New Zealand Children's Book title Archive

Gay Hay, illustrated by Margaret Tolland

This stunning debut by a talented new illustrator is a touching story told without sentimentality. It encourages engagement from kids through activities and information at the back of the book. It has been beautifully designed by an experienced children’s book designer and publisher team.
(Whitireia Publishing, November 2011)

Victoria Jones, illustrated by Lynne Parsons

Meet Grace the gannet, and learn about gannets and their habitat.
(Victoria Jones, November 2011)

Stephanie Blake

The little rabbit is loved by his family, even though whenever they ask him a question, he answers very rudely. Every morning when his mother said, Time to get up, my little rabbit, he would reply, Poo bum! At lunchtime when his father said, Eat your spinach, my little rabbit, he would reply, Poo bum! One day, he meets a hungry wolf.
(Gecko Press, November 2011)

Blexbolex

A fisherman and a fishmonger, a slave and a goddess, a princess and a werewolf ...Real, mythical and imaginary people come together in this stunning picture book. Each figure is juxtaposed with another on the opposite page. These relationships are often funny and surprising; sometimes the connection is obvious, other times it takes a bit of thinking.
(Gecko Press, November 2011)

Jacquie McRae

 Libby has an idyllic life on an apple orchard and is close to her grandfather, a cider maker. When he dies in a freak accident, Libby is devastated. She finds it difficult to talk to her parents about her feelings as her mother seems cold and her father says little.
(Huia Publishers, November 2011)

David Veart

After noticing his dad's plough kept pulling up interesting stones and bones on their Wairau Bar farm, a 13-year-old boy named Jim Eyles, armed with a potato fork and a piece of number-8 fencing wire, set off one day and dug up a giant moa egg.
(Auckland University Press, November 2011)

Mark Sommerset, illustrated by Rowan Sommerset

Little Bug Blue has a wish. Little Bug Red has an appetite. Together they discover that getting what you always wanted is sometimes just the beginning.
(Dreamboat Books, November 2011)

Lindsay Wood, illustrated by Rebekah Holguin

Jasper is camping with his family at the beach. When he wakes up in a tent, at first he doesn't remember where he is, but soon the various sights and sounds of a day at the beach make him dance with joy. This delightful picture book captures the quintessential kid's summer holiday spent at the beach.
(HarperCollins NZ, November 2011)

Lindy Kelly, illustrated by Lyn Kreigler

Will Father Christmas know where he is? Will Dad remember to give him a present - after all, there doesn't seem to be much evidence of the Christmas Spirit. No decorations on a Christmas tree, and no reassuring pile of presents underneath. All the things that have meant Christmas to him in the past are missing, and he's very worried ...
(HarperCollins NZ, November 2011)

Stacy Gregg

It’s a new term at Blainford ‘All-Stars’ academy in Lexington, USA, and Georgie is eager to take on her rivals once more. Having surprised everyone on the polo field, Georgie’s ambitions are sky high and she’s keen to take her riding to the next level.
(HarperCollins NZ, November 2011)

Childfund New Zealand

This is the story of Mary and her pet lamb Rosemary. Mary sets out on a journey of discovery to find out why children living in poverty overseas could possibly want a sheep for Christmas! Your favourite New Zealanders have knitted together this woolly yarn in time for Christmas, with a celebrity each penning a chapter of the story.
(Penguin NZ, November 2011)

Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Dierdre Copeland

When Milly the cow looks up at the moon she knows it must be lonely, so she decides to keep it company. The other cows think she's crazy, but Milly continues trying to win the moon's friendship. But this is harder than Milly thinks. After all, how do you get the moon to share its secrets with you?
(Penguin NZ, November 2011)

Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Donovan Bixley

What would make a diplodocus herd too dizzy to walk? Arg has to find an answer fast ... or he and Skeet are Grogllgrox stew! A diplo-dizzifying Stone Age adventure that'll make your nostrils quiver.
(Scholastic NZ, November 2011)

Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Ingrid Berzins

Winter is coming and everybee is busy gathering pollen. But poor Glib gets left behind with nobee to follow. When he finally catches up, everybee laughs at him. So Glib flies off on his own … and finds a secret flower supply. Will he be able to save the hive?
(Scholastic NZ, November 2011)

Elizabeth Pulford, with illustrations by Aki Fukuoka

It is Mother Angel’s birthday and Lily wants to be part of the grand celebrations. But she is sick with spottimonities and is stuck in the Saintly Sick Room. Will Lily, with the help of a bubble-soaked Frumplepuss, manage to get to the party?
(Scholastic NZ, November 2011)

Elizabeth Pulford, with illustrations by Aki Fukuoka

Lily longs for Amelia’s Angel Academy to win the trophy for snow sports. But when she sees her worst enemy, Wanda Westbrook, she is worried that Wanda may make mischief – as usual. Can Lily help beat the rival All Saints Angel School?
(Scholastic NZ, November 2011)

Yvonne Morrison, illustrated by Nikki Slade-Robinson

Gramma asks me about my day, and I say,
“Me and my friend played soccer.”  She says, “My friend and I played soccer.” I say, “At your age?”
Kids and adults alike will laugh aloud at this series of  hilarious misconstruals between a child and her grandmother as Gramma corrects the child’s grammar! (Scholastic NZ, November 2011)

Dave Gunson

The third title in an excellent colouring book series features 30 simple black and white illustrations of seals, whales, sea birds, fish and seashore life, ready to be coloured-in. Each is accompanied by a sentence or two of basic explanatory text. A double-page colour insert shows the natural colours and markings of the outlines featured in the book. (New Holland, November 2011)

by Barbara Else, illustrated by Philip Webb

Friends - everyone's got them, even if they don't always get along with them all the time! Friendship is a universal theme for Kiwi kids and this year's collection of 30 stories covers a range of situations: being the new kid at school, competition between friends, learning to get along with people who are different, and finding friends in unexpected places. (Random House NZ, October)

Margaret Mahy

This attractive hardback anthology of the marvellous Margaret Mahy's stories brings together many classic childhood favourites. All eleven stories are presented with their original iconic illustrations and all will amuse, enthrall and delight. (Penguin NZ, October)

The Topp Twins, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

Sing along with me! There's a hole in my bucket, dear Liza, dear Liza ... This traditional 'infinite loop' song is given the country treatment by the iconic Topp Twins, and the characters of Henry and Liza have been brought to uproarious life with Jenny Cooper's hysterical illustrations! (Scholastic NZ, October)

Ole Konnecke

This is a large format board book of early concept words and pictures, full of charm and humor.
(Gecko Press, October)

Joy Cowley

Michael's aunt, uncle and cousins are moving to his neighborhood and he can't wait. Wherever they go, adventure follows! They're the wacky Wild West Gang.
(Gecko Press, October)

Gavin Bishop

Bruiser is a machine on a mission - a digger who's ploughing up hillsides, trampling down paddocks and crushing rocks in his plan to build a motorway. Until a little chick and a nest fall right in front of him - and Bruiser realises there's more to life than tearing up hillsides. Bold, strong images combined with charming story plus lots of noise (!!) make this a winner.
(Random House, October)

Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Donovan Bixley

The continuing adventures of Arg, the evolved Neanderthal boy, and his T-rex friend Skeet, the talking dinosaur. How do you save a baby velociraptor from a hungry quetzalcoatlus? Arg has to find an answer fast ...they are both dinner! But he appears to be allergic to the baby raptor ...Riotous fun with particular appeal to boys!
(Scholastic NZ, October)

Chris Gurney, illustrated by John Bennett

Another in this popular series of Kiwi retellings of traditional tales - this time with a Christmas angle. Christmas is approaching, and Kahu the cloakmaker has only enough materials left to make one cloak. But that night, as he and his wife sleep, they are visited by patupaiarehe, who make the finest cloak they have ever seen!
(Scholastic NZ, October)

Kingi M. Ihaka, illustrated by Dick Frizzell

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me a pukeko in a ponga tree. A wonderful New Zealand adaption of the popular song The Twelve Days of Christmas.
(Penguin NZ, October)

Don Gardner, illustrated by Katz Cowley, performed by Craig Smith

From the bestselling creative duo behind The Wonky Donkey. Poor Monkey's two front teeth are missing! The Tooth Detective is on the case, but maybe Santa can help. All Monkey wants for Christmas are his two front teeth!
(Scholastic NZ, October)

Stephen Barnett

Did you know that a New Zealander holds a world record for diving deepest underwater on a single breath of air? And that Kiwis have created the world's longest chocolate bar? Or which tiny piece of paper is New Zealand's most valuable? The Book of New Zealand Records and Firsts is chock-a-block with fascinating stories about world records and 'firsts' with a Kiwi connection.
(Scholastic NZ, October)

Mike and Esther Fitzpatrick

A zany story with over-the-top but endearing characters plus luscious, full page illustrations that need a long look to discover all their jokes and comments. A book that will appeal to a wide age group. There are lots of truly laugh-out-loud sequences and some memorable lines.
(Jacksbooks, October)

Juliette MacIver, illustrated by Sarah Davis

Marmaduke sets up shop and does a roaring trade selling his much-feted marmalade … then along comes Bernadette Bear who opens a honey shop next door, and takes all Marmaduke’s business! What will he do?
(Scholastic NZ, October)

Ben Brown, illustrated by Scott Tulloch

The two weka friends catch Possum Pete’s double-decker bus on the road to Tuapeka … and along the way they pick up Hedgy Hog, Dodgy Dog and Whistling Frog. But when a strange little man in a caravan invites them to share his barbecue – they soon realise they are to BE the barbecue, and skedaddle … all the way to Tuapeka.
(Scholastic NZ, October)

Diana Neild, illustrated by Philip Webb

The Jig household is bustling with preparations for Christmas and the arrival of the grandparents. And when Piggity- Wiggity is told that he is to be the star in the family play, he is very excited. But his festive role in the celebrations is not quite what Piggity-Wiggity expected …
(Scholastic NZ, October)

Ruth Paul

A dinosaur follow-the-leader story! Follow Ruth Paul's colourful dinosaurs as they HOP, STOMP and ROAR their way through the pages of this beautifully illustrated book. On the outward journey the largest dinosaur leads, until they can go no further ... then on the way back, it's baby dinosaur who gets to lead the way!
(Scholastic, September 2011)

Fleur Beale

Juno and her family arrive at their new home, but almost immediately danger threatens Hera and they move to Willem's protection in New Plymouth, the city Juno most hoped to avoid. Fairlands school is too like Taris, and Hilto's son Thomas is a pupil there. The handsome Ivor is also there and soon begins to pay attention to Juno in a way she finds both confusing and exciting. (Random House NZ)

by Chris Gurney, illustrated by Aki Fukuoka

When is a giraffe not a giraffe ...? Jack is fearful of the dreadful 'giraffe' that everyone talks about thumping and bumping around the house, trying to get in. His imagination knows no bounds. So why does Mum laugh and tell him he's being silly?
(Scholastic, September 2011)

Lucy Davey, illustrated by Phillip Webb

Even spiders need friends ... Playful tarantula, Lenny Lassoo, loves to spring scares on people looking into his cage at the zoo. But what he really wants most in the world, is to have a friend to share his 'BOO' with. So when the glass of his cage is broken one day, off he goes in search of such a friend ...
(Scholastic, September 2011)

Chris Grosz

Chris Grosz captures in words and pictures the adventuring life of sailor, soldier, deserter, outlaw and Hau Hau slave, Kimball Bent. After signing up for the Queen's shilling, Bent was sent to New Zealand in the 1860s, on the eve of the tumultuous Taranaki land wars. An act of defiance saw Bent deserting the army, and his eventual adoption by Maori tribes.
(Random House NZ, September 2011)

Beatrice Rodriguez

Rooster, Hare and Bear bid adieu to Fox and Chicken, and start their sea voyage back home to the farm. But it's no pleasure cruise. En route they wash up on a deserted island, where Rooster discovers a mysterious white orb. A wordless adventure tale.
(Gecko Press, September 2011)

David Hair

A story that spans 900 years. The action swings from the floodlit studios of Mumbai to the glittering Rajput courts, as Vikram and his friends battle an age-old adversary whose power is growing like never before ... The Return of Ravana Book II.
(Penguin NZ, September 2011)

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki

I Spy NZ Art matches works by 26 artists to the letters of the alphabet to create New Zealand's first art-based ABC book. 'Our idea was to encourage young readers to look for items and ideas within the illustrations that begin with a letter of the alphabet,' says project coordinator Julia Waite.

Heather McQuillan

Ashlee is terrified of birds. Everybody in the Citadel is. In their stories birds are blamed for the Plague that destroyed civilisation and now, over sixty years later, the Sanctuary Guards patrol the reclaimed city and keep it free of birds and other dangers…
(Scholastic NZ, September 2011)

Peter Harold

Which All Black is exactly 2 metres tall? Who was given the nickname Fluffy? Find out more about your favourite All Blacks inside this fabulous Team Guide. Includes playing positions, debut dates and fun facts - plus a page in the back for autographs! (Puffin, August 2011)

by Lucy Davey/Harriet Bailey

Every morning, Mum has to give her seven sons a hurry-up, but dear little Shirley is always up and ready to go …“Good girl, Shirl!” The boys decide to teach Shirl a lesson that involves changing the time on the alarm clock … ( Scholastic, August 2011)

Joy Cowley Illustrated by Phillip Fickling

Robby the Robot has lost his toe and none of the shops are selling toes for such an old model. But when Robby moves his search to the nearby dump, he finds something even better. At the dump, Robby meets Hoot - a small blue car destined for the crusher. Together they must escape the terrible security droids ... (Puffin, August 2011)

By Schossow, Peter Translated by Spencer,

A young boy receives a pedal car from his grandpa, but it's old, rusty and needs work. Grandpa gives the young boy instructions on how to use it, then the boy and his brother go off for an adventure in the car. They careen round corners, barrage through wasp nests, and nearly go flying off a cliff, before crashing into a creek and pushing the car back home, exhausted. (Gecko Press, August 2011)

by Kyle Mewburn/Donovan Bixley

A terrible flu is sweeping through Arg's valley, causing all sorts of snotty problems for Arg and his tribe. But there's soon a much bigger problem to deal with, when Arg discovers people flu can be deadly to dinosaurs. If it reaches the secret valley, the dinosaurs are doomed! Saving the dinosaurs from people flu will send Arg and Skeet
off on their snottiest adventure yet. (Scholastic, August 2011)

by Kyle Mewburn/Donovan Bixley

It’s hard being the only evolved boy in your tribe. Arg does his best to fit in. But nobody really understands him. His mum is bewildered by his desire to wear clothes. His dad tries to be supportive of Arg's new ways but he secretly hopes Arg will grow up to be just like any other Neanderthal. Arg's life is changed forever when he meets Skeet, an equally evolved talking T-rex. (Scholastic, August 2011)

by Jenny Hessell/Donovan Bixley

Its night time and Phoebe needs to go to the toilet. As she ventures down the hall she thinks she is being followed by monsters. But is she? (Scholastic, August 2011)
Its night time and Phoebe needs to go to the toilet. As she ventures down the hall she thinks she is being followed by monsters. But is she

By Mathieu Benedicte, Rambion, Myrtille Illustrated by DebatAurelien

A book for sports lovers. Everything from the origin of the Olympics and the history of rugby, football and tennis, to the health benefits of sport; from politics and doping to sports around the world; to playing for fun or as a professional; and more. (Gecko Press, August 2011)

Amy Brown

At the time, offering to take home the worst-behaved pony at the Showjumping Champs seemed like a brave decision. Now, back in Mr White’s paddock, too nervous to even mount her five-year-old monster, Taniwha, Jade is feeling stupid. (HarperCollins NZ)

Belynda Smith, illustrated by Marie Sanders

Polly keeps waking up and getting out of bed and her mother keeps putting her back. Finally she lets Polly into bed with her. But is it really Polly? (David Ling Publishing Ltd)

P. Crumble, illustrated by Errol McCleary

A retelling of the classic There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly with a unique and fun Kiwi angle. (Scholastic NZ)

Dave Gunson

All About New Zealand's Freshwater Life, written and illustrated by artist, children's book writer and nature lover Dave Gunson, introduces around 60 of our most interesting or spectacular water creatures and plants. (New Holland)

Melinda Szymanik, illustrated by Gabriella Klepatski

Michael has to stay with his Granny by the sea while his parents are away on an adventure but when the house floats away the real adventures begin. (David Ling Publishing Ltd)

Hone Tuwhare

Bringing together a wide variety of approaches - haikus, lyrics, laments, conversations, narratives, traditional form and modern, English and Maori - this volume showcases the finest examples of Hone's poetry. (Random House NZ)

Elizabeth Pulford, illustrated by Aki Fukuoka

When Lily hears a plaintive meowing in the bushes, she breaks all the rules by leaving the grounds of Amelia's Angel Academy and bringing a little kitten into her room. Lily has to find a disguise for the kitten before racing off to practise for the concert. (Scholastic NZ)

Elizabeth Pulford, illustrated by Aki Fukuoka

Lily is the littlest angel at Amelia's Angel Academy, and it's time for her to sit a test to qualify for her wings and a proper place at the academy. However, there is only one place available, and two angels are vying for it. When everything keeps going wrong for Lily, she begins to wonder if the other angel might be sabotaging her ... (Scholastic NZ)

various

How did the All Blacks get their name? What are the essential tools an All Black needs? Learn the answers to these questions and more inside this bumper Rugby Guide. Includes simple lessons on technique from your favourite players, and a glossary of rugby terms – so you too can be an expert. (Penguin NZ)

Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Harriet Bailey

When boisterous big-sister Hester finds her pernickity little-brother Lester sitting sadly in the forest, she's keen to put things right. Making a little brother happy isn't always easy - even with a very active imagination! But as they embark on an imaginary adventure, Lester learns something important. Hester and Lester is about the power of imagination, and a special sibling bond.
(Random House, June 2011)

Anna Mackenzie

A year on from the aggressive attacks against them, the farming community at Ebony Hill still shows the cracks. Everyone is uneasy - workers watch their backs when out in the fields. When it becomes clear the paramilitaries aren't about to give up, hard decisions must be made.
(Random House, June 2011)

Maria Gill, illustrated by Heather Arnold

Described as 'grey ghosts' because they are seldom seen in New Zealand forests, kokako are known for their incredible song. This book delves into their world - one preyed upon by predators in a shrinking habitat.
(New Holland, June 2011)

Kazumi Yumoto, illustrated by Komoko Sakai

A beautiful picture book about loneliness, loss and grief, ending with a positive new beginning.
(Gecko Press, June 2011)

illustrated by Donovan Bixley

This is a book that will keep Kiwi kids and adults laughing for hours. And what’s more, it’s homegrown! This joke book is a way to support Cure Kids, the charity that gives children who live with an illness the opportunity to step back and just enjoy life, and which funds research into life-threatening childhood illnesses.

(Scholastic, June 2011)

Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Sarah N. Anderson

If you found a big red button in the middle of a forest, would you push it? Even if it said ‘DO NOT PUSH’ in big red letters?

When Cam decides to give the button just a LITTLE push, he doesn’t think anybody will notice. But he’s in for a big surprise!

(Scholastic, June 2011)

Jenny Hessell, illustrated by Trevor Pye

Grandma McGarvey (always ready to try something new) decides to give ‘Surfing for Seniors’ a try, and is shocked to find that it doesn’t involve the sea at all! And that words like Net, Google, Blackberry and mouse have developed new meanings, totally foreign to her.

(Scholastic, June 2011)

Jane Buxton, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

Harry Brown won’t brush his hair. First the birds move in, then a couple of lizards, some chinchillas and who knows what else? Soon Harry is a walking menagerie. His unusual hair brings him lots of attention and not a little fame, but is this what Harry really wants?

(Penguin NZ, June 2011)

Jane Buxton, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

According to Ria’s parents, the most important thing a young wrybill must learn is how to stay still and silent whenever a predator is near. But Ria is a reckless wrybill, and she doesn’t want to stay hidden in the river stones.

(Penguin NZ, June 2011)

Sally Sutton, illustrated by Dave Gunson

Who would've known that young pukeko experience the same anxieties of teens everywhere?! A humorously written diary of young pukeko as he trains for the annual Swim-Fly-Run triathlon event in an effort to beat his arch rival, Billy Flicktail the weka, and win the attentions of the gorgeous Indigo Tuk-tuk.
(Scholastic, May 2011)

Fleur Beale

Jake's life is sweet. He's got no money and doesn't have a mobile, but he's got two best mates; Buzz and Robbie. Then Robbie has the idea of the century: rescue the old wreck from the ditch and make it into a paddock basher. Yes! Buzz, however, puts a spanner in the works by saying he's not paying for it all.
(Random House, May 2011)

Masayuki Sebe

There's more to this book than you first think - you can look for sets of ten, discuss the different colours and animals, look for the little stories and jokes on each page, see how each spread leads on to the next, or just count to 100 over and over!
(Gecko Press, May 2011)

Jennifer Beck, illustrated by Lisa Allen

This evocative story celebrates an important day on the New Zealand farming calendar through the eyes of a young boy and his sister. Light, humorous illustrations by Lisa Allen capture life on the farm, with the fun of calf day, trapping eels in the creek, building tree huts and keeping rabbits.
(New Holland Publishers, May 2011)

Sherryl Jordan

Girls can do anything - even summon dragons. Ari longs to be a dragon summoner like Poppy Loddo, but it is forbidden. Then one day the chance arises, and Ari discovers a different destiny; one that is even more powerful - a chance to rewrite history.
(Scholastic, May 2011)

Kath Beattie

Reuben Radcliffe's father owns the store in the small township of Waipapa. When the bank forecloses on a loan, Reuben and his family are forced to leave their home and move into a tent. With no money and little food, Reuben has to leave school and find work.
(Scholastic, May 2011)

Jill Harris

Two brothers, Simon and Jem, are itching to start their summer holiday with their granddad - a whole month at the lake. However, the boys find the friendly lake has changed. There are barbed-wire fences and a caretaker whose wife and kids look terrified. What's going on behind the new fences?
(HarperCollins, May 2011)

Joanna Orwin

Several generations after volcanic eruptions and tsunamis caused the onset of the Dark, the descendants of the few survivors are struggling to maintain their tenuous communities in swamplands at the far northern end of New Zealand. Now food and resources are dwindling, and the real hope for the future rests with the youths selected every five years as Travellers, their goal being to venture into the devastated mainland in search of other people and any remaining food sources.
(HarperCollins, May 2011)

Diana Neild, illustrated by Philip Webb

Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig is back in a new adventure, wherein the Jig family exhibit the famous Kiwi No.8 fencing wire mentality. Piggity's dreams of sleeping in his own little tent are almost dashed when they find a tent pole missing. However, resourcefulness reigns!
(Scholastic, May 2011)

Elizabeth Pulford, illustrated by Philip Webb

Under the instructions of Morris the Magician, Sir Omelet and his trusty squire Peabody (and not-so-noble steed Noodle) must go in search for the egg of the Rotten bird if they are to have any hope of getting the kidnapped Lady Eggwena back.
(Scholastic, May 2011)

Matt Elliot, Chris Slane

A fictional story (based on fact) of a Kiwi lad as he heads away, full of excitement, to war with his mates from rural New Zealand. There he encounters the horror that was the Western front.
(HarperCollins NZ, April 2011)

Joy Cowley, illustrated by Gavin Bishop

A delightful and joyous collection of illustrated short stories for reading aloud to young children. This is Joy Cowley at her child-friendly best! With illustrations by Gavin Bishop.
(Gecko Press, April 2011)

Barbara Else

In the reign of Lady Gall (Provisional Monarch of Fontania), the word ‘magic’ is forbidden...
When 12 year old Jasper Ludlow’s parents flee the city, he gets left behind and finds refuge on The Travelling Restaurant, a sailing ship captained by old Dr Rocket and crewed by feisty Polly.
(Gecko Press, April 2011)

James Norcliffe

The Loblolly boy wants his old life back and his plight is all the more poignant for his searching. In this stunning junior fiction fantasy sequel to The Loblolly Boy Michael convinces the unhappy boy at the Great Hall to Exchange with him once again.
(Random House NZ, April 2011)

Raymond McGrath

Oh no! Nick has lost his best friend, Scraps. Luckily there are plenty of people happy to reunite the two, and with a little help from the whole town, Scraps goes on a whirlwind journey all the way home.
(Puffin, April 2011)

Melanie Koster, illustrated by Sarah Nelisisiwe Anderson

Milly Maloo is in despair as she has a grand garden party to attend and no hat to wear. So she uses miracle glue to accessorise a hat borrowed from her neighbour, Penelope Primm. Unfortunately, when it comes time to return the hat, Milly can’t remove the
accessories she’s added … which leads to a new and exciting friendship.

(Scholastic NZ, April 2011)

Jackie Rutherford

Light-hearted, humorous story about three siblings aged 18,15 and 14 whose parents go to Europe for a month, supposedly leaving them in the care of their aunt with the
neighbour as back-up. However, even the best-laid plans go awry and the kids discover a freedom they’ve never had before.
(Scholastic NZ, April 2011)

Betty Brownlie

Did you know that when it’s cold, the tuatara’s heart may beat only once in four minutes, and several minutes might pass between each breath? However, when it’s hot, the heart might beat up to forty times per minute.

(Scholastic NZ, April 2011)

Betty Brownlie

Did you know that frogs never drink water?
And that they always blink when eating food?
Or that frogs will die if their skin dries out?
(Scholastic NZ, April 2011)

David Hair

Handguns and flintlocks, technology and magic, modern teens and mythological beings, all collide in this thrilling young adults fantasy novel from the writer who defines the new genre of Maori Gothic.
(HarperCollins NZ, April 2011)

Elizabeth Pulford, illustrated by Philip Webb

Under the instructions of Morris the Magician, Sir Omelet and his trusty squire Peabody (and not-sonoble steed Noodle) must go in search for the egg of the Rotten bird if they are to have any hope of getting the kidnapped Lady Eggwena back.
(Scholastic NZ, April 2011)

Kyle Mewburn, Deborah Hinde (illust.)

No-Ears is not a happy elephant. Constantly teased for being different, it’s not until the old grand-daddy bull elephant finds himself in a spot of bother that No-Ears discovers that being different can be an advantage! Maori edition also available.
(Scholastic, March 2011)

Kyle Mewburn, Deborah Hinde (illust.)

Maori edition of Three Cheers for No Ears: No-Ears is not a happy elephant. Constantly teased for being different, it’s not until the old grand-daddy bull elephant finds himself in a spot of bother that No-Ears discovers that being different can be an advantage!
(Scholastic, March 2011)

Catherine Foreman

Prepare to be delighted by Cat and his colourful pyjamas ̶ one pair for each night of the week ̶ in the first book by this talented new writer/illustrator. Both Canadian English and Canadian French rights have already been acquired. Maori edition also available.
(Scholastic, March 2011)

Catherine Foreman

Maori edition of The Cat's Pyjamas: prepare to be delighted by Cat and his colourful pyjamas ̶ one pair for each night of the week ̶ in the first book by this talented new writer/illustrator. Both Canadian English and Canadian French rights have already been acquired.
(Scholastic, March 2011)

Juliette MacIver, Scott Tulloch (illust.)

The author of Marmaduke Duck and the Marmalade Jam brings us a charming cautionary tale about an encounter between a boy and a dragon, complemented by warm, humorous illustrations.
(Scholastic, March 2011)

Leonie Agnew

The winner of the Tom Fitzgibbon Award 2010, this is a hilarious read, particularly suited to boy readers in the 8-12 year age bracket. Is Finn Marsh a superhero ... or super loser?
(Scholastic, March 2011)

David Hair

Jodhpur, India, 2010: at the site of ancient Mandore, four teenagers realise a deathless king and his ghostly brides are hunting them down. As vicious forces from the past come alive, they need to unlock truths that have been hidden for centuries and fight an ancient battle.
(Penguin, March 2011)

Lynley Dodd

When Hairy Maclary decides to snoop inside a delivery van, he’s in for a chaotic adventure. Has Hairy ever created such havoc? This is the board book edition of the latest Hairy Maclary adventure.
(Penguin, March 2011)

Feana Tu’akoi, Elspeth Alix Batt (illust.)

An inter-generational story in time for ANZAC Day, that recognises the importance of remembering those who fought for our freedom, and has stunning illustrations. Maori edition also available.
(Scholastic, March 2011)

Feana Tu’akoi, Elspeth Alix Batt (illust.)

The Maori edition of Lest We Forget: an inter-generational story in time for ANZAC Day, that recognises the importance of remembering those who fought for our freedom, and has stunning illustrations.
(Scholastic, March 2011)

Ken Catran

The legendary Nina of the Dark has come into her power and won a mighty kingdom - but her battle has just begun. The witchers, those dark lords of evil, still plague the land … and seek Nina’s death.
(HarperCollins, March 2011)

Moni Port, Phillip Waechter (illust.)

Once upon a time there was a little girl called Helena. Her life was almost perfect. Only one thing spoiled it. Helena’s father was too loud!
(Gecko Press, March 2011)

Mandy Hager

Maryam fights for her life, freedom and love in this finale to the Blood of the Lamb series.
(Random House, March 2011)

Betty Brownlie

Did you know that the monarch butterfly can fly only after the sun has warmed its wings? Or that monarchs can fly great distances - covering 2000 kilometres in 2-4 days? You will be fascinated by the background story of these beautiful creatures, often found fluttering through our gardens.
(Scholastic, January 2011)

Betty Brownlie

Did you know that the male kiwi incubates the eggs while the female guards the nesting burrow? Or that the kiwi egg is so huge that for several days before laying it, the female kiwi is unable to eat because there's no room for food?
(Scholastic, January 2011)

Janine McVeagh

A story of daily life in the Depression years, culminating in the Napier earthquake, captured through the diary of Katie Bourke. First published in 2004, this edition has an attractive new cover.
(Scholastic, February 2011)

Des Hunt

Danny is dreading the summer holiday visit by his hyper cousin, Nick. There is no predicting what Nick will get up to, especially when he’s off his Ritalin. However, Nick proves to be the least of Danny’s problems when bird flu hits the Otago Peninsula.
(HarperCollins, February 2011)

Various, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

Assorted Kiwi Stories, Volume 2: including stories from William Taylor, David Hill, Kyle Mewburn, Lorraine Orman, Janice Marriott, Sherryl Jordan, Melinda Szymanik, there’s something for every taste, from the rib-ticklingly funny to the frightfully creepy.
(Scholastic, February 2011)

Moira Wairama, illustrated by Bruce Potter

In ancient times in Aotearoa, there was a beautiful lake in which there dwelt two monstrous taniwha. Their names were Whataitai and Ngake. But when Ngake gets bored and decides to break free to the ocean his actions have far reaching consequences and help shape the landscape of our capital city. This book is available in Maori with the title Nga Taniwha i te Whanga-nui-a-tara.
(Penguin, January 2011)

Peter Bland, Illustrated by Joanna Bland

When Gulls Fly High is actor and poet Peter Bland's second collection of children's verse following the popular The Night Kite. Illustrated by Peter's daughter, Joanna Bland, this lively, humorous and often thought-provoking collection of poetry will appeal to readers of all ages.
(Penguin, January 2011)

Adele Broadbent

Hastings in the 1930s: Wee Jack Baines lives in the shadow of his older brother. But when Jack’s uncle notices his talent with horses, Jack makes the courageous move to leave home to become an apprentice jockey. Soon a natural disaster (the 1931 Napier earthquake) will change his life forever — will he have the courage and the luck to survive?
(HarperCollins, January 2011)

Sandra Keyworth, illustrated by Andy Rainford

This is the story of Wiri, the cutest Weta, whose happy life is interrupted by a screaming man with a torch. Wiri has an adventure before finding a new home in the Old Gold Mine at Zealandia, the eco sanctuary in Wellington.
(Big Books Small Books, December 2010)

Barbara Todd, illustrated by Helen Taylor

This fourth title in New Holland's 'I am a ...' series introduces the very young to the giants of the deep that live in oceans all around the world. At an easy-to-grasp level, the book covers the differences between toothed and baleen whales, their methods of hunting, their breeding and migration habits and the need to conserve their habitat.
(New Holland Publishers, December 2010)

Diana Noonan, illustrated by Gavin Bishop

On a cold Christchurch morning, while the city was sleeping, curled up on the end of his friend Emma's bed, Tiger woke with a start. Around him, the city was rolling and quaking…Written in response to the Canterbury earthquake, this evocative, uplifting story will touch the hearts of all who read it.
(Scholastic, December 2010)

illustrated by Donovan Bixley

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 you just might know: kiwi, penguin, tuatara, fantail and many more. Come along for the ride!
(Hachette, November 2010)

Anna Crosbie, illustrated by Scott Tulloch

The nursery rhyme Old MacDonald had a farm is retold with a New Zealand twist. After inheriting the family farm and modernising it with new machinery, young Trev MacDonald is ready to try his luck at the local A&P show. Does he have what it takes to win Best in Show ?
(HarperCollins, November 2010)

A. Machowiak & D.Mizielinski

Have you ever seen a house without walls? What kind of house can homeless people have? Would you prefer to live in a moon, in a nut...or inside a sewage pipe? Architecture is amazing! House is a book about contemporary architecture for children and demonstrates that the space we live in doesn't have to be a dull cube.
(Gecko Press, November 2010)

Margaret Mahy, illustrated by David Elliot

This is a heart-warming story about a grumpy farmer whose animals keep him awake at night singing and dancing by the light of the moon. Eventually he is won over by the moon and the animals and learns how to be happy.
(Random House, November 2010)

Kingi M. Ihaka, illustrated by Dick Frizzell

A New Zealand adaptation of the 12 Days of Christmas adapted by Kingi M Ihaka.
(Penguin, November 2010)

Simon Clearwater, illustrated by Andrew Dopheide

Alf Red builds a marvellous rocket from broccoli, corn chips and Parmesan cheese. But when his little brother steals the rocket and crash lands on the moon Alf isn't sure how he is going to rescue him.
(Penguin, November 2010)

Craig Smith, illustrated by Maureen Thomson

Willbee the bumblebee is so embarrassed when he realises his stripy jumper has caught on a rose thorn and completely unravelled ... The story of Willbee the Bumblebee is one that Craig Smith’s mother, Maureen Thomson, used to tell him as a child.
(Scholastic NZ, October 2010)

Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Michaela Sangl

Daisy lives at the top of a tall tower in the middle of a maze and has her friends to tea every Tuesday. Mistaking their weariness for boredom, Daisy decides to make her tower even taller and her maze even more amazing and her friends get totally lost!
(Scholastic NZ, October 2010)

Chris Gurney, illustrated by Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson

When Little Red has to get on her bike to take some bikkies to her Nana who is crook, the cunning kuri gets there first! But he's no match for team Little Red ...
(Scholastic NZ, October 2010)

Chris Gurney, illustrated by Philip Webb

Miserly old Jerry from the Kai Corner Dairy is the New Zealand equivalent of Scrooge. Children will love spotting the odd kiwi icon in Webb's humorous illustrations.
(Scholastic NZ, October 2010)

Various

A collection of great stories written by NZ children between the ages of 5 and 13 - all winners of the Scholastic Short Story Competition.
(Scholastic NZ, October 2010)

Diana Neild, illustrated by Philip Webb

Piggity-Wiggity Jiggity Jig's Book of Pigtivities is packed with fun activities! Full of fun and character, this activity book will keep kids amused for hours with puzzles, things to make and stickers. Includes: Spot the difference; Join the dots; Make your own Piggity puppets; Colouring in; Piggity biscuit recipes - and more!
(Scholastic NZ, October 2010)

Juliette MacIver, illustrated by Sarah Davis

Then down to the river came a little green frog and a hog from the bog and a dog on a jog, all a-quiver by the river where Marmaduke swam - Marmaduke Duck eating marmalade jam. Rhyme and hilarious action makes this a truly wonderful read aloud title.
(Scholastic NZ, october 2010)

Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Helen Craig

This is a picture book about the Castle family, their plum tree and the enormous quantities of jam Mr Castle makes. The family end up eating jam for all three meals a day, dreaming of jam and dreading the day when, once more, the plum tree is ripe and laden with fruit.
(Penguin, October 2010)

Victoria M. Azaro

'Mum is doing yoga. She does a lot of yoga now. The doctor says she is twenty-two weeks pregnant, but I think she is like fifty or sixty weeks. Next time I will get him to check again.' Mum is having a baby, Sage is asking a million questions and Saffron's eccentric and peculiar aunties have just arrived from Argentina.
(Penguin, October 2010)

Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Selina Young

Let's go down to the sea this summery, Saturday morning, down the wiggly track, scattering shells and leaping logs! First the dogs chase the cat, next they chase a boy on a rattly bike - then the wild geese chase them ...
(Penguin, october 2010)

Jennifer Beck

Rufus the Rooster is a delightful picture book for children aged 3-7 years. Have you ever seen a rooster by the roadside? Have you wondered where he came from, and if he disappeared, where he might have gone? If so, read about Rufus!
(Polygraphia Ltd, October 2010)

Joy Cowley, illustrated by Sarah Davis

The fierce little woman lived in a house at the end of a jetty. She knitted socks in blue and green wool, to sell to sailors who had got their feet wet. But when there were no ships at her jetty, she was quite alone. One stormy day, a pirate came to the house on the jetty. He stood on his toes, and starting tap-tap-tapping on the window ...
(Gecko Press, October 2010)

Jenny Pattrick, illustrated by Jez Tuya

Little Will can count lots of adult godwits, but why can't he see any godwit chicks? The answer is more incredible than he could possibly imagine. This story explains the migration of this fascinating bird. The book is accompanied by a CD of 17 specially written lyrical, funny, toe-tapping songs.
(Random House, October 2010)

Brian Falkner

It all started with a book. The most boring book in the world! So boring that nobody would ever read it. The perfect place to hide a terrible secret. But now the book has emerged from its hiding place and the world may never be the same. Brian Falkner is the award-winning author of several novels for children and young adults.
(Walker Books Australia, October 2010)

Soledad Bravi

The owl goes hoo hoo, the cat goes meow, the raindrop goes plop plop plop, the door goes knock knock. The baby goes waa waa, the daddy goes shhh, the kisses go smack. A unique boardbook with over 100 pages.
(Gecko Press, October 2010)

Sally Sutton, illustrated by Brian Lovelock

This book is made with machine-mad pre-school boys in mind, though girls will also love the exciting noise-words, rhythms and rhymes. Roadworks aims to differ from other machine books in that it shows an actual project being completed from start to finish, in this case, the building of a road. Available in Maori language (Mahiara).
(Walker Books Australia, October 2010)

Peter Schossow

A wordless picture book that celebrates making the best out of any situation.
(Gecko Press, Cctober 2010)

Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jenny Williams

A young boy who agrees to take care of a witch's shadow while she is on vacation finds that having two shadows creates some unexpected problems.
(Penguin, October 2010)

Des Hunt, Scott Tulloch

his is a book about nature for naughty kids. Nice kids learn about the life-cycle of the monarch butterfly and tadpoles turning into frogs. Naughty kids want to know about squashed hedgehogs and dead pukeko. They want to see blood and guts and maggots. And dinosaurs. Don't forget the dinosaurs.
(HarperCollins, October 2010)

Diana Menefy

A powerful story from our colonial past, in which the bitter clash of two conflicting sets of cultural values is explored from the point of view of a young boy who survived the infamous massacre of the Boyd. This book is an evocative historical novel based on a true life tragedy which is both a classic adventure and a coming of age story.
(HarperCollins, October 2010)

Yvonne Morrison, illustrated by Deborah Hinde

Brian is a new lamb born to a couple of the sheep that pull Santa's tractor. But Brian doesn't like rugby - or flying, for that matter. He'd much rather gaze at the stars than fly through them. But brainy Brian's talents prove essential when the team are fog-bound on Christmas Eve.
(Scholastic, October 2010)

Various, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

Assorted Kiwi Stories Volume 1: 16 short stories to tickle the tastebuds! Stories from popular NZ authors such as Joy Cowley, David Hill, Janice Marriott, Bill Nagelkerke, Feana Tu'akoi, Elizabeth Pulford, Moira Wairama ...stories that you can pick up and dip into and which will take only minutes to devour.
(Scholastic, October 2010)

Shirley Corlett

No matter how hard Addie tries, mishaps just seem to happen to her. Bullied at school, Addie escapes to a world of imaginary friends. Together with Hubert the hapless Addie is determined to break the accident spell ...however not before many other mishaps come Addie's way. But finally, Addie learns to believe in herself, and her luck changes.
(Scholastic, October 2010)

Lynley Dodd

The Christmas tree looks splendid, with trinkets and tinsel, baubles and bows. But what happens when Slinky Malinki comes onto the scene? llustrations and text by Lynley Dodd.
(Penguin, October 2010)

Dawn McMillan

Georgia is wondering, should she kiss Tommy Aitkins? In a normal book she would make her decision and we'd be stuck with it whether we agreed with her or not! But this is not a normal book. In Should I kiss Tommy Aitkins, you, the reader, make the choices. You decide what Georgia does and then read on to see how your choice affects her life.
(Penguin, October 2010)

Helen Taylor

Fantail is looking for Takahe but where can he be? Is he playing with Weka in the snow? Or maybe dancing with Kakapo in the glow of the moon? Perhaps he is splashing through puddles with long-legged Pukeko? Look carefully and you'll see that perhaps he has been right here, all along.
(Penguin, October 2010)

Diana Noonan and Keith Olsen

This highly illustrated guide has been written specifically for the young gardener. It contains all the essential information you need to start a garden plus information on the most popular plants young gardeners might like to cultivate.
(Penguin NZ, September 2010)

Fleur Beale

Juno and the Taris inhabitants must leave their dying island. The young people look forward to a wider life Outside, but Outside too has its problems. Features a ground breaking new cross-media technique - at the end of each chapter readers will be referred to an online blog featuring additional conversations/commentary from the characters in the novel.
(Random House NZ, September 2010)

Margaret Mahy

A thrilling tale of danger, ghosts and secret experiments hidden deep in the forest.
(Gecko Press, September 2010)

Lucy Davey, illustrated by Katz Cowley

When Timpkin gets an itch, Feather McDoo offers to scratch it for him, then Feather gets an itch, so along comes Possum Pie to help ... But what happens when you're the last animal in the line? Who's going to scratch your itch? A bit of teamwork is required to solve the problem!
(Scholastic NZ, September 2010)

Diana Noonan, illustrated by Linda McClelland

A reassuring book for all children who ever 'misplace' their special toy. Everyone who has a bear sometimes gets a little worried about their furry friend, which is why it's good to contact Toby. He's the bear with the best bear advice.
(Scholastic NZ, September 2010)

Michael Oehley

Flung into the ancient city of Periapoli amidst fires and riots, Daren Saner discovers he is the 'Forbidden Child' - a peasant boy with four strange powers. His destiny will decide the fate of two worlds.
(Scholastic NZ, September 2010)

Gavin Bishop

Animal babies, counting, and sound effects!
(Random House NZ, September 2010)

Andrew Crowe

A handy guide to the identification of New Zealand insects. Condensed from Andrew Crowe's popular bestseller Which New Zealand Insect?, this little book has been designed to fit into a pocket, day pack or bag.
(Penguin NZ, September 2010)

Jesse O

Imagine you wake up one morning and discover that a pandemic is sweeping the country and you can't leave your house. You have to stay home for more than a few days - possibly weeks and maybe even months. For 12-year-old Zac Flint and his family this is the reality they face.
(Penguin NZ, September 2010)

Kyle Mewburn and Vasanti Unka

Hill and Hole are best friends. Hill loves being a hill, but sometimes he wishes he could be a hole and feel the earth breathing beneath him. Hole loves being a hole but just once would love to see the sun rising. So they ask mole if he can help.
(Penguin NZ, September 2010)

Jane Buxton, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

According to Ria's parents, the most important thing a young wrybill must learn is how to stay still and silent whenever a predator is near. But Ria is a reckless wrybill, and she doesn't want to stay hidden in the river stones.
(Penguin NZ, September 2010)

Maurice Shadbolt, illustrated by Renee Haggo

The impossible becomes possible... In Maurice Shadbolt's only known children's story, published here for the first time and beautifully illustrated by Renee Haggo, Thomas saves his town from a wandering mountain and gives an insight into why people paint.
(David Bateman Ltd, September 2010)

Janene Cooper, illustrated by Evie Kent

All dogs should be like this! Everybody tells her how dogs should be, but this girl knows better. This is a delightfully warm story about a little girl and her unruly, loveable best friend.
(David Bateman Ltd, September 2010)

Dorothy Butler, illustrated by Lyn Kriegler

From one of our bestselling author/illustrator partnerships, a wonderfully whimsical story of a birthday party that doesn't go quite according to plan.
(David Bateman Ltd, September 2010)

Ulf Stark, translated by Julia Marshall

Simone is twelve. When her new teacher mistakes her for a boy called Simon, the trouble really begins - and it doesn’t stop!
All sorts of things start to go wrong, like lost dogs and ducks in the classroom and stolen handbags... Simone is constantly getting into trouble, even though she doesn’t mean to (most of the time).
(Gecko Press, September 2010)

Nikki Slade Robinson

Hannah is a small girl with humungous hair! With help from Aunt Tallpoppy, she (and her hair) have a heroic result.

(Scholastic NZ, July 2010)

by Chris Gurney, illustrated by Christine Ross

The Emperor’s New Clothes is retold with a unique Kiwi slant! The Mayor of Waikakamukau shows everyone just how smart he is in this funny Kiwi take on the classic story. Part of the Kiwi Corkers series.

(Scholastic NZ, July 2010)

by Amy Brown

It must be fate. After a family tragedy, Jade Lennox has moved to tiny Flaxton to live with her grandfather. A whole year in the middle of nowhere, and the future looks bleak. That was until she meets a stray pony destined for the abbatoir that it becomes her mission to save.

(HarperCollins NZ, July 2010)

Susan Brocker

Featherston in the Second World War is a tough and bleak place for fourteen-year-old Bella. Her father is away fighting overseas, while his family fight to save their farm from ruin and keep his dreams alive. Bella, her mother, and older sister have to cope with a lot, including a terrifying, bad-tempered racehorse called Gipsy.

(HarperCollins NZ, July 2010)

by Peter Millett

Meet Charlie Applejack, the galaxy’s most exciting new superhero. Charlie’s career as a superhero might be over before it’s even begun—the Super School has rejected him. But when the galaxy’s most sensational new evil villain, General Pandemonium, takes all of the world’s superheroes hostage, and threatens to vaporise every pair of pants on the planet, it’s up to Charlie to save the day.

(Faber and Faber, July 2010)

by Alan Palmer, illustrated by Scott Pearson

A delightfully quirky picture book that shows us short cuts aren't always the best way to solve your problems. When Lucy gets tired of her mother demanding she does the dishes, her clever solution only creates more problems. Wonderfully vibrant illustrations accompany the story perfectly.

(Puffin NZ, 28 June 2010

by Fleur Beale

The Tidy Street parents are on the warpath. 'Leave this street,' they say to Quin Majik. 'Immediately.' Of course Quin isn't going anywhere. Instead he and Fred Smart hatch a scheme with stilts, codes and cunning to liberate the Tidy Street kids from The Rules and let them have some fun.

(Puffin NZ, 28 June 2010)

by Malcolm Paterson, illustrated by Leah Mulgrew

Tui and his cousin Jennifer are much too busy playing a video game to want to visit Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill. But then Nanny Marei tells them the mountain's got giants and fortresses, just like their game! Explore Maungakiekie with Tui and Jennifer as they travel back into its history.

(Oratia Media, July 2010)

by Gary Cross

London has been destroyed by fire, killing all the vampires - except one. Father Baldwin has escaped and is on the run with Mary who he has turned into one of the undead. With Lucius and Peter on their trail, Baldwin travels to the new world and discovers and ancient vampire race far superior and deadly than anything he could imagine.

(Puffin NZ, 28 June 2010)

by Ken Catran

There's something wrong with this picture. Robert lives in a small, prosperous rural town where his father is a respected and trusted pillar of the local community and financial advisor to the eccentric but essentially harmless community of Atenists who live nearby. When Robert's father and uncle are killed in road accident his comfortable world rapidly begins to unravel.
(HarperCollins NZ, June 2010)

by Stacy Gregg

Competition is fierce at the All-Stars Academy -- can the new girl outshine her rivals? The Blainford 'All-Stars' Academy is the most elite horse riding school ever and it is auditions time for next year's new students!

(HarperCollins NZ, June 2010)

Terry Fitzgibbon

Simple black and white illustrations will engage baby and allow parents and caregivers to interact in a meaningful way with their baby – having fun and teaching at the same time. A Kiwi First Focus book.

(Penguin NZ, June 2010)

by John Parker

When there’s a creature on the loose in the school heating system, Zainey and Dan need to capture it before it finds a new home, or a new host! The sequel to Sucked In.

(Walker Books AU, June 2010)

by Barbara Todd, illustrated by Helen Taylor

The seals are New Zealand's largest group of native land-breeding mammals. Noisy and boisterous, they are a major coastal tourist attraction, too! The basic aspects of habitat, hunting, social behaviour and breeding are covered at an easy-to-grasp level, and the simple rhyming text helps young readers absorb the facts.
(New Holland, June 2010)

by Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson

When is a sofa not a sofa? When it is the entry to another world ... Nine-year-old Conor’s day doesn’t start well. His right arm seems to be missing! Then he appears to have grown horns. But it’s the next event that proves fateful. His mum catches her skirt on a loose spring in the sofa...
(Scholastic NZ, 21 June 2010)

by Paula Green, illustrated by Chris Grosz

Up in his treehut Oliver likes to read and to dream and to spy on what's going on in the house. One day he smells smoke and sees that the school is on fire - he watches while people call for help and the fire takes control and the fire brigade comes. But is it too late?
(Random House NZ, June 2010)

by Philippa Werry

Harry (short for Harriet) is supposed to be having her best year ever at school, but it's not turning out that way. Her brilliantly creative projects aren't always appreciated, and neither is her wild imagination. Then Mallory, the new girl with the unpronounceable surname, turns up, and Harry's imagination really takes off.
(Scholastic NZ, 21 June 2010)

by Chris Wintana, photographed by Andy Reisinger

This book includes the legends of Maui, Kupe, the Arawa canoe, Rona and the moon - and some less well known stories, such as the legend of the walking mountains, the fires of the earth, the flight of the greenstone people and the story of Wakatipu.
(HarperCollins NZ, June 2010)

by Ken Kimura, illustrated by Yasunari Murakami

In spring, Mother Frog laid nine hundred and ninety-nine eggs in the little pond. One warm day, out hatched nine hundred and ninety-nine tadpoles. They were tiny, but full of beans. Mother and Father Frog were delighted. They told their babies, 'Grow big. Grow strong.’
(Gecko Press, June 2010)

by Helen Lowe

Helen Lowe reimagines the Sleeping Beauty story from the point of view of the prince who is destined to wake the enchanted princess in this lush, romantic fantasy-adventure.
(Random House US, June 2010)

by Masayuki Sebe

Brightly-coloured cartoon dinosaurs of every shape and size feature in this collection of puzzles and games for young children, who will enjoy searching for hidden animals, matching up species, reading coded messages, finding their way through mazes, and numerous other attention-grabbing games.
(Gecko Press, June 2010)

by Helen Mckinlay, illustrated by Craig Smith

Grandma has been busy over the past few years. So it's about time she had another holiday, and this time she's taken her cat, Scratch, with her to London. Naturally she meets the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and in no time at all she's helping out at the Palace.
(HarperCollins NZ, June 2010)

By Sher Foley, illustrated by Deborah Hinde

Kiwi kids will love this homegrown version of The Three Little Pigs, where the wolf is substituted for a weasel and the houses are made from ferns, paua shells and hangi stones!
(Scholastic NZ, 21 June 2010)

by Queenie Rikihana Hyland, illustrated by Patrick Puru

Queenie Rikihana Hyland here 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.
(Penguin, June 2010)

by Chris Gurney, illustrated by Sarah Nelisiwe Anderson

“OUCH!” said Hester Lister,
for she had a nasty blister,
right on the tippy of her tongue …
Hester asks everyone to help her find a remedy for her pesky blister problem, but her journey has an unexpected result!
(Scholastic, May 2010)

Sherryl Jordan

Humorous novella about a pirate boy who really would rather be a dancer, written with Sherryl Jordan’s characteristic flair for language and stunningly illustrated in full colour by the author herself.
(Scholastic, May 2010)

by Ruth Paul

The dawn slips in on a dragonfly’s wing,
in through a porthole to wake up the King,
and in through the misty remains of the night,
come two little pirates preparing to fight …
Mum and Dad (the Queen and King) are woken one morning by their two wee boys, pretending to be pirates.
(Scholastic, May 2010)

by Diana Neild, illustrated by Philip Webb

All of Piggity-Wiggity’s brothers and sisters are too busy preparing for the school concert to play with him. But when showtime finally arrives, it's Piggity-Wiggity who saves the day!
(Scholastic, May 2010)

by Melanie Drewery, illustrated by Jenny Cooper

The incorrigible Maddie, first met in The Mad Tadpole Adventure, returns in another hilarious escapade with her little sister Molly and her best friend Buzz. This time, the girls create havoc for a new babysitter.
(Scholastic, May 2010)

by Mandy Hager

Maryam, Ruth and Joseph have fled Onewere, reluctantly taking Joseph's troublesome cousin, Lazarus, as well. They arrive at their destination, Marawa Island, filled with hope for rescue and reprieve. But at first glance the island appears to be solely populated by birds . . . Perhaps the Apostle's dire warnings about the fall-out of the Tribulation were true after all? The second book in the Blood in the Lamb trilogy.
(Longacre, April 2010)

by Anna Mackenzie

Ness is looking out to sea, waiting for the arrival of Dev. Ness's new home, the city of Vidya, is in ruins; the air is unsafe, and the buildings scarred by fire. Towers loom empty and hollow. The community of Vidya is bravely building a new society and Ness yearns to find a place where she might belong. A sequel to Sea-Wreck Stranger.
(Longacre, May 2010)

by Ken Benn

Rochelle has her hopes set on one day playing in the National Women’s Inline Hockey team. Her goal seems to slip from her reach as she gets sucked into her brother, Jack’s world of gangs and drug dealing. But is the gang life what Rochelle’s brother really wants or is it a choice his father has made for him?
(Penguin NZ, May 2010)

by Joke van Leeuwen

One day Warren sees something strange lying under a bush. He doesn’t know whether it is a bird in the form of a girl, or a girl in the form of a bird. He takes the creature home. His wife Tina wants to keep it and raise it as her own child. But it has wings…
(Gecko Press, May 2010)

by Paama-Pengelly, Julie

Offers a look at the Maori visual arts, emphasising on the design. Covering tattooing, drawing and painting, carving and weaving, this book explores the origination, evolution, and significance of the designs, and explains the materials and techniques used to create them.
(New Holland Books, May 2010)

Maurice Gee

When Hana’s mam chooses to swallow frogweed poison rather than die in the great witch-burning in People’s Square, Hana flees the burrows before she too is taken. Deep in the forest she meets Ben, son of Lo, and the two journey back to the burrows to find a way to destroy the Limping Man before his evil consumes the world. But first they must discover the secret of his strength. The third in the Salt trilogy.

(Penguin NZ, April 2010)

Adele Broadbent

Becs is a strictly urban, feisty, selfish 12-year-old, whose life is turned upside down when she moves to the country with her Mum and her new stepfamily to renovate an old house. There is no electricity and no cell phone coverage. Becs thinks she will die from boredom until she discovers a secret that will change her life…
(HarperCollins NZ, April 2010)

by Dianne Boles, illustrated by Aki Fukuoka, retold by Katerina Te Heikoko Mataira

It’s Witchy’s birthday, and she decides to make some special party food but alas, the cupboard is bare, and she can’t remember the magic word to restock it. She leaves her glasses behind by mistake, and while trying to buy witchy foods, ends up with the perfect ingredients for a party!

(Scholastic, April 2010)

Vince Ford

Jonty and Choc are best mates one Pakeha, one Maori. The story opens with the boys on their final day of primary school, pulling pranks on their teachers. They go to the beach and find a mysterious lump, which Choc is inexplicably drawn to. The lump causes him to have dreams of ancient times, but also makes him angry.

(Scholastic, April 2010)

Yvonne Morrison, illustrated by Ross Kinnaird

There are all kinds of Kiwi Mums, and Yvonne Morrison and Ross Kinnaird take a light-hearted look at some of them, glorying in their cultural diversity!

(Scholastic, April 2010)

Murray Ball

A bully by the name of Razour the rat has come to live in Barry Mouse’s neighbourhood. And in an effort to impress the beautiful Titanya, Barry decides to take on the rat. Barry’s bravado is matched only by his stupidity, but with Titanya’s help, the duo manage to outsmart the rat and go on to live happily ever after.

(Scholastic, April 2010)

David Hair

When Matiu Douglas and his friends defeated Puarata, the tohunga makutu, they thought they’d won the war. Instead they started one. Now his warlocks are fighting for supremacy in a violent struggle spreading across the magical land of Aotearoa and into our world. The outcome will be determined by the taniwha Mat has promised to save. The second in the series, which began with Bone Tiki.

(HarperCollins NZ, April 2010)

Glenda Kane, illustrated by Lisa Allen

A poignant look at war through the eyes of a former member of the 18th Battalion. Told in rhyme it takes place on Anzac Day when an old man and a young boy meet – the young boy wide-eyed and wanting to hear the glories of war and death; the old man quietly sad to remember the reality of what he faced.
(Penguin NZ, April 2010)

Leonie Thorpe

Anna is a well-behaved and obedient child, who is horrified when she organizes a school trip to her mother’s laboratory and discovers they experiment on live animals. When she discovers what fate holds for the sheep in the laboratory, she plans a rescue. A story of family bonds, courage, trust, and of growing up and making decisions for one’s self.
(HarperCollins NZ, April 2010)

Lindsay Wood

High school is hell. Corey is overweight and shy, spending all his spare time playing Counter-Strike on the computer. When his mum gives him an ultimatum - join a school sports team or broadband will be cancelled – he looks for the easiest sports option. Orienteering, he reads, can be ‘like a stroll in the park’ - yes! Unfortunately, it becomes a lot more challenging than it looked.

(HarperCollins NZ, April 2010)

Blexbolex

A stunning book exploring the cycle of seasons, the passage of time, the way people live, play, forget, remember… Through objects, places and actions, the world is revealed as both permanent and ever-changing.
(Gecko Press, April 2010)

Feana Tu’akoi, illustrated by Samantha Asri

Jonah is so excited to be starting kindergarten but when he finally gets there and looks in the window, he notices that everybody else seems to know each other and he knows nobody. He pleads with his mother to take him home again. The next day, Grandpa takes Jonah for a walk and lo and behold they end up at the kindergarten.

(Scholastic, March 2010)

Anna Kenna

Caitlin’s life is shattered when her mother is seriously injured in a freak accident. She struggles to find her bearings in a world that has totally changed. Her mother, once her rock, has tuned out. Her grandfather is angry and doesn’t want to know when Caitlin tries to tell him Mum’s bike was dodgy.

(Scholastic, March 2010)

Joy Cowley, illustrated by Phillip Webb, translated by Katerina te Heikōkō Mataira

'The lily pad is not always greener on the other side of the pond.' Once there was a frog who had been a prince. He knew he could become a prince again if he were kissed by a princess, but there’s this cute girl frog on the lily pad next door…

(Scholastic, March 2010)

Anna Gowan

When Hollie Chips and her mum move to Puriti Road, Hollie is baffled by the way her neighbours all keep to themselves. But Hollie is a remarkable little girl, and it isn t long before she has charmed her way into their lives… Winner of the 2009 Tom Fitzgibbon Award, this heart-warming book reinforces the value of community.

(Scholastic, March 2010)

D J Connell

Julian Corkle's got small-screenability. His mother tells him he'll be a star one day: “Twinkle, twinkle.” Julian Corkle Is a Filthy Liar follows Julian's bumpy journey through life as he lies his way through school and a series of dead-end jobs to ultimately find his calling.

(Blue Door, March 2010)

Raymond McGrath

Join our tiny kiwi hero as he counts his way down to bedtime, having fun and meeting new friends along the way.

(Penguin, March 2010)

Trudy Nicholson

The end of the summer brings new adventures for all three girls and their horses – and Suzy gets a fantastic opportunity to do something she never dreamed possible.

(Penguin, March 2010)

Trudy Nicholson

The girls have decided to compete at the National Grand Champion Show where an unexpected winner takes out the Supreme Champion Show Horse award. When they all return to White Cloud Station a mystery ride ends with a wrong turn, and an overnight stay at a haunted house …

(Penguin, March 2010)

Leon Davidson

The First World War was only meant to last six months. When the Australians and New Zealanders arrived at the Western Front in 1916, the fighting had been going for a year and a half and there was no end in sight. The Anzacs had sailed for France to fight a war the whole world was talking about. Few who came home ever spoke about it again.

(Text Publishing, March 2010)

Susan Brocker

Every ANZAC Day we celebrate our heroes, with many books written and stories told about the brave soldiers who fought and died in World War One. Until now the story of the loyal horses who carried our troops in the desert war has remained untold. Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses tells the tale of these valiant horses and the essential part they played in the war.

(HarperCollins, March 2010)

Stacy Gregg

Issie takes a summer job at Ginty McLintoch’s prestigious showjumping stables where she meets a talented chestnut pony called Flame. Issie must try to keep her head in the glamorous commercial world of showjumping and will face decisions that could change her life forever... Tempers will flare - may the best rider win!

(HarperCollins, March 2010)

Jack Lasenby

It’s the 1930s Depression, and Maggie’s growing up without a mother in the little Waikato dairying township of Waharoa. Maggie has to make do with her father’s friends, neighbours, and an old biddy who should know better but can’t help herself. Her pranks ultimately make her new friends along the way, who help her learn what a girl needs to know.

(HarperCollins, March 2010)

Kyle Mewburn

Tilda and her best friend have a fight and Tilda decides a monkey would be a much better companion. But Pop Hooper, the magical man of pets, has other ideas about what Tilda’s perfect pet might be. Can headstrong, impatient Tilda cope alone with a slow-moving turtle?

(Little Hare Books, March 2010)

Ole Konnecke

First Anton tries to make a tree vanish, but it’s too big.
He manages to make a bird disappear, and even his friend Luke.
But where did Luke go?
(Gecko Press, February 2010)

by Michele Mira Pons, illustrated by Marion Puech. Translated by Jean Anderson

All About Food: Step-by-Step explains food’s journey through the human body, its role, its history and why healthy eating is important.
(Gecko Press, February 2010)

Jean Benoit-Durand, illustrated by Robin Gindre. Translated by Jean Anderson

As far as we can tell, the earth is the only planet in the solar system where life exists. It is home to around 1.7 million known species, all kinds of plants and animals… and over 6 billion people. But before people appeared on the scene, what was here? Even the earth itself did not always exist! And when it first appeared, it looked nothing like the earth you know… (Gecko Press, February 2010)

Lindy Kelly, illustrated by Pauline Whimp

Would you know what to do if you were lost in the bush? Sam loves the amazing bush, but he knows he's not to go into the bush alone. When Tuffy the dog escapes, though, Sam rushes in to save him … and before long, Sam realizes he's lost! This book sets out the basic rules you should follow to help prevent getting lost.
(HarperCollins, February 2010)

Dave Gunson

Eventually bought by a family with young boys, Ducky’s early life is full of fun and excitement until the boys grow up and she is left all alone and sadly neglected on the bathroom shelf. But like all good fairytales, Ducky’s life has a happy ending.
(Puffin, February 2010)

Judith Raymond-Penney, illustrated by Bruce Potter

There was once a beautiful princess named Marika with skin the colour of honey and hair that rippled in a waterfall to her waist. The little princess was a happy child. But when her father decides it is time for Marika to marry, the task that she sets her prospective suitors seems destined to stump them all …
(Puffin, February 2010)

Dr. James Crampton

This handy pack-sized guide features 30 accessible locations around the country where kids and their families can find fossils. Each location contains specific information on where to look and what to look for, as well as the geological background and other details of each site, and colour images of fossils that could be found there.
(Random House NZ, February 2010)