New Zealand Children's Books

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...

Kowhai Kids

Who loves tomato sauce? This whole family does, but they all like different sorts, from the upside-down bottles and the little tubs at the local fish and chip shop to their own very secret recipes. I Love Tomato Sauce by Nicky Sievert explores the varied and delightful ways one family enjoys this beloved condiment. Whether you fancy a dollop on...

Polly keeps waking up and getting out of bed, and her mother keeps putting her back. Finally, she lets Polly into bed with her. But is it really Polly? Discover the enchanting and curious tale in Goodnight Pumpkin by Belynda Smith.

Our everyday choices can have a big impact on the planet. What to buy? What to wear? What to eat? What to do? Good for You, Helen Dew! has some great ideas. What about you?

Birdsong / He Korihi is a charming bilingual, bicultural 1 to 10 counting book for 0-10 year olds. It is beautifully illustrated with a mix of familiar native and introduced birds, and the rhyming couplets in Māori and English introduce a range of interesting words and bird behaviours for readers and teachers. He pukapuka tatau i te 1 ki te...

Big Mac is hungry and Big Mac wants his breakfast, even though it is 4.30 in the morning. And he won't take no for an answer. This is the true story of a stray ginger cat who was rescued from a carpark where he had been living off scraps from a nearby McDonald's. His amusing antics are recounted by teacher...

Willbee the Bumblebee is so embarrassed when he realises his stripy jumper has caught on a rose thorn and completely unravelled...

This is the Dog with the snuffly snout, the half-crumpled ear, the fur that sticks out. A lonely little pup waits each day for a family to pick him, yes him, to take home… but no one ever does. When the latch to his kennel is left open, he undertakes a tour of the township… will it lead him to...

Another country classic to add to the Topp Twins/Jenny Cooper collection, and this one’s a feelin’ good bumper of a ride! Two keen anglers (bearing a strong resemblance to a certain pair of Dames) vroom, screech, and beep their way down the road. Join the ride for some wheel-spinning fun! Another country classic to add to the Topp Twins/Jenny Cooper...

Five minutes ... two minutes ... Young soldier Jim McLeod waits in the trenches of World War I for the order to attack the enemy. With him are his friends and Nipper, the messenger dog. When they charge across no-man’s land, Jim is shot ... and finds himself face to face with an enemy soldier. A sensitively-written war story that...

One day Tana, Scotty, Zinnia, Andrea, and Muzza are zapped by lightning on a footy field and transformed into a team of POWERED-UP heroes known as The Invincibles. But the clock is ticking… they have 80 minutes before it’s game over and their powers vanish! So when Tricky Ricky hatches a sinister scheme to ruin the reputation of the mighty...

What treasures might a boy find in a dusty old attic? Carlos is surprised to find a shiny silver harmonica in a dusty old box in the attic. He secretly plays it in his room at night and outside, amongst the tall grasses. Finally, taking it to his mother, he discovers that it was once his Uncle Jack’s, who he...

Love animals? Love puzzles? The Great Animal Puzzle Book by Barbara Telfer offers 100 puzzles to keep children entertained for hours. Enjoy a collection of puzzles about all sorts of animals, perfect for at home, at school, and on holiday!

Panda and his friends sit inside on the couch all day, glued to the TV screen or multi-screening with tablets too. In this fun song, singer/songwriter Craig Smith encourages them to get up, get outdoors and exercise! Square Eyes (Book and CD) is a delightful and entertaining way to remind everyone of the joy and benefits of stepping outside and...

It's a rough ride at Rocky Ridge Station! Scrap shows that he has talent when it comes to herding sheep and goes to the dog trials. There, he has an unfortunate encounter with his father and meets his match with the young Kelpie, Jess... and together, they must save the day in their most challenging situation yet! Scrap: #3 Dog...

On a cold Christchurch morning, while the city was sleeping, before the birds roused him with twitters and cheeping, curled up on the end of his friend Emma's bed, Tiger woke with a start ...and a feeling of dread. Tiger fled from the house with a leap and a bound as, louder than thunder, from deep underground, came a roar...

Once upon a time, there was a girl called Little Red Riding Hood... Why was she called that? Huh? Was she named after her clothes? Um... yes. Anyway, Little Red set off through the woods to visit her Granny. But on the way, she met a wolf and the wolf said... Wait... this wolf can talk? You'll howl with laughter...

On her first venture out of the nest, Little Hoiho admires the other birds around her and tries desperately to imitate them—with unfortunate results. But when she accidentally trips and falls into the water, she discovers that she is no longer awkward and clumsy—she is graceful and agile!

Well-known poet and author Paula Green combines with the talents of Myles Lawford to create a unique poetry book for children.

Keep an Eye on this Kiwi follows Kiwi, who is on the hunt for some tasty huhu grubs. However, those clever poo-hoo grubs can outsmart an unassuming kiwi any day. Poor Kiwi is determined to prove he is a crafty creeper, a kiwi of considerable cunning, and to catch his next feed. With deadpan narration and a hilariously lovable lead...

In late 1942, Margaret Glenmore realises that her daughter Joyce, who is undertaking a secretarial course, will probably be manpowered into a war job soon, as the age limit is about to drop to 18. Her other daughter, Lillian, is coughing a lot, and an x-ray has shown a spot on her lung. Lillian needs to live in a healthy...

They are ratty and tatty, a little bit mouldy and a little bit smelly! There are holes in the soles and ...look, is that Grandpa's toe? It is time for a new pair of slippers, but Grandpa can't let his old ones go. Experience the delightful story of Grandpa's Slippers by Joy Watson, a charming tale that captures the love...

When Grandma McGarvey Surfs the Net, it's certainly not what she expects! Always ready to try something new, Grandma McGarvey decides to give 'Surfing for Seniors' a try and is shocked to discover that it doesn't involve the sea at all! She quickly learns that words like Net, Google, Blackberry, and mouse have acquired new, completely foreign meanings. However, in...

There inside the kennel, Ernie sat upon his chair. And oh, so proud, he read aloud: “Adventures start right here! This kennel’s full of magic,” read Ernie with delight. “In this you’ll fly, up in the sky. Get packed, you leave tonight!” Join much-loved radio hosts Jeanette Thomas and Robert Rakete with Ernie, Benny, and a colourful cast of adorable...

Look carefully! It’s a game of hide and seek on every page in this mental workout for toddlers—and grown-ups. Who’s hiding? Who’s crying? Who’s backwards? The answers to these questions are not as simple as they appear, and children and adults return to them again and again, fresh every time. In this sturdy board book edition of bestseller Who's Hiding?,...

Two for Me, One for You by Jorg Muhle is a delightful tale of sharing and friendship. Bear finds three tasty mushrooms on her way home through the woods. Her friend Weasel cooks them up in the frying pan. But the friends have a problem: how to share three mushrooms between two? Bear and Weasel come up with one argument...

More than 20 years after the publication of the classic NZ story, The Bantam and the Soldier, Jennifer Beck and Robyn Belton have joined forces again to produce another heartwarming story from the First World War. This time it’s the true story of Otago’s Alexander Aitken and the violin that travelled with him on his wartime journey, bringing music and...

Who knew our soldiers had such a variety of animal companions in the two world wars? Apart from the ‘beasts of burden’ that one might expect, such as horses, mules, donkeys and camels, many battalions had mascots as well: kangaroos, monkeys, dogs, chickens, tortoises, cats... all of whom provided comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the war. Discover these...

Like many 13-year-old girls, Sofia's main worries are how to get some groovy go-go boots, and how not to die of embarrassment giving a speech at school! But when her older brother Lenny starts talking about marches and protests and overstayers, and how Pacific Islanders are being bullied by the police for their passports and papers, a shadow is cast...

There’s festive chaos at Granny’s place – and Nee Naw's Cracker Christmas 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,...

Hinemoa Te Toa (Maori) tells the story of a very brave girl named Hinemoa. Even dentists don't scare her! When her brother claims there is a ghost in his room, it is Hinemoa who musters the courage to tell the ghost to 'bring it on'. However, her courageous spirit meets its match when she becomes impatient and jumps into the...

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 - and takes them with him.

Here the boys discover by accident a map, on which all the familiar landmarks appear to have another, secret, name. Fascinated by The Dragon Tamers, they pack up and set off to discover it for themselves. When Paddy sits down on an odd-shaped rock and does a tiny fart, things get a little bit crazy...

Bad Dog Flash (Maori) by Ngaere Roberts introduces us to Flash, a playful young puppy whose lively antics constantly land him in trouble. Whether he's chasing the cat, digging holes in the garden to hide or find his bone, or simply bringing a stick to the door, his innocent escapades never go unnoticed. Despite the occasional mishap, Flash remains a...

The Tūī Street kids are studying legends at school. After learning about the Loch Ness monster, an unusual light begins to glow through the hole in the hedge in Ella’s back yard. When they discuss Robin Hood at school, Tim discovers that the walls of a nearby house are covered with bows and arrows. Strangest of all, Harry and Gemma’s...

Who can help when you're faced with vicious creatures that are meant to be extinct or people who don't care whether you live or die? The Tui Street kids are writing hero's journey stories at school, but soon find themselves involved in adventures more difficult than they could ever have imagined. From award-winning New Zealand author, Anne Kayes, creator of...

ARGH! I'M THE RHYMING PIRATE! Have a LOOK inside this BOOK then read it at your LEISURE, because hidden in the pages you'll find loads of Kiwi TREASURE! Join the pirate and his cheeky companion on a colourful voyage laden with rollicking rhymes and classic kiwiana. Can you spot all the treasures along the way?

Take a stroll through Taranaki’s iconic Pukekura Park, celebrated in the beautiful picture book, Ross the Cat. This real-life famous feline is quite the local celebrity with a feature on TV One's Good Sorts programme and a large social media following. But Ross the Cat can be elusive too. Maybe you can find him? At the Poet’s Bridge? At the...

A children's book to help kids start school with confidence. Working with a team of experts in child development, neuroscience, play therapy, and psychology, My Big Moments children's picture book, Ready for School, is designed to help children start school with confidence. The creators behind My Big Moments weave practical language, ideas, activities, and strategies throughout the books. Their purpose...

Lucy and Lily's Granddad is missing and they're desperate to find him. But first, they must survive a great and unusual adventure filled with brutes in nail-polish, a strange bookshop, a children-eating beast, a huge rock and secret tunnel, a very bad orchestra, rotten tricks, flying chunks of cupcake, a talking fox, vomiting, swords, sneak-walking and someone who really isn't...

From the #1 Bestselling Author and Illustrator of the Kuwi the Kiwi™ series, Kat Merewether. Following on from the hugely popular Kuwi's First Egg and Kuwi's Huhu Hunt books, Kuwi's Creative Colouring Book: For Big and Small People takes you on a native New Zealand journey through intricate line art. The illustrative magic of Kat Merewether comes alive with this...

Ko Kiwipihi: Ko wai te waewae kai kapua, te kōkō takaī, te whanokē whakamāharo? Ko Kiwipihi. Who is whimsical, witty and wonderfully weird? KIWICORN! Kiwicorn is a ridiculously cute and funny story about being unique.

This gorgeous book explores a wide array of feelings. No emotion lasts forever and each situation brings something new. The simple story gives children the chance to identify the feeling, and opens up a discussion about what makes them feel that way. The theme of the story overall is resilience, not giving up when things get a bit tough.

Alofa and Filipo want to learn Gagana Samoa! At bedtime, they ask Mummy and Daddy: 'Can you teach us to say thank you?' The answers to their questions introduce readers to the Samoan language and to Alofa and Filipo's family and culture. How Do You Say Thank You is the first book in the Navigator series. The Navigator series introduces...

In this new world, Eva’s courage is repeatedly put to the test. When a frightening figure from her past arrives, she faces losing everything. Will she be able to find a way to save not only herself, but also her brother, their friends, and the new life they have created for themselves? Guardian of the Gryphons is the first book...

Beautiful by Becky Kemps tells the story of Maci, who embarks on a journey to discover the true meaning of beauty. Her mum gives her a beauty bottle, and with it, Maci sets out on an adventure to fill it up, meeting new experiences and insights along the way.

Kuwi & Friends - Ngā Whetū o Matariki - The Stars of Matariki A beautifully illustrated board book of first words for little ones. Each spread includes the name of one of the nine stars of Matariki, its placement in the night sky, and a colourful and detailed illustration highlighting the meaning behind each of the stars. A wonderful book...

We all experience emotions. Big ones, small ones, joyous ones, and uncomfortable ones. Each emotion is simply energy that travels through us. When they do, they are trying to give us a message to help us. Never feel bad about experiencing an emotion. All emotions are healthy and normal. It is what you do with the emotions that is important....

Wonderfully detailed miniature model characters and objects provide interest in this picture word book. Everyday Words in Māori is designed for Māori-speaking children and those studying Māori as a second language to provide a quick and enjoyable way to enrich their vocabulary. There are a number of hidden objects to find in every big scene. There is a pronunciation guide...

With the same beautiful illustrations and die-cut pages as the original book, the te reo Māori translation retains the humour and quirky character of the little caterpillar and the simplicity of the story. Throughout Te Anuhe Tino Hiakai, readers will delight in the vibrant visuals and engaging narrative that have made this tale a classic. The charming translation preserves the...

In this Māori-language edition of Bob Darroch's bestselling lift-the-flap bedtime story, it's time for Little Kiwi to go to bed - but where is he? Māori-language champion Stacey Morrison has translated Little Kiwi's bestselling lift-the-flap pukapuka! Kua tae ki te wā e moe ai a Kiwi Pākupaku, engari kei hea ia? Whāia tana Kōkā, ka kimi haere i a ia...

From award-winning writer Maria Gill, and illustrator Marco Ivancic, comes New Zealand's Endangered Dolphins. The North Island New Zealand dolphin (Popoto or Maui dolphin) is the most endangered dolphin in the world. The South Island New Zealand dolphin (Pahu or Hector's dolphin) is the smallest dolphin on the planet. Readers will learn more about these playful, intelligent, and beautiful mammals...

Ernest Rutherford grew up in a tiny town in New Zealand. He had a curious mind and yearned to further his education. But his family could not afford to send him to high school or university. Three times he tried for scholarships and each time he failed. However, with perseverance and patience, he finally succeeded, and he'd go on to...

Ten true stories of daring and danger from New Zealand adventurers. Race to the South Pole with Sir Edmund Hillary, defend yourself against polar bears near the Magnetic North Pole with Helen Thayer, find the source of the Nile River with Cam McLeay and Garth MacIntyre, circumnavigate the world with 15-year-old Laura Dekker in a yacht, trek through the forbidden...

Reena's Rainbow tells the heartwarming story of Reena, who is deaf, and Dog, who is homeless. Despite these challenges, they are so much more than their circumstances. Initially, Reena and Dog feel out of place. However, they form a unique bond with each other and make friends with the hearing children in the park. Through these relationships, they discover that...

Adventure tinged with magic when a boy finds a sealskin in a cave in this exciting junior novel. Winner of Esther Glen Medal 2013. While holidaying at his father's house, Jake explores Wellington's wild south coast, with its high cliffs, biting winds, and its fierce seals. When he stumbles upon a perfectly preserved sealskin, hidden in a crevice at Red...

An absorbing New Zealand tale of the Kuia (a grandmother) and the spider, The Kuia and The Spider is ideal for reading aloud.