New Zealand Children's Books

A magical, award-winning novel about a girl who wants to escape her memories and a troll who is desperately trying to remember his, from the acclaimed author of Conrad Cooper's Last Stand and The Impossible Boy. A lonely troll and...

When the class visits the marae, they have lots to learn and lots to do. And they have lots of fun. This is a wonderful story about what to expect when visiting a marae. The Marae Visit offers readers an...

In The Fairies' Night Before Christmas, we discovered a glade full of fairies preparing for Christmas. Now, in The Fairies' Night Before Christmas Activity Book, join the fairies and get creative with loads of mazes, dot-to-dots, games, and activities to...

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...

"I have been accused of whitewashing the Nazi leadership in my memoirs. Some people say I make them seem human. But therein lies the problem. I saw these men up close. They were human. If we think of them only...

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...

Te Rerehua and Sam know that nothing in nature is identical; not the eels, not the stones on the beach... not even the twin stars of Matariki, Ko Nga Whetu Takirua o Matariki: Ko Waiti Raua Ko Waita: one looks...

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...

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...

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.

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. Greedy Cat and the Sneeze tells the tale of Greedy Cat, who is feeling poorly. Snuffle and wheeze! Sniffle and sneeze! Katie thinks she...

Someone is stealing sheep from the sleepy town of Dargaville! When Pippa's woolly best friend Lulabelle gets snatched, she goes on an extraordinary adventure to get her friend back with the help of ex-professional-weightlifting policeman Mike Te Hira. There will...

When Leo was five, he wanted a real bike for Christmas. Dad helped him write the letter to Santa. Leo wanted to see Santa and say thank you, but he only ever visits when Leo is sleeping! Why can't Santa...

The number one bestseller now available in board book form, perfect for little hands! This favourite children's song, which is sung in schools and preschools around the country, receives the Topp Twins/Jenny Cooper treatment, in the style of the bestselling...

Singing aye aye yippee yippee aye, singing aye aye yippee yippee aye ... YEE HAA! This favourite traditional children’s song, which is sung in schools and preschools around the country (and sometimes in the car on family holidays!), receives the...

CHEEP-CHEEP! PECK-PECK! One day there is a crack, and cheeping from the smallest egg, the one way at the back. Meet Marvellous Marvin, the newest member of the family, for fun on the farm. A debut children's book inspired by...

Give your baby a head start with this soft, fabric version of the popular board book. Baby's World Cot Book is perfect for your baby's first six months, as the black and white images are designed to assist newborn eyes...

Jason Mason and the Dastardly Master of Disguise introduces us to Jason Mason, a pretty average kid. The kind of kid who always ends up with drips of melted ice cream on his sweatshirt. The kind of kid who puts...

Join Flit the fantail and his forest friends on a nighttime adventure, this time to capture a star shining brightly on the horizon. It is one of a cluster of nine stars and Flit is determined to explore! But when...

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...

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...

• Celebrates New Zealand’s bilingual heritage with puzzles incorporating both languages.• Crammed full of great activities to keep children challenged.• Learn about such things as New Zealand inventors, places and traditional Māori culture.• Expands vocabulary and knowledge of te reo.•...

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?

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...

Here's a fantastic tale for kids about the classic Kiwi holiday that includes a caravan, a beach and the sometimes-smelly toilet shed out the back of the holiday section – the longdrop. The kids need to go, and the public...

In the middle of the night, in the middle of the winter, in the middle of a war, a puppy was born. This fictional story was inspired by the story of Freda, a Harlequin Great Dane and mascot of the...

Uh-oh—Grandpa’s back in another sticky (and sweet) situation! Straight down the hill, it went, faster and faster, a beautiful, colourful and tasty disaster. It might crash and splatter. It might topple over. We had no idea how to save our...

A beautiful and award-winning bilingual English and Māori story about a young girl and the little black cat that keeps her company as her mother tries to find them all a home. A new bilingual English and Māori edition of...

The New Zealand Wars are a part of New Zealand's history that many people wish they knew more about. This book describes how the wars came about, where and when they were fought, and who was involved. It looks at...

The Dragon at the Zoo by Melanie Koster introduces us to Cedric, a dragon like no other. He lives at the zoo, adores children, and is quite possibly the most spectacular dragon Tig has ever known. However, when the real...

A fierce wind blows. Thunder rumbles. Will the brave engine and carriages tumble? Written in steady, clicketty-clack rhyme, Joy Cowley’s tale of Hero Of The Hill brings a little-known slice of New Zealand history to life.

Gumboots are the favourite footwear of the hero of this picture book – but also of the giant weta who thinks they make a perfect home. After a battle of wills and yuck moments meeting Koro Weta, a happy compromise...

Inviting children to explore and discover in both English and Māori, Kuwi & Friends: Rapua! I Spy blends education and amusement. This book brims with 'I Spy with My Little Eye' challenges, promising endless hours of interactive enjoyment. Through captivating...

Sunflowers Don't Grow in Winter is a delightful tale of hope, determination, and a young boy's love of sunflowers. Ziggy decides to plant sunflowers in autumn, despite everyone knowing that sunflowers don't grow in winter. Or do they? This true...

A heartwarming story originated in te reo Maori by an award-winning Maori-Pasifika author about aroha, whanau, passing down traditional knowledge and welcoming in the new year. He kairaranga puhara a Nanny Rina, ka taea te raranga i nga momo kupenga...

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...

Very charming story for small children, aged 2-6. In this story of cosy and chaotic family life, the imaginative world of a little child is front and centre. Rosie likes to wrap things up: her crayons, her toys, her kitten,...

"When velvety dark descends, the whole colony wakes and the hollow comes alive with twitching and chittering." Bats are Aotearoa New Zealand’s only native land mammals. This book is set in an ancient forest and follows Pekapeka, a short-tailed bat,...

In the Bush is the fourth title in the popular and award-winning 'explore & discover' series. The successful author and illustrator combination of Gillian Candler and Ned Barraud turn their attention to the New Zealand bush and its iconic animals...

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...

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 -...

What better place for a penguin to waddle across the road than to a local sushi shop, lured by the smell of delicious seafood? Inspired by the true story of a little blue penguin (korora) who was removed twice (the...

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...

What would you do if you accidentally created a barking-mad glove puppet, with sharp teeth, a fierce attitude and an unpredictable mouth? A boy and a fast-talking terrier glove puppet form a hilarious double act in this warm and funny...

The Grinny Granny Donkey, a #1 Bestseller, is now available in a delightful boxed set featuring an adorable plush and a hardback mini-book. In this heart-warming story, Wonky Donkey has a mum with the same lovable personality as her son....

A special anniversary edition celebrating Wonky’s 10th birthday! Five hilarious stories and songs from international bestseller Craig Smith! Featuring: The Wonky Donkey Willbee the Bumblebee My Daddy Ate an Apple Square Eyes The Scariest Thing in the Garden Who could...

This is the heart-warming tale of Pelorus Jack the Dolphin Guide, a rare white Risso’s dolphin who delighted passengers over 100 years ago as he guided steamships through the rough waters of French Pass into the calm waters of the...

The Little Yellow Digger is back, but this time, talented illustrator Fifi Colston has recreated some of the iconic illustrations and characters from the beloved 8-book series as blackline illustrations for children to enjoy colouring in.

There are three simply illustrated, playful stories in this graphic novel-style volume, each one featuring two friends, Big Blue and Little Blue. Each story is connected by a wellbeing theme and is designed to offer children coping strategies for navigating...

Pee Wee the Lonely Kiwi Finds a New Friend - Special 10 Year Edition is part of the acclaimed Pee Wee the Kiwi series, a #1 Best Selling New Zealand children's book series that has sold over 500,000 copies in...

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...

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...

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...

The three young soldiers in the story are best friends from school, and they leave New Zealand together to go and fight at Gallipoli. Landing first in Egypt, they travel by ship to Anzac Cove and dig into trenches to...

An exciting adventure novel for fans of Roald Dahl's Matilda, with a fairytale setting, a daring hero and message that you're never too young and powerless to stand up to tyrants! What happens when a group of school children, led...

A gorgeous little story of friendship between New Zealand birds.

Join Hipi as he explores the seaside and learns to count to 10! Some numbers are straight, some are quite round and some may appear to be upside down. Yet they all have an order to count up to 10....

New Zealand Nature Heroes is a must-have natural science activity book for young New Zealanders and their families. From experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness, this appealing, activity-packed book stimulates curious minds and encourages children to relate to the...

Down in a gully on a farm far away,  a clan of kiwi put on a dance display, invited friends to join, one sunny day,  to do the Hokey Tokey, and here’s how to play . . .    New...

This is the story of how Paua came to have his colours. Paua is sad and lonely. The other sea creatures mock his slowness and unattractiveness. Tangaroa, god of the sea, takes pity on him and gives him a dazzling...

From singer-songwriter June Pitman-Hayes comes this rousing and fortifying new waiata for Kiwi children from all backgrounds, celebrating the strength in community, with the focus from a child’s everyday viewpoint. This book features an accompanying CD of the heart-warming song,...

Meet Goose, a passionate artist who wants to create a perfect portrait and win the village art competition. But after a whole week of painting Puffin and friends, Goose is all aflutter. Is an artist's work ever good enough? Goose...

Parker, the Very Nosy Cat is an engaging story about a curious feline named Parker, who often finds himself getting into mischief. His inquisitive nature leads him to poke his nose into anything that’s happening around him. Parker isn’t just...

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

The lovable Wonky Donkey is back—but he’s playing hide-and-seek with Dinky Donkey! Join him in this playful adventure as he searches for his daughter. Lift the colourful felt flaps to help Wonky discover Dinky's hiding place and lead him to...

A bedtime story with a mix of the familiar bathtime to bedtime routine and a sprinkling of moonlit magic. Six taniwha, all looking at me, sing Beddy-Bye Time in the Kowhai Tree. "Beddy-bye time in the bubbly-white sea.” It’s almost...

Remarkable Animal Stories from New Zealand and Australia by Maria Gill introduces readers to a captivating collection of extraordinary animals from Australasia. Meet Charisma, the double Olympic champion horse; Moko, the playful dolphin; Migaloo, the white whale; and Einstein, the...

The Grinny Granny Donkey is the third book from Craig Smith and Katz Cowley, the creative team behind the Scottish Granny internet sensation, The Wonky Donkey! At a time when bringing stories of laughter, hope, kindness, and courage to children...

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...

Seventeen kings on forty-two elephantsGoing 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...

Illustrated in full color and packed with character and humor, this is the fifth whodunnit mystery in the awardwinning Detective Gordon series, fun to read alone or aloud. A Case with a Bang is the final book in the series...

Joy Cowley knows what makes children laugh. In this book full of absurd poems and very short, silly stories, a man takes his tadpoles for a walk in his hat, a cat is surprised by its talking feet, a tiger...

Grumble's Bridge by Greg MacLeod tells the tale of Grumble the troll, who desires only one thing: sleep. Long, peaceful, uninterrupted sleep. However, residing under a bridge means there is always someone clip-clopping, quack-quacking or squelch-squelching over his head. One...

Enter the realm of Te Kokorangi... In this award-winning illustrated series, Maori myths and monsters come to life! Will the Astromancer's tribe survive its final battle? Join Te Kokorangi and her apprentices on a time travel adventure to Hawaiki and...

Distinguished educator and translator Tauanu'u Perenise Tapu Sitagata joins with artist Ani Huia Ligaliga to present 30 Samoan proverbs for children in the original language, alongside translations and explanations in English. Each proverb is presented in Gagana Samoa and English...