New Zealand Children's Books

Three friends and a one-eyed raven find themselves up against the rulers who restrict the gifts of writing and reading to an elite few. They must go on a wild and unpredictable rescue mission. Who and what will they meet along their way? And what is the terrible truth behind everything they think they know about their world? 'You will...

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

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

Lately, things have been getting Charlie down. It's like he's got a big rock that just won't go away. He talks to Dad about it, and Dad brings out a dusty old book with a lot of tough rules. The first rule is you don't talk about rocks (feelings). But the rules make things worse - Charlie's 'rock' gets bigger,...

Good Sports is a powerful illustrated storybook celebrating Aotearoa's sporting heroes. Be inspired by this collection of true stories about 50 remarkable Kiwi sports heroes—people who have set goals, aimed high, and achieved their dreams. A real mixture of well-known and lesser-known stories, this book is about a diverse range of sportspeople (and one horse!) who have achieved against expectations...

The gannet, or tākapu, must set off through the skies to find food for her chick. When she spots a feeding frenzy far below, she needs to act fast. Will she plunge through the waves in time? Can she avoid danger beneath the surface? And will she make it home with a meal for her waiting chick? Tākapu the Lone...

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

Matt Logan isn't looking forward to spending the school holidays with his grandmother and her new husband. He has to fly to Rotorua, where he doesn't know anybody, and he's a bit wary of his new step-grandfather. All Matt knows is that he's Māori and a tourist bus driver. Along with his worries, Matt packs his pride and joy —...

But disaster strikes when guitarist Jack breaks his wrist and can no longer play. On top of that, all their hard work fundraising has fallen short! When help comes from unexpected channels, the Velvets make it to the Big Apple just in time to compete against the best kid bands in the whole world, including their new rivals the Blazer...

New Zealand's Backyard Birds PB by Ned Barraud is an enchanting and educational guide designed specifically for children, introducing them to the birds that inhabit their very own backyards. This vibrant and engaging book explores a wide variety of birds that are commonly seen and heard in everyday life, offering young readers a closer look at the feathered friends living...

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

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

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

For too long, cats have been maligned as lazy so-and-sos who think they're better than us... but it turns out the stereotype is wildly unfair. From Invercargill to Kaitaia, there are cats on the tools in every corner of the country. Starting in the deep south and scooting all the way up— a bit like a cat scaling a Christmas...

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

From the renowned creators of My First Words in Maori comes an essential addition to any child's language-learning journey: a beautifully illustrated set of flashcards designed to enhance and support tamariki in their te reo Māori development. Produced under the expert guidance of Māori language champion, Stacey Morrison, these flashcards are more than just educational tools; they are keys to...

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...

From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...

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

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

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

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

The little boy said, "Mother, there is a lion in the meadow." The mother said, "Nonsense, little boy." Do you think there is a lion in the meadow? Award-winning author Margaret Mahy tells a delightful story of truth and imagination. A classic tale for every child, illustrated charmingly by Jenny Williams. 'Children can sense a good story like a successful...

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

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...

Animals for Kiwi Babies by Matthew Williamson and Fraser Williamson is a charming and educational board book designed for the youngest of readers. It takes babies and toddlers on a vibrant journey through Aotearoa, introducing them to a wide variety of animals found in back yards, farms, and forests. This beautifully illustrated book not only captivates with its bright and...

When a passing dragon decides to swipe their dog Coco, brothers Flynn and Paddy decide they should do something about it. In the dead of night, they pack their bags, make some terrible sandwiches, and, setting off before dawn, embark on a rescue mission. Finding the dog and its captor turned out to be easy; it was rescuing Coco that...

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. What is Greedy Cat to do when lunch doesn't meet his tastes? It's time to take matters into his own paws! Lunch for Greedy Cat remains a beloved choice for young readers and cat enthusiasts alike, captivating with its charming illustrations and delightful story....

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

As the sun rises, which creatures come to life and greet the day? This beautiful picture book explores the busy world of the daytime creatures in Aotearoa New Zealand's bush. It includes many reo Māori phrases that we use to greet others. Kai pai te rā! From the author and illustrator of the best-selling companion book Te Ngahere i te...

Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...

Angry anacondas, blizzarding blobs, carnivorous cactuses ... what kind of twisted curse will Glam-Evil think up this time?!Only it's not just Glam-Evil's curse the gang needs to worry about; they've got a few other problems, too. Swooping Pteranodons, a hungry T-Rex, a missing mother, and ... is that ... an ASTEROID?!Join MILES AND JONES as they face their biggest challenge...

A powerful new historical novel from one of New Zealand's best-loved YA authors An exciting new novel from the author of Alex. In September 1840, two ships arrive on the shores of the Waitemata Harbour to establish Auckland, the new capital of New Zealand. Among the settlers on board the Platina is young Harry, travelling alone and determined to return...

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

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

Hairy Maclary and Friends How Do I Feel? by Lynley Dodd is a charming and engaging board book that invites young readers into the world of Hairy Maclary and his delightful group of friends. As they turn each page, children will discover how Hairy Maclary, Scarface Claw, Zachary Quack, and many other merry characters are feeling. Thoughtfully designed for babies...

Celebrating over 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. Poppy the dog is staying with Katie's family while Nan is away. Mum and Katie decide to take Poppy for a walk to the market, leaving Greedy Cat at home - or so they think!

In the Beginning introduces the captivating creation myth of Maori legend, gracefully retold through Peter Gossage’s vibrant style. This story begins with Ranginui, the father, and Papatuanuku, the mother. Gossage's bold design and concise text recount the struggles of the children of Rangi and Papa as they endeavour to part their parents and bring light to the world. Through this...

Baa Baa Smart Sheep is a delightful tale where Little Baa Baa, feeling bored, seizes an opportunity for mischief when Quirky Turkey arrives on the scene. The story unfolds with snappy dialogue and hilarious illustrations that make it a laugh-out-loud read. This engaging story will have readers rethinking the intelligence of sheep, showcasing that they might be much smarter than...

Discover the abundance of life hidden inside one of New Zealand's most confined habitats - and yet one of the most fascinating and complex - the seashore rock pool. The Living Rock Pool features information about the wide and captivating variety of rock pool inhabitants, such as crabs, sea stars, fish, seaweeds, barnacles, shellfish, urchins, sponges, and the rock pool's...

It's time for Little Kiwi to go to bed, but he's nowhere to be found! In Time for Bed, Little Kiwi by Bob Darroch, join Little Kiwi's mum as she embarks on an enchanting and heart-warming search through the picturesque New Zealand bush. As dusk falls and the forest comes alive with nocturnal creatures, she encounters a variety of native...

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

A melodious counting picture book bursting with troublesome tūī, perfect to read aloud! The familiar antics of one of New Zealand's favourite native birds have been captured by award-winning picture book creators Elena de Roo and Paul Beavis. SQUAWK! Things are getting loud! The kowhai branch is bending ... what a sticky tūī crowd! Have the tūī slurped too much...

Join the mischievous and adventurous dog, Hairy Maclary, as he sets out from Donaldson's Dairy and embarks on a whimsical walk through town. With his friends in tow, the curious and lively Hairy Maclary encounters a series of delightful and surprising events. Each turn of the page brings a new discovery and another reason to smile. Hairy Maclary no te...

Celebrating over 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. There are delicious smells wafting over the fence from the barbecue next door. Will Greedy Cat be able to resist?

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

Greedy Cat is back - and this time it's off to the vet! Katie wants to make sure that Greedy Cat stays healthy, so it’s time for him to go to the vet for a check-up and flu injection. Greedy Cat is not happy about this, and makes sure that he makes his feelings known! Another great story by Joy...

Meet Joan Wiffen, a super-determined, self-taught palaeontologist, and join her on the hunt for the fossils that will prove New Zealand once had dinosaurs. The award-winning true story of science superstar Joan Wiffen, whose fossil discoveries proved that dinosaurs lived in ancient New Zealand. Once there was a clever girl who liked searching for interesting things on the ground. She...

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. Greedy Cat sat on a mat by the fridge. Meow, meow, meow! What will happen next?

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

In Hairy Maclary Scattercat by Lynley Dodd, young readers are invited to join the boisterous and mischievous Hairy Maclary as he bounces through his neighbourhood, feeling bumptious, bustly, bossy, and bouncy. His frisky antics lead him on a bustling and hustling adventure, where he decides to chase and scatter every cat he encounters. From gardens to rooftops, Hairy Maclary's exuberance...

From the author of the worldwide bestseller Tickle My Ears, comes an interactive board book that will have toddlers, adults and rabbits all playing together. Join Little Rabbit, playing all the games toddlers love in this new fun and surprising board book in the internationally bestselling Tickle My Ears interactive series. Little Rabbit wants to play. He hides behind a...

Identifying New Zealand's insects, spiders and other land invertebrates is made simple with this new guide by best-selling author Andrew Crowe. Explore over 300 life-size photographs, learn about the life-cycle of different insects, and use the handy colour-coded chart for fast, accurate identification. Written by one of New Zealand's most popular nature writers, The Life-Size Guide to Insects makes it...

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy is 40! To celebrate the raggedy rascal's birthday, this is a very special upsized hardback edition of Lynley Dodd's iconic first Hairy Maclary story. A very special upsized hardback 40th birthday edition of Lynley Dodd's iconic first Hairy Maclary book, which introduces the famous Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy and his canine gang. Out of...

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

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

Cooking can be truly enjoyable and effortless with Edmonds Beginner's Cookbook by Goodman Fielder. This comprehensive guide is designed to help novice chefs and young cooks master the art of cooking with confidence. The cookbook features a delightful array of easy-to-follow recipes that will impress friends and family alike. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure success every time. The...

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

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

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

When Little Kiwi discovers a disconsolate Santa stranded on a hillside with not a reindeer in sight, she rounds up all her bird friends to help. And in so doing, Little Kiwi gets to realise her own dream–to fly! Another great Kiwi Christmas sing-along from Scholastic NZ, sung by popular entertainer, Pio Terei, in both English and Maori–and everyone knows...

A gorgeously whimsical interactive picture book that inspires kids to get outside and engage with nature. With simple, evocative wording and stunning watercolour illustrations, this book celebrates summer days, running through grass and singing with birds. Wild Summer is a joyous read that draws kids in and sends them out with a wanderlust for nature, encouraging mindfulness, gratitude and acceptance....

The second in the Dragon Brothers Trilogy of children's books, the story follows brothers Flynn and Paddy as they inadvertently end up with a pet dragon.

Navigate body safety conversations with ease! Rāwiri and Ruby are learning about privacy and instincts, how to spot unsafe behaviour and how to get help should they ever need to. Using child-friendly language and the STOP WALK TALK strategy, these two young friends educate and empower tamariki with the important life skill of body safety.

The Dragon Riders is the third and final book in the Dragon Brothers Trilogy of children's books. The story follows brothers Flynn and Paddy as their pet dragon follows his innate need to migrate—taking them with him.

A must-have collection of three best-selling and favourite New Zealand wildlife and habitat stories, from deep in the day and nighttime forests of Aotearoa to out in the wild, blue moana. With a broad range of native creatures to encounter, these playful, rhyming and beautifully illustrated stories are told in both English and te reo Maori. The six books are...

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

With the same beautiful illustrations as the original book, the te reo Māori translation retains the humour, rhyme, and rhythm of the original story and the clever character of the little mouse whose antics trick all the animals and Te Tanguruhau - the Gruffalo. An audio file of the book being read in te reo Māori is also available.

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

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

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

I was walking down the road, and I saw a donkey ... hee-haw! And he only had three legs. He was a wonky donkey ... In this very funny, cumulative song, each page tells us something new about the donkey until we end up with a spunky, hanky-panky cranky stinky dinky lanky honky-tonky winky wonky donkey, which will have children...

Kia ora! Join hands with us and explore this country we call Aotearoa. Welcome to the shores of New Zealand, where you can be a Kiwi too! From the creator of Tawhirimatea A Song for Matariki comes a playful new singalong in English and Maori.

Teaching children mindfulness through the senses at a young age can help them build confidence, learn to cope with stress, and realise they can overcome challenging moments in their life. Using the fun 'Five, Four, Three, Two, One' rhyme is an easy way for children to remember to use their senses to find their way back to calm. From the...

Roly, the Anzac Donkey by Glyn Harper follows Richard Henderson and his donkey Roly, who together saved many WW1 soldiers. Illustrated by Jenny Cooper, it marks the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli. Hello. My name is Roly. I'm a donkey. Let me tell you about the time during the First World War when I worked at a place called Gallipoli. I...

Vex is used to people being afraid of her special power, the ability to persuade others to do what she wants. But when she arrives at a new school, Tiebold Academy, it is packed with people who have the same special power as her, and who might even like her. There is her roommate Ronnie, a coolheaded high achiever, and...