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...

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...

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...

What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Matihe! Achoo! is a bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho and his connection to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. It comes with an action song to engage young readers! He pūrākau e pā ana ki a Mataoho me ngā puia o Takamaki Makaurau. He tupua pukukino a Mataoho e noho...

From a majestic mermaid to a clay woman, the creator of glaciers to the mother of gardening, discover powerful wahine and how their stories shaped the world around us. Wahine introduces readers to twelve purakau of brave, bold, and inspiring women of Aotearoa. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight the whole whanau, from award-winning illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White....

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 young whale searches for the whale rider's heir and a teenager takes an epic voyage to Antarctica with a fleet of waka hourua to claim his lost inheritance, in this breathtaking return to the world of global hit The Whale Rider, over thirty years on. From the internationally acclaimed author of The Whale Rider comes a novel about the...

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,...

Margaret Mahy's bestselling classic, The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate, is reimagined with delightfully whimsical illustrations from Emma Collicott, the winner of the 2025 Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize. Sam lives an ordinary life in a big city far away from the ocean with his mum. He wears an ordinary brown suit every day to his ordinary job in an...

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,...

Join Donovan Bixley as he digs up the amazing creatures that called Aotearoa home long ago. Monstrous flyers, sharp-toothed divers, heavyweight parrots, armoured dinosaurs and New Zealand's living fossil! Delve into the fossils, geek out over bones, and be charmed by this series that uncovers astounding facts about Aotearoa. From award-winning author and illustrator Donovan Bixley.

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:...

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,...

Meet Jonah Lomu, one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. His speed and strength on the rugby field made him famous around the world, and his fun and generous personality made him beloved, but all the while he faced a big battle with his health. “[David Hill’s] stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the...

Wildlife of Aotearoa Colouring Book by Gavin Bishop invites children and adults alike to embark on an artistic journey through the majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife of New Zealand. This captivating 64-page colouring book showcases intricate illustrations that celebrate the natural beauty of Aotearoa, the Māori name for New Zealand. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and ecological wonders of...

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...

Wonky Donkey’s famous daughter, Dinky Donkey, is back – and this time she is bringing the whole donkey family together in a playful and festive Christmas adventure! Lift the colourful felt flaps to help Dinky find the presents to go under the Christmas tree. Lift the soft felt flaps to discover the best present of all... family... and a big...

When digging out a drain, the little yellow digger gets stuck in the mud. So they bring in a bigger digger... The story of The Little Yellow Digger was created from a real event, when one of Betty and Alan's grandchildren excitedly told them about a digger getting stuck in the mud next to their house and they had to...

Atua by Gavin Bishop is a visually stunning and meticulously researched compendium that introduces readers to the rich mythological tapestry of the Māori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). This breathtaking, large-scale illustrated book is a treasure trove for children and adults alike, immersing them in the enthralling world of Māori gods, demigods, and heroes. Beginning with the void of Te...

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...

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?...

Join Pee Wee the Kiwi's Christmas Adventure and experience a magical journey with Pee Wee and his friends as they help Santa save Christmas. Every purchase of the book comes with a FREE Pee Wee the Kiwi plush toy, making it a perfect gift for the holiday season.

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...

This laugh-out-loud, smelly Christmas favourite by children’s entertainer Deano Yipadee is back in business! With outrageous illustrations by Paul Beavis featuring a hilarious cast of well-known reindeer helpers, it is up to the smelliest one of them all to propel Santa’s sleigh and save the day. Jingle Bells, What's That Smell? will surely delight children with its humour and festive...

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...

'Twas the night before Christmas and all round the bach, not a possum was stirring; not one could we catch. Take one Santa dressed in singlet and shorts, and put him on a miniature tractor pulled by eight flying sheep, and you have a Kiwi version of the well-loved Clement C. Moore poem. Children will delight in Yvonne Morrison's humorous...

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 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,...

'Tis the season for Hairy Maclary, Slinky Malinki and all the rollicking gang, with this Christmas colouring book packed with fun, festive colouring scenes and puffy stickers! Head out the gate and into the festive season with Hairy Maclary and all the gang! This fun Christmas colouring book comes with over 50 puffy stickers for children to use however they...

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...

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...

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...

Flit the Fantail and the Christmas Crash by Kat Quin brings Flit back into a hairy situation—caught in Santa’s majestic beard! With Santa at the helm, Flit accidentally embarks on a jolly journey, delivering presents to all the children and native critters of Aotearoa. At the end of a busy, beardy night, Flit is safely returned to his nest with...

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...

Angry anacondas, blizzarding blobs, carnivorous cactuses ... what kind of twisted curse will Glam-Evil think up this time?!Only it's not just Glam-Evil's curse the gang needs to worry about; they've got a few other problems, too. Swooping Pteranodons, a hungry T-Rex, a missing mother, and ... is that ... an ASTEROID?!Join MILES AND JONES as they face their biggest challenge...

As a small country school prepares for its Christmas end-of-year show, they get a call from Santa, who is on his way to the hall when he runs into a spot of trouble! Fortunately, The Little Yellow Digger is on hand to rescue Santa and his truck full of presents.

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...

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'...

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...

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...

Five funny stories about New Zealand’s favourite Grandpa, now available in a keepsake bind-up edition. Scholastic NZ’s Grandpa series has been in Kiwi family homes for over 33 years. These beloved, funny, and relatable tales are told in simple language with a repetitive refrain, making them perfect for young readers. This collection is published in memory of much-loved author Joy...

Three friends and a one-eyed raven find themselves up against the rulers who restrict the gifts of writing and reading to an elite few. They must go on a wild and unpredictable rescue mission. Who and what will they meet along their way? And what is the terrible truth behind everything they think they know about their world? 'You will...

Charlie Boy might be just an ordinary kid, but he's about to get into some EXTRA-ordinary trouble... Get ready for this funny, fast-paced, friendship adventure with lots of kick. Meet Charlie Boy: skinny, small, looks like a strand of spaghetti. He and his best friend, Rocky the Lower Hutt Chief, are good at getting into trouble together. But when Charlie...

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...

Immerse your family in the beautiful and rich culture of New Zealand with My First Words in Maori by revered broadcaster and Maori language champion Stacey Morrison. This enchanting book serves as a wonderful introduction to the Maori language for both children and parents alike. Gorgeously illustrated by Ali Teo and John O'Reilly, the book features vibrant and lively pictures...

Matt Logan isn't looking forward to spending the school holidays with his grandmother and her new husband. He has to fly to Rotorua, where he doesn't know anybody, and he's a bit wary of his new step-grandfather. All Matt knows is that he's Māori and a tourist bus driver. Along with his worries, Matt packs his pride and joy —...

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...

The cow says ‘moo’, the chicken says ‘cluck’, and the pig says … Dazzlehands! As hard as the farmer tries, pig won’t go ‘oink’. Instead, pig gets all the animals moving to: ‘Train hands, rain hands, fly-it-like-a-plane hands. Bursting with the razzle, gotta liberate these DAZZLEHANDS!’

Scarface Claw by Lynley Dodd introduces young readers to a bold and daring character – the toughest tomcat in town. This beautifully illustrated children’s book follows the intrepid adventures of Scarface Claw, a rugged feline who rules the streets with an iron paw and a fearsome growl. He's known far and wide for his piercing eyes and rugged demeanour, commanding...

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.

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...

New Zealand's Backyard Birds PB by Ned Barraud is an enchanting and educational guide designed specifically for children, introducing them to the birds that inhabit their very own backyards. This vibrant and engaging book explores a wide variety of birds that are commonly seen and heard in everyday life, offering young readers a closer look at the feathered friends living...

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...

A playful and comprehensive look-up reference to everyday words, for anyone interested in te reo Maori. This comprehensive picture dictionary contains illustrations for over 1400 of the most common words used in daily life. Wonderfully illustrated by two up-and-coming Maori artists, The Maori Picture Dictionary / Te Papakupu Whakaahua has a sense of fun that makes it easy to use....

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 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...

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...

But disaster strikes when guitarist Jack breaks his wrist and can no longer play. On top of that, all their hard work fundraising has fallen short! When help comes from unexpected channels, the Velvets make it to the Big Apple just in time to compete against the best kid bands in the whole world, including their new rivals the Blazer...

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,...

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...

Let's learn the English and Māori words for our favourite kai! Yum! This beautiful, brightly illustrated board book introduces babies to many of the foods we eat, in English and in Māori. From kiwifruit to kamokamo, sweetcorn to strawberries, Aotearoa has so many nourishing and delicious foods to try, and these eye-catching and vibrant pictures are the perfect way to...

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

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.

Let's discover some of Aotearoa's plants and insects and learn their names in English and Maori! This beautiful, brightly illustrated board book introduces babies to the array of plants and insects that are found in New Zealand's great outdoors. From the honeybee to the harakeke flax bush, from a flowering plant to a caterpillar, this is the perfect book to...

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...

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...

In the Beginning introduces the captivating creation myth of Maori legend, gracefully retold through Peter Gossage’s vibrant style. This story begins with Ranginui, the father, and Papatuanuku, the mother. Gossage's bold design and concise text recount the struggles of the children of Rangi and Papa as they endeavour to part their parents and bring light to the world. Through this...

Colours for Kiwi Babies by Matthew Williamson and Fraser Williamson is a captivating introduction to the world of colours, tailored specifically for the youngest of learners. Through a delightful journey across the vibrant landscape of New Zealand, this book encourages babies to discover and name different colours, enhancing their visual and linguistic development. Bursting with the rich hues of Aotearoa,...

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,...

As the sun rises, which creatures come to life and greet the day? This beautiful picture book explores the busy world of the daytime creatures in Aotearoa New Zealand's bush. It includes many reo Māori phrases that we use to greet others. Kai pai te rā! From the author and illustrator of the best-selling companion book Te Ngahere i te...

Cooking can be truly enjoyable and effortless with Edmonds Beginner's Cookbook by Goodman Fielder. This comprehensive guide is designed to help novice chefs and young cooks master the art of cooking with confidence. The cookbook features a delightful array of easy-to-follow recipes that will impress friends and family alike. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure success every time. The...

Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy is 40! To celebrate the raggedy rascal's birthday, this is a very special upsized hardback edition of Lynley Dodd's iconic first Hairy Maclary story. A very special upsized hardback 40th birthday edition of Lynley Dodd's iconic first Hairy Maclary book, which introduces the famous Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy and his canine gang. Out of...

The gannet, or tākapu, must set off through the skies to find food for her chick. When she spots a feeding frenzy far below, she needs to act fast. Will she plunge through the waves in time? Can she avoid danger beneath the surface? And will she make it home with a meal for her waiting chick? Tākapu the Lone...

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...

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.

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...

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...