All New Books
Don't Scare the Dentist
Author: Sam Smith Publisher: Hachette
Will Dr Charlie get over his fear? This brilliant picture book will leave readers ready to help their dentist become less fearful of children and teach them how to care for their teeth between visits.
From dentist/comedian Sam Smith and illustrator Daron Parton comes the next must-have book for your collection.
13 February 2024
Rere Atu Taku Poi!: Let My Poi Fly!
Author: Tangaroa Paul Illustrator: Rebecca Gibbs Publisher: Oratia Books
Written in te reo Maori and translated by the author, Rere Atu Taku Poi! is a beautifully illustrated story about gender fluidity in a school setting. Rangi loves doing haka but performing poi is his favourite - even though his classmates say it's just for girls. When the lead poi performer falls sick before a school performance, Rangi has to take her place. How will the other students and audience react - 'Surely a boy can't lead the poi?'
Can I sit in the middle?
Author: Susanne Strasser Publisher: Gecko Press
Everyone's on the sofa to share a book: zebra, cat, child, lion. "Wait!" says Zebra, "Stork isn't here yet!" Then the cat needs a cushion, the hamster's missing, someone's sitting on the lion's tail, the fish wants to be in the middle... NOW they'll be able to start-won't they?
The Beach Activity Book: 99 Ideas for Activities by the Water Around Aotearoa New Zealand
Author: Rachel Haydon Publisher: Te Papa Press
99 activities in this immersive book for children aged 7 to 14 range from experiments and observation to conservation and mindfulness. Developed to inspire curious young minds to explore and appreciate our beaches, lakes, rivers and streams. It is also designed to be taken out into natural environments and to be drawn and written in.
The Littlest Lifeguard
Author: Vanessa Hatley Owen Publisher: Upstart Press
The littlest lifeguard wants to help, but it only ends in chaos! Just when it seems they will never be part of the team, they discover being the littlest one means you can help in a different way.
Tawhirimatea: a Song for Matariki
Author: June Pitman-Hayes Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand
Read and sing along to this catchy Matariki song celebrating Earth, sky, seasons and whanau. Singer/songwriter June Pitman-Hayes wrote this waiata for the children at the Montessori School where she was teaching music. With its delightful, lyrical melody, it warmly weaves together aspects of Māori mythology with the seasons, as a family welcomes Matariki.
1 January 2024
Harry the Hermit Crab
Author: Danni Rae. Illustrator: Evan Heasman. Publisher: Little Love.
Harry the Hermit Crab has outgrown his shell. But, on his quest to the beach to find a new one, he discovers an unexpected challenge!
07 November 2023
At the Bach
Author: Joy Cowley. Illustrator: Hilary Jean Tapper. Publisher: Gecko Press.
At the Bach is an evocative bedtime picture book that distils the essence of a family summer at the bach from internationally renowned author Joy Cowley.
01 November 2023
Sun Shower/He Taru Kahika
Author: Melinda Szymanik. Illustrator: Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand.
The Clouds think Sun and Rain would get along well, but Rain thinks Sun doesn’t want to know her as Sun always vanishes when she turns up. What might happen if they were to meet?
01 November 2023
Trevor the Daring Duck, a True Tale from Niue
Author: Lynda Finn. Illustrator: Nikki Slade Robinson. Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand.
From Lynda Finn comes the story of Trevor, a mallard duck that was blown from Aotearoa to Niue in 2018 and embraced by the island nation.
01 November 2023
He Kirihimete Kahurangi
Author: Anna Coddington. Illustrator: Story Hemi-Morehouse. Translator: Ruth Smith. Publisher: Picture Puffin.
Told in te reo Maori, this charming story dispenses with woolly jumpers, yule logs and snow, and instead shows Santa how we celebrate Christmas in Aotearoa - with sunglasses, beach cricket, surfing and barbecues!
31 October 2023
Mangō: Sharks and Ray of Aotearoa
Author: Ned Barraud. Publisher: Te Papa Press.
The oceans surrounding Aotearoa New Zealand are home to over a hundred astonishing and strange species of sharks and rays. This fact-filled book takes you down into the fascinating underwater lives of these expert hunters.
12 October 2023
Little Ruby & Friends
Author: Ruby Tui. Illustrator: Samoni Cavender. Publisher: Allen & Unwin NZ.
After publishing her brilliant memoir, Ruby Tui is adored by everyone, including a huge number of very young fans. So now Ruby has written a picture book aimed at 4-to 7-year-olds.
03 October 2023
My Bum is SO SPOOKY!
Author: Dawn McMillan. Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird. Publisher: Oratia Books.
Halloween is a scary time of year but when bestselling team Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird get in on the act, the fun takes over from the fright. Join the hero of the international hit New Bum! series as his Halloween costume plans take an hilarious turn!
02 October 2023
Caged
Author: Susan Brocker. Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand.
Caged is a heart-wrenching story about Sam, a 14-year-old girl from a struggling homeless family, who is already involved in petty crime. She must face her own fears and her sense of what is right, to defy a dangerous drug criminal, and rescue starving dogs and their pups from an inhumane backyard breeder.
01 October 2023
Faelan the Wolf, Book 2: Into the Lockjaws
Author: Juliette MacIver. Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand.
In this follow-on to Faelan the Wolf: Odd Wolf Out, Faelan’s pack is under threat from the white wolf, Varg Akafar. Can Faelan save the day?
01 October 2023
The Observologist: A handbook for mounting very small scientific expeditions
Author: Giselle Clarkson. Publisher: Gecko Press.
The Observologist puts more than 100 small creatures and features of the natural world under the microscope, piquing our curiosity with only the most interesting facts. Subjects range from slugs, ants and seeds, fungi and flies through to bees and bird poop.
01 October 2023
Rockybottoms (Big Little Blue, Book 2)
Author: Raymond McGrath. Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand.
The latest simply illustrated, playful story in Raymond McGrath’s graphic novel-style volume, each one featuring two friends, Big Blue and Little Blue.
01 October 2023
Santa’s Fireproof Knickers
Author: Deano Yipadee. Illustrator: Carla Martell. Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand.
From Deano Yipadee, the creator of the beloved Nee Naw series, comes a brand new story and downloadable song about Santa's conundrum when his fireproof trousers shrink in the wash.
01 October 2023
When Grandpa Wore a Tutu
Author: Dawn McMillan. Illustrator: Jenny Cooper. Publisher: Scholastic New Zealand.
Grandpa pulls out all stops to ensure he and his mates put on a grand show at the village concert in Dawn McMillan’s When Grandpa Wore a Tutu.
01 October 2023