One Lonely Kakapo
Sandra Morris
A delightful counting book for beginners, One Lonely Kakapo features native New Zealand birds, reptiles and sea life to teach young New Zealanders how to count from one to ten. Imaginatively illustrated, Sandra Morris captures some of our unique animals along with delightful text. First published in 1991, this is a refreshed edition.
(New Holland, January 2012)
Koinei te Whare Na Haki I Hanga
Gavin Bishop, translated by Piripi Walker
The House that Jack Built is a book with two strands. The main rhythmic text, based on the well-known rhyme, tells the story of Jack Bull, who travels to New Zealand from London as a new settler in 1798. The detailed contemporary illustrations ...tell the story from a Maori perspective - beginning with the myth of creation. This is a new Te Reo edition. There is also a new English edition.
(Gecko Press, February 2012)
Kei Te Peke Ahau
Sharon Holt, illustrated by Deborah Hinde
This children's picture book is in te reo Maori. It includes a song CD. The story/song is about children running, jumping, climbing and hiding etc. By listening to the CD while reading, the reader can join in with the song and follow the actions as they enjoy the book. Book 2 in a series.
(Te Reo Singalong, February 2012)
Storm: A high country mustering horse
Hayley Pitts
Horses are still used on many high country stations in New Zealand for mustering cattle and sheep. Storm spent the first three years of her life roaming the hills, eating and growing. Join her on her journey from a gangly young filly to a reliable working horse. High quality photos capture the excitement of the muster.
(Tucker Media, February 2012)
Maranga Mai!
Sharon Holt, illustrated by Deborah Hinde
The story/song is about waking up on the farm. By listening to the CD while reading, the reader can join in with the song and follow the actions as they enjoy the book. The back of the book contains a pictorial glossary, English words for the song, guitar chords and a list of extension ideas for parents and teachers. Book 1 in a series.
(Te Reo Singalong, February 2012)
Grandpa Ngata and the Seagull
Dave Gunson
Mr Ngata likes to take his grandchildren to the beach to have lunch and feed the birds. The rowdy seagulls are quick to spot the bread but one bigger gull always seems to miss out on his share. The children ask why and discover that Ngoiro is a teenager, with bigger wings and oversize feet that make him awkward and clumsy.
(New Holland, February 2012)
The Story of Bo: and the circus that wasn’t,
Kyle Mewburn, illustrated by Donovan Bixley
The collaborative storybook was created by Telecom customers in association with award-winning Kiwi children's author Kyle Mewburn, illustrator Donovan Bixley and Scholastic New Zealand.
(Scholastic NZ, February 2012)
Steel Pelicans
Des Hunt
Inseparable best friends Dean and Pelly frequently get up to no good. Dean is a dare-devil, and Pelly always seems to end up going along for the ride. Dean's amateur bomb-making is one step too far, and is soon followed by a bombshell of another sort: Pelly's parents are shifting the family back to New Zealand.
(HarperCollins NZ, February 2012)
Jade’s Summer of Horses
Amy Brown
Jade's summer is not looking too good. She needs to find a new home for Pip, her beautiful old mare, and is resigned to schooling troublesome Taniwha. Then she gets some good news. Becca's Aunt Flora, who has a riding school by the beach at Ocean Bay, is looking for a bombproof beginner's mount - namely, Pip!
(HarperCollins, February 2012)
Where Does Milk Come From? The Story of Milk
Sue Bramwell, photographs by Rob Tucker
A book for children situated on the Faull Brothers Taranaki dairy farm. It tells the story of milk, where it comes from, where it goes and is full of fascinating facts about cows and the dairy industry.
(Tucker Media, December 2011)
Happy Feet’s Incredible Journey: The story of the world’s most famous penguin
Penguin Books NZ
On 21 June 2011 a lonely emperor penguin stepped onto Peka Peka beach and into the hearts of the world. He had swum further from his home in Antarctica than any emperor penguin ever recorded. By the time he left New Zealand Happy Feet was the world's most famous Penguin. This is his story.
(Penguin NZ, December 2011)
Farmer George and Farmer James
Hazel and Cameron Sutton
Authored and illustrated by creative husband and wife duo, Hazel and Cameron Sutton from Wellington, Farmer George and Farmer James communicates the positive message about neighbours that can be different in what they do but be the best of friends!
(Sunny Day Publishing, December 2011)
Hairy Maclary and Friends: A Touch-and-feel book
Lynley Dodd
Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy finally appears in an interactive touch and feel book. This attractive production has different textures on every page spread. Children can now explore the textures of Bitzer Maloney, Muffin McLay, Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's dairy and the rest of the gang.
(Puffin, February 2012)
Ophelia Wild, Secret Spy
Elena de Roo, illustrated by Tracey Duncan
Feisty Ophelia Wild decides to set up her own detective agency, with its headquarters in her tree house. Along with her assistant, Albert, she foils bullies, solves a meat-pie mystery, and cracks the case of the disappearing dentures.
(Walker Books AUS, February 2012)
Walker Stories: Losing Turtle
Adrienne Frater, illustrated by Cat Chapman
Gran loves to knit jumpers for Sam. But Sam has had enough of the woolly presents. Can Sam accidentally lose the latest turtle jumper? Gran’s excited to knit Sam a jumper with a leatherback turtle on it – just like the one she saw on her holiday. But Sam already has many knitted jumpers from Gran and he doesn’t like them as much as he used to.
(Walker Books AUS, February 2012)
Walker Stories: Mr Tripp goes for a Skate
Sandy McKay, illustrated by Ruth Paul
Join Mr Tripp and Room Five for three great stories about wheels day and an embarrassing fall. Mr Tripp is teaching Room Five about the wheel. On Friday, Wheels Day, everyone is allowed to bring something with wheels. Ted rides a bicycle, Tania wears rollerblades, Jingjing brings her scooter and Lily borrows her brother’s BMX.
(Walker Books AUS, February 2012)
Taketakerau: The Millenium Tree
Marnie Anstis, illustrated by Patricia Howitt and Kelly Spencer
A child listens to Koro and Grandma as they weave a tale about the life and times of the ancient puriri tree Taketakerau, the settlement and development of New Zealand, and world events that happened over the last 2000 years. Taketakerau still lives in a fine stand of native bush in the Hukutaia Domain, ten kilometres inland from Opotiki, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.
(Steele Roberts, January 2012)
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)
