Explore if you dare! Take a look inside and discover the villainous tricks inside the heads of an ogre, a wolf and a witch. Lift the flaps to find out what’s beneath their disguise and who was the victim of their last meal (now comfortably...

This epic story begins 5000 years ago, when the ancestors of Polynesians discovered ways to see over the horizon to find and settle new islands. As their landfinding skills grew, these people took ever bigger strides across the vast Pacific until they reached South America. It was not until almost every habitable island scattered across the world's largest ocean was...

In The Fairies' Easter Egg Surprise, we joined a group of curious forest fairies as they spread Easter excitement around their fairy village and got into mischief along the way. Now, join the fairies in The New Zealand Easter Activity Book and get creative with loads of mazes, dot-to-dots, games, and activities to complete and colour in! Featuring two pages...

The Squeakling: The tale of Spike, Max and the tiny intruder by Kristin Kelly is a charming narrative focusing on the lives of Spike and Max, two pet pals in a bit of a pickle. Max and Spike find themselves unsettled when their owners bring home a new baby, who immediately steals the spotlight. They dub the infant a 'squeakling'...

Ko Hea raua ko Ruru tells the story of Hare, who struggles with an unnamed mental malady self-described as 'noise'. Noise could represent runaway thoughts, voices in Hare's head, or loud feelings and general anxiety. Hare embarks on a journey to find a solution. Just when hope seems lost, a friend, Ruru, calmly flies down and offers suggestions. Hare ultimately...

A charming illustrated chapter book for children six years and up about friendship and finding the magic in the everyday. A delightful illustrated novel for children about a goat and a hedgehog who meet in a farm field and become best friends. Goat has a tiny pink shed in a rolling paddock. She likes to stand on top of the...

The countdown to Kirihimete is on, and one little boy cannot wait. But where are his presents? Is Santa really on his way? His parents send him out to play under the pohutukawa tree, where he discovers a world of wonder. The Pohutukawa Christmas Tree is a heartwarming, festive tale that inspires tamariki to explore and appreciate the natural world...

Starfish the Star had recently made up his mind he was really a 'star' of the famous kind. So he spent all his days stuck to the glass, craving the looks of people who passed. Starfish lives in a tank with Seahorse, Jellyfish, Clownfish and Ray. He longs for fame and makes sure to push his aquarium companions to the...

The viral internet sensation and runaway #1 global bestseller is back, featuring the funny, cumulative song about the spunky hanky-panky cranky stinky-dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey! But now it's in a sturdy board book edition with an easy-to-press sound button. HEE-HAW!

'Get your teeth into this funny book. It will make you smile.' - Dame Joy Cowley Join Dr Charlie as he faces his biggest fear... a child in his dental chair. Charlie hated children, their howls, their shouts, their screams. Their burps and farts and coughs and snots would haunt him in his dreams. The sharpness of their gnashers was...

As a small country school prepares for its Christmas end-of-year show, they get 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.

Generations of children have played on the trusty elephant slide in the park. But now her tusks are broken, her paint is cracked, and her bones are weary. Even her pink toenails have lost their shine. Children visiting the park run instead to the shiny new playground equipment. But Elly the elephant’s sad face captures the heart of one little...

Stinkypoo! Stinkypoo! Knickers, knickers, knickers! Spike Milligan's Badjelly the Witch is a children's cult classic. Her name is Badjelly and she can turn children into sausages or chop them up to make boy-girl soup. Sometimes she turns policemen into apple trees, and bananas into mice! She is the wickedest witch in all the world.

Violet Black is the gripping first book in the Black Spiral Trilogy. Set in the near future, this fast-paced novel will captivate you from the very first page. Violet Black and Ethan Wright find themselves in a coma after succumbing to the deadly M-fever. Despite never meeting before— I couldn't speak, but I was trying so hard to communicate and...

A magical, award-winning novel about a girl who wants to escape her memories and a troll who is desperately trying to remember his, from the acclaimed author of Conrad Cooper's Last Stand and The Impossible Boy. A lonely troll and a fierce, spiky girl form an unlikely alliance in Leonie Agnew's extraordinary novel, The Memory Thief, for children aged 9...

The Adventures of Hutu and Kawa, a bestselling classic children's book from the 1950s by New Zealand artist Avis Acres, is reissued by popular demand in a gorgeous hardback gift edition. Follow the Pohutukawa babies as they set out on a canoe adventure and make many forest friends along the way in this gem of a story from 1955. In...

A thrilling equestrian novel to delight all fans of the Wilson sisters, inspired by true events—17-year-old Amanda's nail-biting bid to win the top national Pony of the Year competition. Showtym Viking is the pony of Amanda's dreams, but does she have what it takes to win? An exciting middle-grade novel about the thrills and challenges of competitive showjumping, from the...

The true story of one fluffy cat's wild, windy week. A tale of chaos and courage, ruin and rescue, as Pearl's home—like so many others—was ravaged by Cyclone Gabrielle. Pearl loved doing all her favourite things: swatting the dog, slurping tap water, hiding in bags, and curling up to sleep. But one Monday night, with a whoosh and a whirl,...

Let's see all the things we can spy, high above the city with Crane Guy! Spend the day with Crane Guy and see how many things you can spy from up high in his crane. Crane Guy, up so high, Building towers in the sky, Tell me, tell me what you spy. Something beginning with . . . Join Crane...

Forget the woolly jumpers, yule logs and snow, this kid is going to show Santa Claus how we do Christmas in the Southern Hemisphere - with sunglasses, beach cricket, surfing and barbecues! Does Santa realise it's actually very hot here at Christmas time? What if he overheats in his red suit while delivering presents? Santa! It's urgent! I'm not sure...

Abigail and the Making of the Moon by Matthew Cunningham invites young readers to join Abigail on a mission of discovery as she seeks answers to big questions about our natural world. This book is perfect for budding astrophysicists, curious about the universe and the celestial phenomena we observe. One day, Abigail is struck by a question that she simply...

Old King Cole scored a mighty fine goal… And a merry old soul was he… Roll up! Roll up! It's time for more riotous rhyming fun as Mother Goose gets the classic Kiwi-ised treatment by Peter Millett and Scott Tulloch. Laugh yourself silly as Itsy Bitsy Spider climbs up the dunny spout; the eels in the tub go round and...

Award-winning author Peter Millett (The Anzac Puppy) and illustrator Scott Tulloch (I Am Not A Worm) add a classic Kiwi spin to some all-time favourite nursery rhymes. The Grand Old Duke of York becomes The Grand Old Knight Sir Ed, Pop! Goes the Weasel becomes Pop! Goes the Cheezel, and Auckland Bridge, not London Bridge, is falling down. Join the...

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...

Alex is a New Zealand classic that has been recognised internationally and loved by many generations. This classic New Zealand series is released in one edition that includes all four of the original Alex titles: Alex Alex in Winter Alessandra: Alex in Rome Songs for Alex The collection includes a foreword from Lani Wendt Young, an introduction from the author,...

"A masterclass in plotting and elegant writing with turns of phrase that are genius" - Napier Courier The Severed Land by Maurice Gee is a gripping, page-turning fantasy adventure that immerses readers in a perilous quest through a divided world. The story begins high in the branches of a towering tree, where a young girl named Fliss watches as soldiers...

My First Board Book: Things That Go! by Donovan Bixley is a delightful and engaging introduction to the world of vehicles for young readers. Each page is filled with beautifully crafted illustrations of various machines, helping children learn their names in both English and te reo Māori. From the red fire engine (waka tinei ahi) racing to the rescue, to...

My First Board Book: My Body by Donovan Bixley is an enchanting exploration for young readers, delving into the fascinating world of the human body. This delightful board book invites children to look in the mirror and identify different parts of their body, enhancing their vocabulary and understanding of their physical selves. With words in both English and Māori, such...

Featuring native birds, sea creatures, insects and plants, Reo Pēpi Bilingual Colouring Book is a must-have for every Kiwi child. It also teaches te reo and introduces key learning concepts such as opposites and feelings. From the authors of the much-acclaimed Reo Pēpi series of board books for young tamariki.

On one level, this is a cute story about the day in the life of a girl: getting ready for school, going to school, missing her friends, going through the school day, getting home, helping to cook dinner, going to bed, and all the normal day-to-day challenges she faces and deals with in one busy day. On another level, all...

Peek through the holes in the pages to see what the odd farmer swallows in this favourite nursery rhyme with a pitch-perfect Kiwi twist! Kiwi kids will love this favourite nursery rhyme with witty words by Peter Millett and hilarious illustrations by Paul Beavis - and a surprise twist at the end! There Was an Odd Farmer Who Swallowed a...

The Nickle Nackle Tree by Lynley Dodd is a delightful counting adventure that will captivate young readers with its rhythmic prose and vibrant illustrations. Set in the imaginative Manglemunching Forest, this endearing tale follows the discovery of the whimsical Nickle Nackle tree, a tree unlike any other, adorned with bright red berries and teeming with a myriad of fantastical birds....

Dive into the enchanting world of The Little Kiwi Collection by Bob Darroch, a timeless series that has captivated the hearts of New Zealand children since its inception in 2001. This delightful anthology brings together five beloved tales, each brimming with humour, adventure, and heartwarming moments that will entertain and inspire young readers. In these stories, you will join Little...

The Christmas Tree Tangle by the beloved Margaret Mahy is a typically exuberant and delightful Christmas story that captures the festive spirit and charm of the holiday season. Goodness gracious, what do I see? The kitten has climbed the Christmas tree! Climbed so high and climbed so far, to cling with her claws to the Christmas star. In this charming...

It is Christmas Eve, and sneaky Slinky Malinki has stolen the Christmas tree decorations! Lift the flaps to help find the missing tinsel and trinkets, baubles and bells, in this special board book for babies and toddlers. Festive lift-the-flap fun with our favourite mischievous cat, Slinky Malinki! Young children will love discovering where Slinky has hidden the decorations on every...

Delve into the festive mischief with Slinky Malinki's Christmas 123 by Lynley Dodd, a captivating board book perfect for little learners. This delightful story is set during the magical Christmas season when Slinky Malinki, the cheeky and playful cat, has decided to cause a bit of holiday chaos. The mischievous feline has pilfered the Christmas tree decorations, and it’s up...

Kittens do all manner of fascinating things! Cats from various countries might do unique, strange things, but there's something special about the simple pleasures of a domestic feline. My Cat Likes to Hide In Boxes by Eve Sutton, beautifully illustrated by Lynley Dodd, brings to life the delightful adventures of an endearing cat who takes great joy in finding the...

This delightful and sturdy lift-the-flap board book stars the lovable rascal Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy, a character famously crafted by Lynley Dodd. The narrative kicks off with Greywacke Jones hunting a bee, but where, oh where, is Hairy Maclary? In Hairy Maclary, Hide and Seek, our cheeky and adventurous protagonist is engaged in a fantastic game of hide and...

A special hardback 50th anniversary edition of the much-loved fairy story, Badjelly the Witch. Badjelly the Witch has been delighting children for 50 years! Celebrate with this gorgeous gift edition of the classic story. Badjelly, the baddest witch in all the world, is coming to get you! Badjelly the Witch can turn children into sausages or chop them up to...

A Dragon in a Wagon by Lynley Dodd is a spellbinding tale that awakens the boundless imagination of young readers. At its core is Susie Fogg, a spirited girl who loves her dog, Sam, but can't help wishing for a pet that's a bit more extraordinary. One day, as she strolls with Sam, her imagination takes flight. She envisions the...

Guided by the twinkling Matariki stars, Flit and his friends try to find their way home. With native NZ flora and fauna, some insight into Matariki, counting in te reo, and featuring the cutest of lead characters, this is a book that Kiwi kids will treasure. Māori edition also available, Ko Flit, te Tirairaka me te Mahere Matariki.

A perfect beach day turns into chaos when Daisy and Gus discover just how quickly one chip can attract a hungry flock of seagulls. As the MacDonalds sit down for fish and chips, a single dropped chip sparks a full-blown frenzy. What follows is a lively and humorous adventure filled with flapping wings, quick reactions, and plenty of giggles. Set...

A positive and practical board book that encourages potty training with humour and affirmation. Featuring a mischievous little lion called Lionel. In this pithy board book series, the overenthusiastic, impulsive Lionel tests his daily routines to their limit—in Lionel Poops, cheerfully trying all sorts of places to poop before ending up proudly on the potty. Lionel is bouncing on his...

Woof! says Dog. Moo! says Cow. Cluck! says Hen, and Duck Goes ... Meow. A little yellow duckling is amongst animal friends who are all sure of the sounds they make: hiss, neigh, moo, cheep, cluck and oink. But when Duck goes ‘meow’, the other animals say no, that is wrong, try again... Then Duck’s mama arrives, and boy, do...