New Zealand Children's Books

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 to all the other kids, so Mum makes him a human costume. Next day, he...

Papatūānuku Has a Tummy Ache by A J Copping explores the concept of Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother in Māori creation stories. This Earth is where we live, where we grow our food, and from which we gain sustenance. However, as we continue to fill our landfills with toxic, non-biodegradable rubbish, her puku and friendly worms are all suffering. What can...

Peta Pukeko is a delightful tale about Peta, a young Pukeko who enjoys spending time by himself. Join him on his adventures as he transitions from an egg to a young adult. Throughout the story, Peta learns an important life lesson: sometimes it is safer to be together with others.

Titiro / Look by renowned illustrator Gavin Bishop invites young readers and their companions into an imaginative and colourful world where the familiar and the unexpected coexist in perfect harmony. On each page, members of an extended family gaze towards the reader, holding cherished toys, sparking curiosity and engagement from the outset. This delightful bilingual book offers a captivating exploration...

As cheeky pīwaiwaka checks in on the feelings of his friends, we learn the reo, with which to check in on ours. Stunning images of creatures of Aotearoa. Tamariki will learn useful new reo while enjoying beautiful images. Kare ā-roto - Feelings (Reo Pēpi Toru Series 3) by Kitty Brown and Kirsten Parkinson offers an engaging and educational experience for...

This is the much-loved children's picture book Where is the Green Sheep? translated into the Māori language. The blue sheep, red sheep, bath sheep and bed sheep are here, along with a cast of sheep involved in zany antics, but the green sheep is only found on the last page.

This bilingual Maori and English edition marks ten years since the first publication of I Need a New Bum! All of the colourful main text is in Maori, following our hero as he searches for a tou hou/new bum, after discovering that his current one has a crack. 'Subtitles' in English run at the bottom of the page, helping readers...

When Oliver goes to stay with his grandparents on Herald Island, he discovers what he thinks is an old shipwreck in the Upper Waitemata Harbour. When they do some online research, Oliver and his grandfather discover the shipwreck is actually an old World War II airplane, a Hudson. They try to have a closer look at the wreck in Gramps'...

Seeking Will, Rapua a Will A story of a boy and his dog navigating a storm together. Will and his dog Seek play and roam until a storm rolls in and they are separated. Moving through wind and rain, the story follows their journey of losing and finding. It is an exploration of resilience, trust, and connection held between them....

New Zealand has the world's best summers, and the magic of being a kid is still alive in kiwi backyards. This summer, Bella/Ngapera, Jacob/Hokpoa, and Lucas help Nana/Kui grow, harvest, and eat an amazing summer garden, while filling every day with te reo Māori learning, bunches of awesome memories, and heaps of fun ticking off summer holiday bucket-list adventures: Sleepover...

So Loved: Little Book of Love is an abridged board book for children aged 0-3 years, derived from the So Loved: A Treasured Book of Love hardback keepsake version. Perfectly sized for little hands to carry and explore, it is visually captivating with adorable animal babies from Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world. Engaging short sentences, set in a...

Molly Morepork & the Lost Campers by Janet Martin introduces readers to Molly the Morepork, a nocturnal bird who only comes out at night. While all the other birds have gone to bed, Molly finds herself with nobody to play with. However, one night, some children become lost in the bush. Can Molly use her night-time skills to show them...

Together with Billy, help your child navigate their way through the loss of a loved one through sharing memories, stories and pictures. Billy's Family Bereavement is a gentle illustrated story that helps children understand the death of a loved one through simple language and relatable examples from nature. Designed to encourage conversations about grief, loss, feelings and remembrance, it provides...

There’s festive chaos at Granny’s place – and Nee Naw is right in the middle of it! The cheeky goats have nabbed a Christmas cracker, and before long the tree has toppled, decorations are flying, and Ploppy the Cow is stuck in the loo! Nee Naw wastes no time – he calls on his trusty friends Dusty, Toot, Ellie and...

Where's Kiwi Celebrating? by Myles Lawford Kiwi’s a party animal! He’s all dressed up and ready to celebrate the wild and wonderful festivals and holidays of Aotearoa. Will Kiwi dance with fiery dragons, fly a Matariki kite, join a kapa haka show, or march in the Santa Parade? Can you spot Kiwi as he celebrates through the year? Don’t let...

The second of a new collectable series, this bright and brimming board book shows kids they're capable, creative and extraordinary. Through joyful affirmations and irresistibly colourful illustrations of a curious mouse and its friends, kids will learn to embrace their inner brilliance—whether trying something new or celebrating what makes them wonderfully themselves. Full of special textures for little fingers—like a...

An adventurous tale of two mischievous cats that find themselves in a predicament - their love for fish leads to an unscheduled journey in their owners' dinghy. Will anyone notice them floating into the estuary? The owner of the boat might not be on to it, but the neighbourhood kids are! Spying Fluff and Scout floating about, one of them...

Bert wants nothing more than to be old enough to fight in the war—to handle weapons, defend his country, and have a life filled with adventure. Little does he know that the secrets and danger of war don’t always stay at the front line, and that one boy’s actions can change everything. The Bakehouse by Joy Cowley unravels the unexpected...

Pūkeko, Kiwi and Hōiho go for a walk through the forest. Join them while they explore, perform actions and sing. When referencing the title, avoid putting it in quotes or speech marks. Tane Mahuta Has a Forest by Rebecca Larsen invites you into an enchanting journey with these charming characters. Perfect for young readers who love adventure and nature.

With Nafanua and the Covenant Sisterhood out of the way, Leila and Daniel are finally able to love without fear of retribution. Or are they? As a malicious teles plots her revenge, a mysterious stranger arrives on the island. Fuelled by hate and running from a fiery past, he looks to Leila for answers and she must fight to contain...

When Leila moves to her new home, all she wants is a family, a place to belong. Instead, she discovers the local ancient myths of the telesa spirit women are more than just scary stories. The more she finds out about her heritage, the more sinister her new home turns out to be. Embraced by a Covenant Sisterhood of Earth's...

The Bone Bearer is Book 3 in the Telesa series by Lani Wendt-Young

Take 2 Takahe, isolate them for a million years and what do you have? Now add humans, and the predators they bring... Conservation and maths literacy themes. When referencing the title, avoid putting it in quotes or speech marks. Takahe Maths explores the intriguing combination of conservation efforts and mathematical literacy, providing a unique narrative to enhance understanding in both...

Both te reo Māori and English are presented in one redesigned edition. Based around the story of hapū Ngāti Tū Māia, Standing Strong House, The revolves around multiple generations, weaving their stories together in a way that celebrates tīpuna, mokopuna, and kaitiaki. Reina Kahukiwa's text provides both the English and the te reo Māori versions, making this a wonderful reo...

Set in New Zealand in the 1920s and 1930s, a young boy goes to live with his aunt and cousin to attend school, following the death of his father. He begins work on a school history project which uncovers a family tragedy and a hero in the household. Based on a true story. SS Penguin SOS includes newspaper articles, photographs,...

2 books in 1! Introducing Samoan language within English language text in a way that makes the meaning clear to the reader of either language. Sina's Busy Day - introduces everyday greetings from Hello! to Goodbye. Luka Looks - is looking for his teddy bear and his clothes. Readers need to seek and find the clothes in each room in...

Jeremy is starting a new school. He is a bit nervous and a lot worried, but the children in this class are welcoming. Every time he thinks he can't take part, they say Of Course you Can/Ka Taea Tonu e Koe and so he plays soccer, joins in the Kapa Haka, and even takes part in the cross country. But...

Following on from the great success of Aotearoa New Zealand, we have produced an equally simple and graphic collection of images depicting the colours of iconic New Zealand flora, such as the silver fern, yellow kowhai, and the red of the New Zealand Christmas tree, pohutukawa. Each image includes the name in te reo Maori.

Malia Shares is part of Mila's My Gagana Series, which promotes the learning of Gagana Samoa by providing accessible tusi faitau that engage our tamaiti, fanau, and faia'oga in a fun and interactive way. Filled with relatable everyday contexts, each story focuses on basic Gagana Samoa: numera (numbers), lanu (colours), and aso o le vaiaso (days of the week).

Kuso's Clean - Everyday, when Kuso gets home, he is very dirty and needs a bath. This story introduces the names of parts of the body. Sala's Surprise - When Sala gets up in the morning, she puts on a range of colourful clothing. The result is a surprise to her family.

Black Dog: English and Tongan by Pamela Allen tells the story of black dog and Christina, who have been best friends for a long time. Suddenly, one cold day in winter, everything begins to change. Black Dog: English and Tongan explores themes of friendship and change, capturing the essence of unexpected challenges in relationships. -- Provided by publisher.

Olly has always lived alone with his mum, who lets Aunty Claire make all the decisions in the family. When he is grounded and unable to go to soccer camp, he keeps running into Mad Martha, who walks the streets with her shopping trolley. He is forbidden to see or speak with her. Who is she and what aren't they...

A boardbook featuring high contrast images designed for babies and young children, Aotearoa New Zealand showcases the fauna of New Zealand. The book includes text in both English and te reo Māori, offering an engaging and educational experience for young readers.

A collection of stories about the women of the Pacific, their struggles with family, love, and the effects of climate change on their world. About the author: Lani Young is a Samoan/Maori author and columnist. In 2018, she was named the ACP Pacific Laureate, selected by the African, Caribbean, Pacific Group of States as they paid tribute to her 'creativity,...

Alerted to the appearance of a rare whale in the north of Norway, Māori marine biologists Aihe and Whina set out from Otago to track its path and find out what is going wrong with the world’s oceans. Co-publishing with Sámi publisher Davvi Girji, this unique picture book is trilingual in Lule Sámi, Māori, and English — foregrounding the connection...

Learning Samoan Through Bathtime follows the routine of a mother bathing her two children after some fun in the mud. The book uses simple, repetitive sentences in both Samoan and English and identifies the body parts. This book is designed to help support learning the basics of the Samoan language at a level appropriate for the early learner.

Learning Tongan Through Bathtime follows the routine of a mother bathing her two children after some fun in the mud. The book uses simple, repetitive sentences in both Tongan and English and identifies the body parts. This book is designed to help support learning the basics of the Tongan language at a level appropriate for the early learner.

Otto Takes the Long Way Home is a charming picture book about curiosity, independence, and small adventures. When Otto the dog hears the word "park" but is left behind, his disappointment quickly turns to excitement thanks to two clever cats and their mischievous idea. Setting off on his own, Otto explores beyond his gate and discovers the thrill of making...

A collaboration with Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki inspired by the prominent artwork in their forecourt pool, Guide Kaiarahi, by the artist Reuben Paterson (Te Arawa, Ngati Rangithi, Tuhourangi). Ghost Waka is a premium, large-format hardback illustrated children's book, telling a new and contemporary tale in English and Maori featuring the phantom waka of Lake Tarawera.

How Many Times? Mum is tired of asking Tammy and Luca to help around the house - they are always busy with screens and games, or sleeping in. That is until Mum's words suddenly come to life and take over the house, launching the kids into action mode. How many times will she have to ask now, after Tammy and...

A bedtime classic in the making Dreams are things that come to you when you close your eyesSome are magical, some are fun and some are a surprise.They find you when you're sleeping, dreams of every kind.A little like a story or a movie in your mind.Meet a cast of delightful characters with lots of magical dream ideas, ready for...

In Little Moa and Friends: The New Zealand Easter Colouring Book we join Little Moa as they travel through New Zealand and meet up with their friends. Grab your pencils and get creative with loads of pages to colour in and watch Little Moa and Friends come to life in this calm and cosy Easter colouring book! Featuring 48 pages...

Once there was a little rabbit who did only what he wanted. When his mother asked him to tidy his room he cried,“Wooolf! The wolf is coming!" and, when she ran away, he did whatever he wanted. One day he did a wee where he wanted, and the wolf came to get him. "Wooolf!" he cried, but hismother didn't fall...

Dawn McMillan and Bert Signal provide an answer to that age-old question - why exactly do dogs sniff bottoms?

Who’s driving the fire engine? Elephant! He is driving to the fire station. Toot toot, toot toot! Who’s driving the racing car? Hare! He’s driving to the racing track. Vroo-oom! But who gets there first? Was it Cat? Giraffe, in her convertible? No, it’s the turtle, on his little legs. This is a perfect book to share with active toddlers,...

Her mother says you can’t see her daddy’s hurt because it’s inside his head … One in five adults experiences depression in their lifetime, but young children are often left in the dark when their mother or father suddenly can’t play like they used to. Together Things will resonate with the thousands of young children who know what it’s like...

A big visual introduction to the history of our world for children, young and old. Travel through time with this cleverly illustrated 80-page journey of our planet’s culture and events, from the Big Bang to the iPod and into the future. Take a trip across the timeline of world history, past dinosaurs, Vikings, Aztecs and spaceships, wars and disasters, artists,...

Through the Gate tells the story of a child who has just moved house and is struggling to cope with all the changes in her life. She relates to the dilapidated house she has moved to, as she sits sad and forlorn upon its broken front step. But, as the story unfolds, the house is gradually repaired paralleling how the...

One gulp, another gulp and another: one toy after the next disappears into the mouth of the hungry wolf. Now he’s almost full, just a last little fly for dessert—uh-oh! The Wolf and the Flyis both story and guessing game to play again and again. Each object on the shelf is brought to life then, when everything that’s been swallowed...

A classic picture book from Sweden with a very happy ending about feeling lonely and finding friends. It is possible, after all, to have more than one friend! There was once a tiny man. One day, at the first sign of Spring, he decided to pin a note to a tree that said FRIEND WANTED. Then he sat down on...

In The Little Lambs' Great New Zealand Easter Egg Hunt, we went on an adventure with the Lambs to discover the eggs that belong to different local birds. Now, in The Little Lambs' Great New Zealand Easter Activity Book, join the Lambs and their new Bird friends to get creative with loads of mazes, dot-to-dots, games and activities to complete...

"You're really starting to look haunted, you know . . . sort of yellowish and transparent like cooking oil, and your eyes are funny."Eight-year-old Barney has been haunted before. He thought it was something he'd just grow out of, like the imaginary friends his step-mother believes he has. But this time it's different. Footsteps follow him, there's a demanding voice...

Angela May and Tycho Potter are an unlikely pair. Angela is passionate, confident and popular, living an eccentric life with her mother at the top of Dry Creek Road. Her best friend Tyke prefers the company of his telescope and philosophy books - anything to escape the chaos of his family. But when a search for answers uncovers long-buried secrets,...

Strange and exciting things are in store when Tom and his mum move to Prodigy Street one ordinary Thursday. There's a man with a magical name, a friendly dog with a powerful, waggy tail, and some remarkable surprises when anyone makes a wish.Includes more than 50 hilarious black and white illustrations by Tony Ross, who also illustrates for David Walliams...

In this resonant story from Joy Cowley, Cam the mountain boy follows the river from its trickling source in the snow all the way to the sea. The river leads him through forest, farms and towns to the salty wind of the sea. The dramatic landscapes are packed with detail to discover in the world of the river.

Everyday kupu and sentences used in repetition encourage whanau to learn together. Our books and cards are bilingual in Te reo Māori and English. The illustrations are original, hand-drawn artworks inspired by real-life experiences of tamariki. Each pukapuka features a glossary and a phonetic guide to support the use of correct pronunciation. Reo Pēpi Tahi 1 Boxed Set offers a...

Helen and the Go-Go Ninjas is an eco-warrior's journey to save the world in this multi-layered, award-winning dystopian graphic novel. Kidnapped by time-travelling ninjas, Helen is thrust into the year 2355 - a ruined future with roving gangs and 'Peace Balls', giant humming devices that enslave and control people's minds. The Go-Go Ninjas have one goal - to destroy the...

Grandma has been busy over the past few years. She's starred in three bestselling picture books already - her adventures during her first week off were followed by a stint with the All Blacks and then her old friend Father Christmas needed her help, which saw her standing in for him, delivering toys to the world's children. So it's about...

Who would believe it? Santa and Red Pants Boy are sitting together for tea. But as well as festive cheer, Santa brings a problem: his bum is ill-fitting from all of the sitting! Can our hero and his family help Santa get his bum back in shape in time for Christmas present deliveries? This festive and funny tale will spread...

A feel-good picture book about best friendship told with dry comedy and an open ending—squirrel and mushroom are best friends until another best friend comes to play. This morning when I was out walking, I found a best friend. At least I think so. It certainly looks a lot like it! He really has a best friend kind of face....

Children can come up with some pretty funny questions, and here in this warm and amusing story, Grandpa teases his granddaughters with some very unusual answers. The girls are spending time with Grandpa and his cats, and reject all his silly answers until one of them comes up with an idea that even Grandpa couldn't think of. This is a...

Despite facing many dangers, Whetū, the Little Blue Duck has survived. He even helps a stranger lost in the mountains. But when his habitat is threatened, who will help save him? This edition is published in English, Māori, and Pinyin in partnership with the organisers of New Zealand Chinese Language Week, which this year is being held from 25 September...

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...

Is it true that elephants never forget? What happens if they do? Trompet and Trombone is a delightful, heart-warming story of the special relationship between a wise old matriarch and her great-granddaughter, and the passing on of family history and traditions.

Is it true that elephants never forget? What happens if they do? Trompet and Trombone is a delightful, heart-warming story of the special relationship between a wise old matriarch and her great-granddaughter, and the passing on of family history and traditions.

'If you don't put your toys away the Toy Fairy will take them while you're asleep,' said Dad. Joe knew there was no Toy Fairy; this was just Dad trying to get him to put his toys away at bedtime. But Joe was wrong. Not only did the Toy Fairy take the toys away, he also took Joe away. But...

Once, the mighty tohora, or southern right whale, was a common sight in winter off the coast of Aotearoa. But it proved to be an easy target for the 19th-century whalers, and was soon driven to the edge of extinction. In the 20th century, however, it became a protected species, and once commercial whaling was virtually stopped, the southern right...

Can you feel it coming? The little Kiwi knows a special time of the year is almost here. But will she wake up her friends in time? Kei te rongo koe i tērā? Kei te mōhio te Kiwi paku kua tata mai te wā hira o te tau. Engari ka whakaoho moata ia i ōna hoa? The Little Kiwi's Matariki...

Parker, the Very Nosy Cat by David Ling is an entertaining tale of a curious feline. Parker has a knack for being a little too inquisitive, consistently poking his nose into everything happening around him. With his clumsiness and well-meaning intentions, Parker often ends up causing a bit of chaos. This highly amusing story will resonate with all cat owners...

Mum goes out to work and Dad works from home. He's there in the day to do things, but he's pretty clumsy and forgetful, and his cooking is dreadful. Sometimes the kids laugh, saying that he must be the most hopeless Dad in the world. But of course they know he isn't really. He can be good fun, and when...

My Feel Good Book

About: Positive Thinking & Mindset Having a positive mindset (or wearing rose-coloured glasses) is when we search for, see, and appreciate the good in life. It helps us cope with the ups and downs we face every day, and be happier, healthier, and more open to new things... but it's important to keep it real! My Feel Good Book describes...

Muddle & Mo introduces readers to Muddle, a loveable, slightly confused yet enthusiastic little duckling who asks lots and lots of questions. Muddle is endearingly curious and eager to learn about the world around him. Mo, on the other hand, is a long-suffering and not very adventurous white goat with lots of patience. Despite their differences, Muddle and Mo are...