New Zealand Children's Books

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...

Taniwha tells the poetic, touching story of a young boy who meets a taniwha when visiting his nearby river. It's a poignant tale of friendship and belief, while also conveying the significance of the taniwha figure to wider Māori life...

Look at that baby donkey over there... awww, it’s a dinky donkey! Hee-haw! This pint-sized package from the world-famous Wonky Donkey stable is full of laugh-out-loud fun!

In this follow-on to Faelan the Wolf: Odd Wolf Out, Faelan’s pack is under threat from the white wolf, Varg Akafar. The Pack Leader is dying, and his successor, weaselly Weylin, is not a fan of odd-ball Faelan and his...

Hairy Maclary and Friends: Cuddle and Play by Lynley Dodd brings together an enchanting cast of characters in a delightful cloth book designed for the littlest of readers. Join the rascally Hairy Maclary and his rollicking gang as they embark...

An award-winning story in te reo Māori about how a new baby needs time to hatch and grow, for all young brothers- and sisters-in-waiting. Ahea RAWA pao ai te hua? This Māori-language story is for all children eagerly awaiting a...

In Zachary Quack Minimonster by Lynley Dodd, we follow the cheeky and energetic little duckling, Zachary Quack, on a whimsical adventure as he encounters a flicketty-quick dragonfly. With boundless energy and curiosity, Zachary Quack embarks on a playful pursuit, eager...

Where's Kiwi? is the perfect book for anyone with a sense of adventure. Kiwi's got itchy feet! There are sights to see and adventures to be had: waves to surf, rivers to raft, cities to explore, and mountains to climb....

Where's Kiwi Around the World? Kiwi's got itchy feet again! His bags are packed, and it's time to take off and explore the wonders of the world. Will Kiwi meet the Queen, run into a madcap mummy, have lunch with...

'A dazzling and delightful introduction to the joy of language' – Tessa Duder, award-winning author of Alex. Emma's new baby brother James was very nearly perfect, from his velvety head to his wiggly toes. She just wished he could talk....

The eighth and final book in a bestselling junior fiction series inspired by true stories from the Wilson Sisters' childhoods. It's their greatest adventure yet - a road trip in search of ponies! In this exciting conclusion to the bestselling...

The seventh book in an exciting junior fiction series inspired by true stories from the Wilson Sisters' childhoods. The race is on . . . will Vicki find a NEW champion? In the seventh Showtym Adventure, it's a race against...

Beatrice Hill Tinsley lived every day as if she was on borrowed time. Over her short time on Earth, she was determined to further the world's knowledge of the stars and galaxies. But it was not easy being a female...

What on earth is causing the cat to zoom, skitter and kung-fu kick in the air? Could it be a ghost? A delightful tale that celebrated our feline friends in all their quirks, and why they deserve a warm spot...

A sailing/camping holiday in Tasmania’s southern waterways becomes an exercise in independence and resourcefulness for a group of Kiwi and Australian children as a series of unforeseen events unfold, and youthful idealism comes head-to-head with challenges and misconceptions.

The Tiny House Mouse by Debbie Ridgway tells the tale of Miss Mouse, who longs for a place to call home. Although this sounds simple, she must embark on a true adventure before she can settle down. Join Miss Mouse...

A heartwarming tale of the feisty little otter who escaped from Auckland Zoo.

Join Kate and Kyle as they put up with their embarrassing parents, manage everyone's fears, and miss the bus! The Twins contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on action, relationships,...

Join Grandpa and Boy as they try to catch snapper, go pig hunting, and stop swearing—all with a little help from Nan. Grandpa and Boy contains three illustrated short stories featuring the same characters. It's a great choice for struggling...

Join Selena and Mia in Auckland as they snap a pic, get the better of some bullies, and sweeten Grandma. Selena and Mia contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis on...

Join Buster the dog and his family as he makes terrible smells, annoys the man at the bike shop, and saves the day! Buster contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers, with an emphasis...

Join Ari and his motor sports family as they race karts, speed around a Formula One track, and tear through a rally. Motor Sports contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great for struggling readers with an emphasis...

From the brilliant team that created family favourite and bestseller The Tractor has a Wobbly Wheel.The farm animals are having a field day with all the farmer's clothes, using them in all sorts of inventive ways.With perfect bouncy rhyme, this...

Let’s build a seawall! Tide’s coming in. We’ll take on the sea and see if we can win! Two children build a wall of sand, decorated with shells, and defy the sea to destroy it … which it does, taking...

Join Sonny and his tuahine as they earn pocket money by learning the rules, make yummy (or not so yummy) kai for Mum and Dad, and share embarrassing moments together. Pocket Money contains three illustrated short stories using the same...

Join Emili as she goes on the hunt for new boots for her rugby-loving brother Sefa, swaps unwanted items for new treasures with her friends and reduces waste by starting a neighbourhood street swap. The Swap Shop contains three illustrated...

Join Violet and her little sister, Rose, as they navigate the complexities of their blended family and embrace Violet's love for shoes and her passion for football. Two Roads Home contains three illustrated short stories using the same characters. Great...

Join Grandpa, Big Bubba, and his big brother as they do the shopping, visit a friend, and bond with their cats, Fluffy and Scruffy—all while Mum is at work! Big Bubba contains three illustrated short stories featuring the same characters....

The Dragon Hunters is a captivating children's picture book that follows the adventurous journey of two brothers. Their quest is to rescue their beloved dog from the clutches of a marauding dragon. This book marks the beginning of the exciting...

“Dear Jim, Your postcard arrived today. I showed it to the family. Mum misses you…” Between December 1914 and August 1915, Tom and Jim write to each other whenever they get a chance. Tom talks about life at home on...

Nga waka? Cars? Yes! Nga pukapuka? Books? Yes! Te wharepaku? Toilet? NO! Little Rapeti (Rabbit) is busy playing. He is far too busy to go to the toilet ... Uh-Oh!

Are you lost? Come in! You’re in luck—there’s no one here just now. Shhh… Be as quiet as you can, and very, very careful!   In The House of Madame M, we explore a strange house: hallway, living room, kitchen,...

On Mum and Ted’s farm there’s a very large barn, where Milky the cow was a pet. But no-one could guess how she got herself stuck in the mud on a rain-sodden night. Join Bryn, Oscar and a parade of...

Ron Whitcombe wants to get out of Wellington and see the world.But it's the middle of the Great Depression and he is stuck in a dead-end job as an office boy. He can't see any way of changing his destiny.In...

Sophia has moved to her very own bedroom and as she drifts off to sleep, she slips into a magical world. Sophia becomes the queen of The First Adventure to Sophia Land and discovers that her imagination is special! Will...

Nau mai, hoake tātou ko Aroha Te Whai Ora, i a ia e kaupare ana i te taiatea, i te mataku, i te māharahara, me te anipā, ki ana tukanga māmā ka taea e te katoa. Nā te ringatuhi rongonui...

WINNER: 2025 NZSA Best First Book Award, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults SHORTLISTED: 2025 Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young AdultsWINNER: NZ Booklovers Award for Best Junior Fiction...

To survive in the wild, all animals need a natural form of defence against predators. Using their teeth, claws, horns, and antlers to defend, fight, and hunt, these incredibly powerful creatures do whatever it takes to stay alive. Join twelve-year-old...

Bear has been waiting since dawn. I'm waiting for Goliath, he tells everyone. Goliath is coming! He's my best friend... He'll definitely show up. You'll see! Bear waits patiently for his friend. The robins fly to the south and the...

An exploration of life on a New Zealand farm during a long, dry spell. Through lyrical rhyming text, readers are taken on a journey across paddocks, barns, and treetops, encountering the animals and landscapes that make up the farm’s rich...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Te Toro Huhu a Kuwi is a superb book from a well-known author and illustrator. It offers a simple celebration of the parent/child bond, crafted for young children, with a story that parents can enjoy and relate to. The book...

He kiwi ihupuku, he kiwi rangirua hoki a Kuwi. Kua whanau mai tana hua hou hei tiaki mana, i tana kotahi. Kaore ano ia kia tiaki hua... Kuwi is a young and confused kiwi who has found herself alone with...

There is much fun to be had with this uniquely Kiwi version of a popular children's song. Lots of potential for actions that young children will adore performing as they sing along. Also includes lyrics in te reo Maori.

The traditional tale Over in the Meadow is a classic. In Down in the Forest, the author takes this structure and retells it featuring native forest flora and fauna. Down in the forest, seeking shelter from the sun, lived a...

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...

There's a new bird in the bush. Flit is bored. And hungry. A tasty mozzie lures him out of his nest. "I CAN fly," he calls, before he hits the ground with a THUD. How will he get back to...

This story is based on the true experiences of a remarkable horse called Bess, one of 10,000 NZ horses sent overseas to battle in World War One. Tragically, at the end of the war, the horses could not return to...

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...

Ko Flit, te Tirairaka, me nga Heki Muna is a delightful adventure where Flit, a young fantail chick, embarks on a discovery in the misty forest. Practising his landings, Flit finds himself flapping, flopping, slipping, then flipping over something peculiar....

Three nanas, who lived in the City of Seas, never said thank you and never said please... And when these nanas go away on holiday and find that the resort doesn’t serve their favourite chocolate nachos with cheese... uh-oh! You’d...

Behind dusty orange hills, where the sky stretches down to the sea, there’s a magical, wild, windy place called Te Mata Hapuku. Sam and Te Rerehua love to visit their Grandma and Poua at Te Mata Hapuku (also known as...

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...

The lovable Wonky Donkey is back—but he’s playing hide-and-seek! Join Dinky Donkey in this playful adventure as she searches for her dad, Wonky. Lift the soft felt flaps to discover Wonky’s hiding place and lead Dinky to her dad ......

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...

Look at that baby donkey over there ... awww, it’s a dinky donkey! Hee-haw! This pint-sized package from the world-famous Wonky Donkey stable is full of laugh-out-loud fun! Now available in sturdy, board book format, perfect for little hands. The...

Young Joe is living in pre-World War II Berlin, with his British father and NZ mother, attending school and witnessing the excitement of his friends who are enthusiastically joining the Hitler Youth Movement. Joe feels uncomfortable with the growing mistreatment...