New Zealand Children's Books

The amazing Gavin Bishop brings us a monster-sized book about the mythical monsters of Aotearoa! Award-winning weaver of stories Gavin Bishop retells a variety of tales about the taniwha of Aotearoa, from the guardians who accompanied waka voyages to present-day inhabitants of the whenua and moana. Taniwha are all around us. They are good at hiding or changing their shape....

From sleeping giants to battling mountains, fiery sisters to adventurous trees, dig into Whenua and discover eleven tales of how Aotearoa was formed beneath our feet. Whenua takes readers back in time with each purakau, exploring the ways in which Aotearoa's land was formed and introducing children to legendary Maori figures and atua. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight...

Whether you want to fish for sprats from a wharf, walk up a stream with a fly rod, or cast a line from a boat or kayak, there's a heap of handy information in here. Learn how to tie knots, bait hooks, cast lures, and fillet and cook your catch. Al Brown has a life-long love of fishing and Hooked...

The Gavin Bishop Treasury is a very special hardback collection of 10 classic children's stories for young readers to treasure, written and illustrated by the multiple-award-winning New Zealand author Gavin Bishop. Comprising over two hundred pages of fabulous storytelling and stunning artwork, children will be spellbound by this beautiful hardback gift treasury featuring ten favourite fairy tales and original stories...

There’s a big surf competition coming up. Eight-year-old Lisa is determined to take part, but she’s nervous. With encouragement from her coach, family and top paddler Māia, she trains hard. But disaster strikes when her canoe capsizes, shaking her confidence. Lisa goes to the river to compose herself and, with the help of her family and dog Colin, she draws...

A fascinating look at Matariki in New Zealand and around the world. The Matariki constellation (or Pleiades) is known by many different names and is seen and celebrated by many cultures around the world. This beautifully illustrated book features 18 stories: 9 of which highlight the Māori Matariki stars, while the others reference the stories about this constellation from different...

A Pukeko in a Ponga Tree is a delightful adaptation of the classic "Twelve Days of Christmas" song, but with a uniquely Kiwi twist. In this cherished tale, a young couple celebrates the festive season by sharing a series of quintessentially New Zealand gifts, beginning with a pukeko in a ponga (tree fern) tree. As the days of Christmas unfold,...

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...

An attractive kete gift bag of three stories to celebrate Matariki and explore the wonders and traditions of Māori New Year. Flit the Fantail & the Matariki Map: Join Flit and his friends, Keri the kiwi and wise old Ruru, as they explore the night skies to work out how to capture a sparkling star. The Seven Kites of Matariki:...

Dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul, meals magically appear based on your mood and dreams literally come to life... Nevermoor meets Pokemon in New Zealand author Graci Kim's thrilling new middle-grade fantasy series! Dare to enter a world of secrets and spells, where your wildest dreams—or your darkest nightmares—come to life before your eyes... Fourteen-year-old Aria Loveridge lives...

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...

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

Great Kiwi Bedtime Book by Donovan Bixley Take your little ones on a soothing journey through the enchanting landscapes of New Zealand with Great Kiwi Bedtime Book by Donovan Bixley. As night falls, all the adorable baby animals across the country begin to prepare for a cosy night's sleep. From fluffy lambs in the rolling hills to playful kiwi chicks...

Create your own stories with raggedy rascal Hairy Maclary and all his friends in this magnetic board book. A sturdy magnetic board book with fun magnets of Hairy Maclary and his friends! Hairy Maclary and his rollicking gang are always getting up to mischief. Join them on their adventures in this fun-filled magnet book featuring five Hairy Maclary scenes and...

The Pohutukawa Tree by Linda Adamson is a heartwarming tale that captures the essence of a Kiwi Christmas like no other. The story follows the journey of a tiny pohutukawa seed as it grows into a magnificent crimson canopy, symbolising the festive spirit of New Zealand. Readers will be taken through the growth of the tree, set against the backdrop...

A special edition of the Hairy Maclary Treasury to celebrate the raggedy rascal's 40th birthday! This volume brings together all ten of his mischievous and mad adventures, along with a link to download the audio book. This beautiful gold 40th-birthday edition of the bestselling Hairy Maclary Treasury is a complete collection of Hairy Maclary's adventures, and includes a reading of...

Kupe's voyage to Aotearoa! Kupe found that a huge, fearsome wheke (octopus) was taking all the fish in the ocean and the people of Hawaiki had nothing to eat.So Kupe chased that wheke across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean). Finally Hine-te-Aparangi, Kupe's wife, saw land and a long white cloud: Aotearoa! Find out what happened when the wheke and Kupe...

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.

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...

Maui and Other Maori Legends by Peter Gossage is a treasured collection that brings together some of the most beloved tales from Maori mythology. With vibrant illustrations and enthralling storytelling, this volume captures the essence of New Zealand's rich cultural heritage. Each story within this collection is an adventure into a world where the extraordinary becomes possible, where heroes rise,...

Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack by Lynley Dodd is a delightful, rhyming tale that will enchant readers of all ages. It tells the story of Hairy Maclary, a loveable dog who is just looking for a quiet place to enjoy his afternoon nap. However, his peaceful plans are quickly disrupted by Zachary Quack, a small but incredibly determined duckling who...

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...

Fast-knitting Granny McFlitter is craftier than ever in this award-winning Christmas story by Heather Haylock and Lael Chisholm. Granny McFlitter: The Knit Before Christmas finds Granny McFlitter back to save Christmas at the zoo, one lightning-quick stitch at a time! 'Twas the night before Christmas and down at the zoo, the keepers were ready; the animals, too... All of a...

Here is the ABC like you've never seen it: featuring Donovan Bixley's uniquely Kiwi characters. Look out for the milkshake-making cow, the All Black lambs, the cute pink ski-bunny, the colossal squid, and many more of Donovan's vibrant, amusing illustrations. Great Kiwi ABC Book is fun for the kids—and fun for the adults!

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,...

Enter the realm of the Astromancer... In this award-winning illustrated series for younger fans of Percy Jackson, Māori myths and monsters come to life! Join the Astromancer and her apprentices on a time travel adventure to Hawaiki and meet Ruapakanga and his albatross warriors! 'An epic fantasy quest' - Magpies 'Chock full of danger, heroes, old wisdom and new blood'...

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 ones you just might recognise: kiwi, penguin, tuatara, fantail, and many more. Come along for the ride! Perfect for pre-schoolers.

Manawatia a Matariki! Celebrate Matariki with this book bursting with activities and colouring-in pages. My Matariki Colouring and Activity Book is a colouring book that also includes a range of activities such as crafts and puzzles, as well as a smattering of te reo. This companion to the 2022 best-seller, Matariki Around the World, is sure to keep readers entertained...

Hours of fun for the kids - and the adults! The Looky Book is a puzzle book mostly for young children with 11 different puzzles, all featuring colourful New Zealand landscapes, birds, and animals. Find the numbers with the crazy All Black lambs, spot the difference where the mischievous keas have changed around somebody's campervan, and find the animals hidden...

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 Smallest Turtle by Lynley Dodd is a captivating tale that follows the perilous journey of a diminutive yet determined turtle as he makes his way from his sandy nest to the vast expanse of the ocean. This enchanting narrative, created by the renowned author of the Hairy Maclary and Friends series, is now available as a sturdy board book,...

Join the delightful world of Spot with Kei Hea a Spot?, the te reo Māori edition of Eric Hill's beloved lift-the-flap book, Where's Spot?. This timeless classic introduces Spot, an innocent and playful puppy, whose adventures have captivated young readers for decades. In Spot's first adventure, it's time for dinner, but Spot is nowhere to be found. Readers are invited...

The little Kiwi is fast asleep in her burrow. A beam of moonlight shines right down into her burrow. She wakes and realises it is time. Hurrying out into the night, she wakes each of her friends from their mid-winter slumber. Kia tere! Hurry! she urges them.

Bright birds, cheeky birds, masked birds, clever birds, warrior birds, shy birds, big birds, tiny birds and the world's most gigantic birds! Join the award-winning author and illustrator Donovan Bixley on an enchanting journey through the vibrant and diverse world of forest birds in Aotearoa. In Squawk!, Bixley brings to life an array of fascinating birds, each with their own...

Lift the flaps and explore 100 first words with Hairy Maclary and his rascally gang in this bumper-sized board book! Take a walk with Hairy Maclary, and sniff out 100 first words along the way in this chunky lift-the-flap board book! A child's best introduction to books - The Times Join the rascally dog and his friends as they go...

Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...

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.

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...

Over 1 million copies sold worldwide. A guaranteed-to-please book for toddlers that's best shared loudly! The wolf goes aaooooo. The owl goes hoo hoo. The monkey goes oo oo oo. The cuckoo goes cuckoo. The power outlet says NO! With over 100 pages, and impossible to read badly, this unique and sturdy board book is full of bright, bold illustrations...

Join Donovan Bixley as he dives in and explores the amazing coastal creatures of Aotearoa. Deep sea divers, great survivors, record-breakers and New Zealand's world champion fliers! Find out what makes the flora and fauna of Aotearoa so unique in this charming series by award-winning author and illustrator Donovan Bixley. This bestselling series has already created a BUZZZ! and this...

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...

Lift-the-flap, hide-and-seek fun with mischievous Hairy Maclary and all his friends! Have you seen Hairy Maclary? Where is he hiding? Lift the flaps to see if you can spot the raggedy rascal and his rollicking gang! Is he having a scratch in the strawberry patch? No, that's Bitzer Maloney. Is he taking a bath at the side of the path?...

A heartwarming story about aroha, whānau, passing down traditional knowledge, and welcoming in the new year - an English translation of the original Nga Kupenga a Nanny Rina. Nanny Rina's Amazing Nets introduces Nanny Rina, an amazing weaver who can make all kinds of nets! When Haeata te Kapua asks what special creation Nanny will weave to welcome in the...

For generations, Lynley Dodd's Hairy Maclary stories have introduced young children to the joy of reading. With this Little Learning Library, the mischievous dog and his friends instigate a lifetime love of learning with the ABC, 123, Colours and Opposites! Little ones love to learn with rascally Hairy Maclary and his rollicking gang! Introducing important first concepts, including the alphabet,...

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...

When Getwin, Lea and Buckle—with the help of Sharp the raven—unearth the trickster Book of Blacke, they embark on a quest to undo the controls on their world, seeking justice for the Scribes who are forced to work and for those who have never been allowed to read or write. The city of Wyle comes alive with danger and intrigue...

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...

Celebrating 40 years of Greedy Cat, we are proud to re-release this NZ classic picture book. The very first Greedy Cat adventure! Mum went shopping to buy some food. Along came Greedy Cat, in a hungry mood...

Māori child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has shaped her beloved book Aroha into this special collection of whakataukī and whakatauakī for mokopuna of all ages. Bestselling author of Aroha and respected Māori psychiatrist Dr Hinemoa Elder has written a special collection of whakataukī for tamariki mokopuna. Puanga kai rau. Puanga, the star signalling a time of the year...

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...

When floodwaters threaten a town, the Little Yellow Digger is called to the rescue – but how can it get there? "I know!” the engineer exclaimed. “We’ve got the perfect thing. Our helicopter! It can fly a digger in a sling." Floodwaters are rising and a stranded town’s stop banks are about to burst. The panicked residents are crying out...

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 beautifully illustrated children's book Big Feelings by Rebekah Ballagh brings readers along on a vibrant journey of self-discovery and emotional understanding. Through the experiences of characters Mikah, Chloe, and Charlie, children will learn what it feels like to navigate complex emotions such as sadness, anger, and anxiety. Each page offers a unique storyline designed to resonate with young readers,...

Edmonds My First Cookbook by Goodman Fielder is the quintessential starter guide for young cooks, bursting with delightful, easy-to-follow recipes that span all meals of the day. With this book, young chefs will embark on a culinary journey that nurtures a lifelong passion for cooking and baking. Featuring the iconic illustrated step-by-step layout reminiscent of the beloved EDMONDS JUNIOR COOKBOOK,...

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...

This board book is a simplified version from the best-selling book, How Do I Feel? A Dictionary of Emotions for Children. It helps to introduce our little wildlings to emotions and how they might look, using other toddlers so they can recognise themselves in the illustrations, which is very important. When we help young children label their emotions, it helps...

by Lynley Dodd is another delightful tale of the mischievous and adventurous black cat with bright yellow eyes. This beautifully illustrated children's book explores the curiosity and antics of Slinky Malinki and his feathered friend, Syd the rainbow lorikeet, as they embark on a new escapade that could lead to more trouble than they anticipate. Slinky Malinki is known for...

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....

The first book of The Dragon Brothers Novel Series, this book follows on from the best-selling picture book series The Dragon Brothers Trilogy. The two brothers, Flynn and Paddy, are now 12 and 10 years old respectively, and are facing a challenge like no other. This is one of the world's first novels to incorporate augmented reality (AR) content. The...

A highly illustrated, playful field guide for budding natural scientists and curious observers of the world right under our noses. Observology is the study of looking. An observologist makes scientific expeditions, albeit very small ones, every day. They notice interesting details in the world around them. They are expert at finding tiny creatures, plants, and fungi. They know that water...

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?...

(Sam: Nothing could be as bad as being covered in icky purple blobs ... wait, what does carnivorous mean again?) The gang is determined to defeat Glam-Evil and her nasty curses so that they can save their park and get back for Shackleton and Amelia's very first sleepover. But Glam-Evil has a few new tricks up her ultravillainous sleeve ......

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...

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,...

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...

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.

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...

With 60+ definitions to help improve emotional literacy, this huge hardcover book with over 140 pages is all about our children learning to recognise and label emotions and feelings. Join Aroha and her friends as they share how different emotions might feel in the body and how each emotion might be helpful. This emotions dictionary is all about helping children...

Kuwi & Friends Maori Picture Dictionary is a fun, easy-to-use resource for anyone wanting to discover, learn, and use everyday words in te reo Māori. The illustrations aid comprehension, particularly for younger learners, by providing visual cues that assist with language retention and recalling spoken and written words. This book features 68 fully illustrated pages in a large format (265...

A Maori-English edition of the classic, award-winning story about a boy who makes friends with a taniwha, by one of Aotearoa's foremost artists. Trailblazing Maori artist Robyn Kahukiwa's award-winning picture book about a boy who makes friends with a taniwha is now available in this bilingual Maori-English edition. Kua whakahoa atu tētahi tama ki te taniwha kei tona awa. Kaore...

The Dragon Defenders - Book Two is a best-selling, rip-roaring, page-turning tale of dragons and their brave child guardians. With mind-blowing, interactive augmented reality content accessible via the free app AR Reads, this book offers a truly immersive experience. Evil boss, The Pitbull, has wasted nine months waiting for the dragon's egg he stole from Flynn and Paddy's paradise island...

Kaha the Kea is possibly the cheekiest kea in New Zealand, who gets away with everything... or does he?

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...

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...

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.

When digging out a drain, the little yellow digger gets stuck in the mud. So they bring in a bigger digger . . . Discover the delightful tale of perseverance and teamwork in The Little Yellow Digger by Betty Gilderdale, as one book's small adventure turns into a collaboration of efforts to overcome a muddy challenge.

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...