Fuel young imaginations with stories made for curious minds; from fun backyard adventures to exploring the world. Choose from these new titles below to inspire, entertain and encourage time away from screens. Plus, it’s a great time to start stockpiling some lovely titles for Christmas!
Once Upon A Harbour
By Fiona Farrell, illustrated by David Elliot
Allen & Unwin, $35
What an absolute treat for children and adults – this is definitely one to add to every home library as a future classic. Six stunningly illustrated stories (four long, two short) capture the imagination and are a joy to read (in rhyming verse) while the visuals will keep youngsters entranced. There are also downloadable teachers notes; perfect for engaging on an added level.
Grow
By Jess McGeachin
Allen & Unwin, $27.99
If sowing seeds of interest in the natural world appeals, then this fascinating exploration of plant life wonders is a must for every home. It’s also a great resource for grandparents and teachers looking to inspire further exploration (take a deep dive into the Boojum tree, Collared Earthstar fungus and Baseball plant).
What Did The Skink Think?
By Kate Preece, illustrated by Pippa Ensor
Bateman Books, $24.99
Stunning illustrations set the tone for this wonderful ‘Kiwi’ read centered around a Chatham Island skink on a quest to find his family. The rhyming prose is melodic to read, whilst joyously introducing young readers to many other rare endemic species and interesting facts about them. One parents, grandparents and youngsters will enjoy sharing.
Fish Are Friends
By Jules Howard, illustrated by Gosia Herba
Allen & Unwin, $32.99
A FINtastic visual delight as well as an educational deep dive into the amazing world of fish – from their super-smart navigation skills to their artistic creativity and fabulously famous fish. There’ll be plenty of giggles as well as moments of wonder when sharing this book with youngsters.
Wild Summer
By Vasanti Unka
Bateman Books, $29.99
Introduce youngsters to a world of whimsy with this evocative picture book. They’ll love poring over the watercolour illustrations as they journey through nature and the enticements of the great outdoor world, from fields to forests. There’s also a gentle thread of mindfulness, gratitude and acceptance running through this tale.
What Made You Smile Today?
By Lou Peacock, illustrated by Raquel Catalina
Allen & Unwin, $27.99
Find comfort in this gentle story about dealing with life changes like moving house and starting a new school, with tips and ideas for coping. There’s also a free audiobook which can be accessed by scanning the QR code on the rear of the book, allowing youngsters to follow along at their own pace.
Now You Know Your ABC
By Caspar Salmon, illustrated by Matt Hunt
Allen & Unwin, $27.99
Make learning (and remembering) the alphabet FUN with the unexpected appearance of a wolf (Danger) instead of D for Dog. Children will be hooked with the extra thrill of this fun journey through the alphabet with a sneaky wolf to watch out for – plus scan the code, hear the story and read along.
Tākapu the Lone Hunter
By Ned Barraud
Allen & Unwin, $24.99
Lavishly illustrated, this lovely story is perfect for youngsters with a love of nature, birds and sea creatures. Prepare to be immersed in family and ocean life, then enjoy learning more about the characters encountered with the educational index at the back. It’s also the perfect inspiration for planning a trip to one of New Zealand’s gannet colonies.
The Little Kiwi Builder
By Tim Saunders, illustrated by Minky Stapleton
Allen & Unwin, $21.99
Prepare to laugh out loud at the clever ending, and enjoy the fun rhyming story along the way, with delightful illustrations adding an extra layer of energy. Be warned – this is one youngsters will want you to read on repeat – as they embrace the kiwi builder and his tradie friends.
Matihe! Achoo!
By Qiane Matata-Sipu, illustrated by Munro Te Whata
Penguin Random House, $21
What happens when a grumpy tupua has to sneeze? Introduce tamariki to Auckland’s volcanic maunga and their connection to Mataoho. A bilingual story about the tupua Mataoho, and his connection to the volcanoes of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, plus it comes with an action song (prepare to sing on repeat)!
Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories 2
By Jeff Kirney
Puffin, $21
There’s excellent reason Diary of a Wimpy Kid was such a global sensation, and author Jeff Kirney brings his distinctive style to the second of his Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Spooky Stories offerings. Even adults won’t be able to resist having a chuckle at these humorous short stories – a great way to engage reluctant readers.
Jake Whyte Pig Hunter
By J D Crouchley
Bateman, $23.99
If you’ve got a youngster who loves the outdoors and hunting, this is the ideal read to capture the imagination – they’ll be hooked right from the first sentence! It’s no surprise to learn that much of the action in this book is based on the real adventures of co-author Dave, his sons and friends. Packed with nuggets which parents will appreciate throughout.
Pocket Observology: A Field Guide
By Giselle Clarkson
Gecko Press, $27.99
Turn any walk, campsite or outdoor adventure into a mini scientific expedition with this clever pocket-sized field guide from award-winning Kiwi author and illustrator Giselle Clarkson. Designed for curious young explorers, it shows them how to identify, compare and uncover clues in the natural world – from bees and wasps to seeds, feathers, snail trails and more. Packed with comic-style illustrations, how-to guides, a ruler, identification key, quick-reference sections and a weatherproof cover, it’s made for getting outside and getting curious.
Stuck in the Middle
By Anton Clifford-Motopi
Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Stuck in the Middle is warm, funny and raucously relatable. A story about finding your voice when you’re part of a big family where everyone seems to be louder than you. Leon’s chaotic home life, friendship troubles and struggle to feel heard are brought to life with plenty of laughs, but there’s real heart beneath the humour. With six siblings, one bathroom and a cat-loving hero who finds his quiet place under the bed, there’s plenty here to keep young readers entertained. It’s a reminder that even in the busiest families, everyone deserves to be seen and heard.
Don’t Call Me A Star
By Charlotte Guillain, Illustrated by Sally Agar
Allen & Unwin, $18.99
A playful introduction to space, Don’t Call Me a Star! proves learning science doesn’t have to feel like a lesson. Following Stella and Ted on their star-hunting adventure, young readers encounter meteors, moons, planets, comets and even the International Space Station, discovering along the way that things aren’t always what they first appear to be. The lively storytelling and vibrant illustrations make the facts fun and memorable, while the fact file at the end adds even more to explore. A clever, entertaining choice for curious little minds who are always asking ‘why’?
William Pickering: Kiwi Rocket Man
By Maria Gill, illustrated by Alistair Hughes
Bateman Books, $21.99
From a curious Wellington schoolboy gazing through a telescope to a leading figure in America’s Space Age, William Pickering’s remarkable story proves that big dreams can begin anywhere. This engaging true story follows the Kiwi scientist’s role in launching America’s first satellite and pioneering robotic missions to the Moon, Venus and Mars. With striking illustrations by Alistair Hughes, it’s an inspiring tale of curiosity, determination and one Kiwi who helped bring us closer to the stars.
Slow Mo
By Mark Sommerset, illustrated by Carla Martell
Scholastic NZ, $16.99
Meet Mo, the slowest sloth in Snuggle Town – although Bill, who doesn’t move at all, may have something to say about that. Told with minimal words and brought to life through Carla Martell’s bold, playful illustrations, this witty picture book is a charming celebration of slowing down, friendship and discovering there may be more to someone than first meets the eye.
The Little Vampire Who Lost a Tooth!
By Elaine Bickell & Raymond McGrath
Scholastic NZ, $16.99
Losing a tooth is tricky enough, but for a little vampire who is ready for a night of biting, it’s a disaster! This fun, rhyming tale follows Little Vampire as he tries ice cream, toffee, lollipops and soup before discovering, with a little help from the reader, that a lost tooth isn’t so scary after all. Packed with Raymond McGrath’s quirky, spooky-but-not-too-scary illustrations, it’s a playful companion to the award-winning The Little Ghost Who Lost Her Boo! and The Little Witch Who Lost Her Broom!
Pō Mārie, My Moko
By Casey Kaa & Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
Scholastic NZ, $21.99
A gentle bedtime journey through the natural world, Pō Mārie, My Moko follows a kuia and her mokopuna as they travel from maunga and ngahere to awa and moana, guided by atua, ancestors and the rhythms of te ao Māori. Weaving calm breathing and reassurance into its soothing story, it’s a beautiful celebration of whakapapa, kaitiakitanga and connection, ending with the reminder that every child is a precious taonga. Isobel Joy Te Aho-White’s rich, symbolic illustrations add warmth and cultural depth, with a te reo Māori glossary included.
By Kirsty Wadsworth, Doreen Bennett & Zak Ātea
Scholastic NZ, $21.99
When Hīnātore struggles to remember the stories and connections that link her to her marae, the tukutuku panels come alive with tales of strength, knowledge and belonging. This beautifully told story introduces young readers to the meaning and symbolism of tukutuku while exploring identity, confidence and finding your voice. Vibrant artwork by Zak Ātea brings the patterns and stories to life, with an accessible introduction to te ao Māori that’s equally at home in classrooms, libraries or family reading.
