New Zealand Children's Books

Top 10 Bestselling Children's Title It's Christmas time! Let's create some Christmas cheer with Donovan Bixley's My Kiwi Christmas. From Santa (Ko Hana Koko) to Christmas Tree (Rakau Kirihimete), decorations (He Whakarakei) to dessert (He purini), come explore Christmas with these brightly coloured illustrations and bilingual text. 'Early concept board books and picture books are essential as a way to...

Toota-toot-toot! Will the driver of the rubbish truck be a waver? "Full of fun, energy and laughs. Little ones will LOVE it!" Giles Andreae. A verbally interactive picture book that invites kids to ask, Will the Driver Be a Waver? With six different vehicles and sounds galore, this is one book you won't mind reading over and over again. Inspired...

Te Kokorangi 1: Te Kokorangi is Witi Ihimaera's lively Matariki story, known as The Astromancer, translated into te reo Māori by Heni Jacob. E kimi ana a Te Kokorangi i etahi pia hou tokowha hei ako i nga korero o Matariki me te maramataka. Kowhiria ana etahi tama tokotoru, me tetahi kotiro, he pani, ko Aria te ingoa. Tohe ana...

Meet Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, who hopes the things she's done will help everyone, especially children, to believe that they can do great things too. An inspiring illustrated story for children about Jacinda Ardern, and her meteoric rise to become the world's youngest female leader. Nobody is too young to start changing the world. When Jacinda...

From one snug pūkeko to ten ghostly huia, let's count Aotearoa's beautiful birds in English and Māori! Pūkeko Counts to 10 is a beautiful bilingual counting board book for toddlers, featuring the birds of Aotearoa from poet Ben Brown and illustrator Helen Taylor. Let's go visiting with Pūkeko and count up the birds together in Māori and English! With durable...

Mihi is a simple book to share with babies, allowing them to explore their whānau and their place in the world. With repeating colours and shapes, it illustrates the connections between waka, mountain, iwi, through to māmā, pāpā, and the baby reader. This book serves as an introduction for children of any age to their own pepeha—and to the concept...

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...

How Maui Found His Mother is a beloved Maori myth about how Maui discovered his mother, as told by the iconic author and illustrator Peter Gossage. After he is found washed up on the beach as a baby, Maui is brought up by his powerful uncle. But one thing bothers him—other children have mothers, so where is his? Determined to...

How Maui Defied the Goddess of Death is a beloved Māori myth about how Maui challenges Hine-nui-te-Po, as told by the iconic author and illustrator, Peter Gossage. When one of Maui's uncles dies, Maui sets out to defeat the goddess of death. But death has a few surprises in store for him. This is the final story in Peter Gossage's...

A nerve-wracking underground adventure from an award-winning storyteller . . . Caught in a tunnel collapse, Liam and Imogen have to use all their wits to survive in this gripping novel for readers eight years and up. Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction 2023 When you stood deep inside the tunnel, you could hear the mountain groaning...

A Aria me te Atua o te Kūmara is the gripping sequel to The Astromancer - translated into te reo Maori by Hēni Jacob. Koia tēnei, ko te paki whakaihiihi e whai mai ana i Te Kokorangi. Noho morearea ana nga ra ki tua - kua mauheretia a Te Kokorangi e te hoariri kino, e Ruatapu, waihoki, e matemate katoa...

Meet Dame Whina Cooper, the kuia who championed Māori rights and women's rights and led a famous hīkoi for positive change. The true story of one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most exceptional leaders and a courageous wahine toa, who united thousands of Māori and Pākehā to address injustices, and whose mana and determination continue to inspire us today. David Hill's...

Will Alex win the battle for life? A moving novel about learning to find happiness in the face of uncertainty and discovering a love that transcends the boundary between life and death. Seventeen-year-old Alex Byrd is about to have the worst day of her life, and the best. A routine blood test will reveal her leukaemia has returned, but she...

Violet's Scarf is an incredible true story about a small girl, World War 1, and a hand-knitted scarf. Violet Cloughley lived in Riverton at the bottom of the South Island, New Zealand. When WWI started in 1914, Violet, aged eight, wanted to help the soldiers fighting overseas. So she knitted a scarf. This story is about the scarf Violet knitted...

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....

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?

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this New Zealand classic picture book. Greedy Cat and the School Pet Show follows the story of Katie, who is determined to take Greedy Cat to the School Pet Show. However, Greedy Cat doesn't want to go...

Granny McFlitter, the champion . . . bull fighter? Granny McFlitter, our favourite champion knitter, is back! And this time, it's to save the A&P Show. Can Granny outwit - or should we say outknit - a rampaging bull? "Ole!" Granny cried, as the cape flapped around. The bull steamed and snorted and pawed at the ground. Granny McFlitter's knitting...

Learn basic words and numbers in the Moriori and Māori languages in this gorgeous book about ten nosy weka. Watch the cheeky weka as they peck at ngarara (insects), squeeze under a farm gate, and tease a tchuna (tuna - eel). Let's hope these curious weka can find their way back to their flock in the end. This beautifully illustrated...

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

In Nature's Alphabet, writer Andrew Crowe and artist Dave Gunson take a tour around New Zealand's wild places to seek out the curious and fascinating. The result is a unique combination of junior nature encyclopedia and alphabet book - an entertaining, multi-level approach to reading and learning.

Tonight, I Bleed by Katharine J. Adams is a gripping tale that immerses readers into a world of suspense and emotional depth. This enthralling novel unfolds a complex narrative that blends elements of drama and mystery, ensuring an unforgettable reading experience. Adams weaves a storyline that captivates with its intricate plot, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with...

Here Is Hare is an introductory search-and-find board book for our littlest loves. Full of familiar characters and clear answers, it is a joy-filled peek-a-boo session and a surefire way to make smalls smile.

The winning illustrations of the 2024 Storylines Gavin Bishop Award combine with a fun, quirky story by Kyle Mewburn to create an unforgettable gem of a picture book! A picture book bursting with fun by Storylines Gavin Bishop Award winner Kaye Julian and leading New Zealand author Kyle Mewburn. HONK! HONK! TOOT! TOOT! Where are you racing off to, Hugo?...

"I a Koro Meketanara tetahi pamu - TI-HAI-TI-HAI-HAU . . ." E mohio whanuitia ana tenei waiata. Engari, inaianei to Koro Meketanara he pamu ataahua kei Aotearoa tonu - a, kei taua pamu etahi kararehe whakaharahara - kei te aha ano ratou inaianei? He parekareka tenei pukapuka pikitia ma te kohungahunga na Donovan Bixley, koia nei tetahi o nga kaita...

Seventeen kings on forty-two elephants Going on a journey through a wild wet night... Join the kings and the elephants on their jungle journey, meeting new creatures as they dance and sing their way through the jungle. From one of New Zealand's most celebrated children's writers, this is Margaret Mahy's beautiful classic reimagined with illustrations from Alba Gil Celdran, the...

The Little Witch Who Lost Her Broom! by Elaine Bickell tells the enchanting tale of Little Witch, who finds herself in quite the predicament. She has lost her broom and needs to find it by the rise of the moon so she can join the other witches in taking to the skies for Halloween. In her quest to speed up...

My Family Tree, My Whānau and Me by June Pitman-Hayes is a delightful journey into the heart of a family’s unique history. This enchanting narrative is perfect for readers of all ages who wish to explore their own roots and connect with their family's cultural heritage. The story gently guides you in creating your own family tree, inviting you to...

Will Tiny be able to rid Humphrey of his Christmas Grinch attitude? Humphrey is a grumpy cat who hates everything about Christmas. He would prefer to sit in the basement all day, away from the festivities. When Tiny the dog arrives from a pet rescue, she brings an excitement about Christmas that annoys Humphrey hugely. Can Tiny’s enthusiasm for Christmas...

What happens when a pūteketeke egg turns up in a duck's nest? Find out in this entertaining picture book raising funds for Aotearoa New Zealand's Bird of the Century! This funny and fabulously New Zealand-flavoured tale of a puking Ugly Duckling who is, in fact, a grebe includes facts about what makes the pūteketeke so special and precious, as well...

The third book in this illustrated chapter series, ideal for dance-mad, mystery-solving emerging and confident readers. A dodgy dog rescue fundraiser, a dazzlingly dizzy disco, and a mystery to solve for the Silver Star Dancers! When a disco to raise money for a dog rescue centre turns out to be a hoax, Lulu and her team are determined to make...

Sometimes it can take one special friend to show you what you're capable of, even if it does take you a while to believe it. Eleven-year-old Rebecca tries to make herself invisible so people won't call her weird. Resigned to spending the holidays by herself in a new neighbourhood while her mum works long hours at the supermarket, she meets...

Ringakoreko is a beautifully written and illustrated children’s book by Josh Morgan and Sacha Cotter. Delve into the heartwarming story that reflects the rich culture and enchanting landscapes of New Zealand. This tale brings together vibrant illustrations and an engaging narrative that captivates both young readers and their caregivers alike. The story follows a young hero on a journey of...

An amazing building rises on the edge of town – it’s The Dream Factory. Every night, it sends out magical mist. Flying cars, flower cakes, and talking tigers fill people’s dreams. And the next day, the people make those dreams come true. But when a kererū flies into the dream factory, and a feather floats into a cog, everything goes...

It's national kapa haka competition time again, and this Māori performing arts festival is a big event! It needs planning, tactics, and dedication—and that's just for the people watching! Nan's a hardcore kapa haka follower, and she shows her mokopuna all the tricks to get the best seats, find the choicest paua and whitebait fritters, hunt out the coolest poi,...

This near-death experience revealed Tawhaki's status as a demigod, and from this point, Tawhaki continued to use his powers and gifts to help those around him in ways no human could. Ko Tāwhaki-nui-a-Hema: Āna Mahi Whakahirahira explores many of these stories, including those of Tawhaki restoring sight to his blind grandmother and climbing the heavens to find his wife and...

I Don't Like Wednesdays is about a young boy learning to cope with his grief after his older brother, Apa, dies on a Wednesday. The boy was very close with Apa, and his death leaves the boy with a mix of feelings and lots of questions. With the help of his community, family and school, the boy begins to understand...

The popular children's picture book Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! is now translated into te reo Māori. With the same lively, cartoon-like illustrations as the original book, the reo Māori version retains the fun and humour of Mo Willems's story. It captures the pigeon's pleading, wheedling, and reasoning as it tries to get the reader to agree to...

Rangi's life changes one night when he tries to protect his mum from being beaten by her boyfriend. However, she is badly injured and taken to hospital. Rangi goes to live with Nan and Koro, and during this time, he gets a homework project he thinks is impossible—about his mum and her work. He believes he can't do it because...

A little boy experiences family violence and physical abuse, and he turns inwards, unable to express his feelings and sadness. Gradually, through the help of his nan, his cousin, uncle, and a child psychologist, he rebuilds his self-esteem and begins to find happiness again. He regains a sense of who he is and where he belongs. As he feels people's...

Brave Kāhu and the Pōrangi Magpie takes a fresh, hawk-like dive into the fictional lives of our native manu. Beautiful writing for young readers. — Aotearoa New Zealand Review of Books A stunning story of family, te taiao, and rising to an occasion. — The Spinoff Poto is the perfect fledgling — the apple of her father's eye and a...

A glorious chorus with sumptuous illustrations by leading children's book creator Donovan Bixley. A thought-provoking yet fun story with an environmental theme by bestselling, award-winning New Zealand author Donovan Bixley. Hear that glorious chorus, it's soaring uproarious, with the jingle of jungle bells pinging! Discover a fantabulous world where each creature plays its part in perfect harmony, with a honking...

Slinky Malinki is a mischievous feline who loves to start his day before everyone else. In Slinky Malinki, Early Bird, Lynley Dodd brings us another delightful adventure with this audacious cat. As the early bird, Slinky Malinki is determined to rouse the entire household from their slumber, no matter the cost. This persistent cat uses every mischievous trick in the...

Schnitzel Von Krumm's Basketwork is a delightful and charming addition to Lynley Dodd's beloved Hairy Maclary and Friends series. This humorous and heartwarming tale follows the adventures of Schnitzel von Krumm, a small, scrappy dachshund with a big personality, whose life is turned upside down when his family decides to replace his cherished, albeit smelly, old basket. Schnitzel von Krumm...

Schnitzel von Krumm Forget-me-not by Lynley Dodd is a heartwarming and enchanting tale perfect for young readers. This delightful story centres around Schnitzel von Krumm, a lovable wire-haired dachshund, who faces an unexpected adventure when his family leaves for a holiday and accidentally forgets him at home. As the story unfolds, Schnitzel von Krumm endeavours to make the best of...

Scarface Claw, Hold Tight by Lynley Dodd is another delightful addition to the much-loved Hairy Maclary and Friends series. This rollicking picture book captures both the excitement and humour that fans have come to expect. It’s a peaceful morning as Scarface Claw, the formidable and fearsome feline, dozes contentedly in a sunlit spot. His tail is neatly curled around him,...

Kia Kaha is an award-winning and powerful illustrated storybook that invites tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) of Aotearoa (New Zealand) to celebrate Māoritanga (Māori culture). This heartfelt collection shines a light on the true stories of incredible Māori individuals who have made a remarkable impact in their respective fields. Written by Stacey Morrison and Jeremy Sherlock, Kia Kaha beautifully illustrates...

This is Where I Stand. All day. Every day. All night. Every night. A beautiful story centred around the statue of a WWI soldier – which could be any soldier. The statue gives readers an insight into the soldier’s memories of the war, as well as what he has seen from his pedestal as the years have passed.

A beautiful gift for the youngest readers in your life, this perennial favourite by Hans Christian Andersen Award-winning author Margaret Mahy is now available as a board book. 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...

A humorous and imaginative story about a girl who wishes for a more exciting pet, from the bestselling author of Hairy Maclary and Friends - now available as a board book! This board book edition of Lynley Dodd's beloved rhyming story about a girl who wishes she had a more exciting pet is perfect for little hands. But just for...

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...

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,...

Amelia: 'Phew, how about those snakes?! Surely the next curse won't be as bad ... UH OH. INCOMING!!!' Glam-Evil's pet anacondas have been vanquished, but she's still on a rampage, and there's a storm headed straight for the gang. Their only chance is to stick together and ... (spoiler alert). What do you get if you cross The Bad Guys...

A stick, a stone, a feather, a bone... Come exploring with our campers as they spot treasures along the track to their campsite. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the cheeky kea along the way! But what happens when the curious campers take a wrong turn? Praise for A Stick and a Stone: 'It inspired us to go...

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...

Meet Moose, a bush pilot who lives in a treehouse. He's had a very busy day when he gets a radio call for one more job—a rescue mission! Moose, the dashing bush pilot from Puffin the Architect, is to the rescue! With a full plane and bad weather, too, but three youngsters need his help, and this is the job...

The Tangiwai disaster, on the eve of Christmas 1953, remains one of the major disasters in New Zealand’s history. My New Zealand Story: Journey to Tangiwai by David Hill offers a compelling narrative set against this backdrop. Peter Cotterill, age 13, starts the year writing in a journal given to him by his great aunt. We follow him through a...

"In the next door garden they were digging out a drain when the weather turned quite nasty and it poured and poured with rain." When digging out a drain, the little yellow digger gets stuck in the mud. So they bring in a bigger digger... Since the publication of the first story more than 30 years ago, the much-loved stories...

Find out how Kuwi the Kiwi looks after her newly laid egg. She knits a scarf, sings a waiata, and takes it out to play, but Egg doesn't seem too impressed. When the egg begins to crack, Kuwi thinks she has not done a very good job - what can she do? Read this delightful imaginary story about a clueless...

A gorgeous little story of friendship between New Zealand birds.

In the garden, creeping along branches, hiding under stones or flitting from flower to flower, a whole universe of creatures is waiting to be discovered. Butterflies, moths, beetles, wasps, spiders… what have you found in your backyard? Did you know that chorus cicadas live underground for most of their life? That bumblebees have smelly feet? That some species of stick...

At the Beach is a delightful introduction to the natural history of the New Zealand seashore. The stage is set with beautiful, factually correct illustrations (including detailed cross-sections) of three familiar habitats - the sandy beach, rockpools and mudflats. Many of the plants and animals that play a part in these rich ecosystems are shown in situ, and readers are...

Little Rapeti mixes all the ingredients together to bake a cake ... then impatiently waits and waits and waits for it to be cooked.

Kuwi's Huhu Hunt follows the endearing journey of Kuwi the Kiwi as she takes her Chick on his first huhu hunt. With dreams of making huhu hangi, huhu hummus, and huhu BBQ, this story takes young readers on an adventure through the eyes of an endangered brown kiwi navigating the challenges of motherhood. This delightful tale, crafted by a well-known...

A captivating and award-winning bedtime story by picture book creator Ruth Paul, with luminous illustrations, language evocative of the deep blue sea - and a big surprise when you turn out the lights. Winner - Best Picture Book New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2018 Chased to the depths of the bottomless blue, What does a tiny...

The Witch of Maketu and the Bleating Lambs is a hilarious picture book from the wildly creative singer and entertainer, Anika Moa. Aotearoa New Zealand's favourite witch is having trouble with her kai. How can she stop the juicy morsels from bleating all day and all night? This story is sure to cast a spell on your heart! Aue! The...

Practise your bilingual counting skills with Te Kaute. Have fun finding all our favourite toys in the pīwari pikitia!

The third book in a bestselling junior fiction series inspired by true stories from the Wilson Sisters' childhoods. Vicki's biggest challenge yet... to transform a dangerous pony! In the third Showtym Adventure, Vicki takes on a dangerously bad-tempered Arabian. Will she be able to uncover his potential? When Vicki hears about a difficult Arabian that no one wants, she will...

He tried to jump out, but the new swing had got him! It danced around with him—stuck fast to his bottom. He bounded and bounced like a featherweight fighter. He floundered and flounced—but the swing just got tighter. Young at heart, Grandpa has taken his grandchildren to the new playground. After leaping into the swing, he discovers he is in...

The brilliantly interactive, bestselling picture book that tickles the funny bones of both children and adults. Have You Seen Elephant? by David Barrow invites you to join Elephant in a game of hide and seek. You can play too, but you’ll need to try your best—he’s very good! Elephant can even hide behind a lamp or a small tree... This...

On a bright and cheerful Saturday morning, excitement fills the air in a small seaside town. This idyllic day unfolds as children and pets alike venture down the winding track towards the sea. With playful spirits, they scatter seashells and leap over logs. The journey is filled with joyous chaos as dogs chase after a curious cat, who in turn,...

Out in the Bay, a calm morning reveals a coastal world of seabirds, seals, jellyfish and shoals of fish. As the day dramatically unfolds into a wild coastal storm, life above and below the water continues in fascinating ways.

It was deep mid-winter and all through the village preparations were being made to farewell the old year and greet the new. For the first time ever, the seventh little sister, Ururangi, was big enough to make her own celebration kite. But when the seven sisters take the finished kites to fly them, the east wind whips them all away...

Best Picture Book winner, New Zealand Children’s Book Awards 2018 An irresistible read-aloud story about a class trip to the zoo with rhyming word play and madcap energy. A school trip to the zoo descends into a chaotic hunt for the missing hippopotamus. Teacher, zookeeper and all the children join the search. The noise and drama reach a pitch, and...

In tiny briefs, the yaks and ox cavorted in their daks and jocks, when from outside arose a din. “Stop!” squealed Pig. “You can’t come in!” When Elephant, Snake, Hen and Spider turn up to the Ball without any undies on, they are not allowed in. But each of them has a very good reason why, and in the end...

Use Kanohi – My Face (Reo Pēpi Tahi Series 1) to learn the parts of pēpi's face together with some simple Te Reo Māori. Reflecting a popular first words game, Kanohi features beautiful illustrations of kiwi kids having fun.

Slinky Malinki's Christmas Crackers by Lynley Dodd is an enchanting tale that captures the curiosity and mischief of one spirited cat during the festive season. This large-format, board book edition of the beloved story from the bestselling Hairy Maclary and Friends series is specially designed for young readers and animal lovers alike. The story unfolds as Christmas approaches and the...

In Scarface Claw, Hold Tight by Lynley Dodd, readers are treated to another delightful romp in the beloved Hairy Maclary and Friends series. The story begins with a tranquil morning, Scarface Claw basking in the sun, his tail curled around and his feet neatly tucked in. This serene scene is abruptly interrupted by the rumble of an engine and a...