FICTION - NZ - NZ Picture Books

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.. On Christmas morning his worst fears are realized. Nothing with his name on. Nothing in wrapping paper. And Dad even asks him to do chores ...
What follows is a wonderful story about the real m... read more

Meet Cat... and his colourful collection of pyjamas. One pair for each night of the week. When he wears his space pyjamas, he dreams of Saturn, Mars and shooting stars. When he wears his road pyjamas, he dreams of big red rigs and diggers that dig. But what will happen when he wears his monster pyjamas?
The creator of this delightful new picture book was born and raised in Whangarei.

Kapai and his mates are in small-town heartland New Zealand. They've gone to watch the local team play a rival team from a nearby town. Disaster has struck and some of the team can't play. So it's Kapai and his mates to the rescue. They play and save the day - Kapai even scores a try by flying over the line. Through this story we learn the very basic rudiments of rugby in a fun, light-hearted way.

Milly Maloo is in despair as she has a grand garden party to attend and no hat to wear. So she borrows a hat from her neighbour, Penelope Primm. It's very plain and doesn't suit Milly's flamboyant style, so with the help of some miracle glue a marvellous hat is produced. 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.

Crash! Roar! Thump! A boisterous picture book full of noisy fun for machine-mad kids that takes the reader through all the stages of making a road - from planning to construction to driving on the finished road. Every child fascinated by construction sites and big trucks will love the rhythmic text and bright illustrations. NZ Post Childrens Book Awards, Picture Book Winner 2009.

WINNER OF BEST FIRST BOOK AWARD NEW ZEALAND POST BOOK AWARDS 2008 This is a reworked version of the traditional tale of the hardworking, unaided Little Red Hen who befriends the offspring of the lazy cat, a rat and a pig. Together they play and, by the end of the day, each baby learns a new lesson in forgiveness and sharing. First published 2007.

Hairy Maclary is off to the park for fun and games.When the day becomes blustery and Hairy Maclary comes across a windblown wedding party,he is able to show off his remarkable retrieving skills. First published 2007.

Milly and Molly try to cheer up Grandpa Friday but something is missing. This story teaches the value of compassion.

What is it about Henry? This story teaches the value of self acceptance.

It is Milly and Molly's first day at school. How will Marmalade and Tom Cat fill their day? (Acceptance of Difference)

When Milly and Molly offer to spend a night in the barn with Bunty, they have no idea what is in store for them. This story teaches the value of care and consideration.

It's Monday and Sweet Pea's lost her shoes again. Who's got them now? Find out in this imaginative book - it's a lot of fun!Ngareta Gabel is from the hapu Te Paatu and Ngati Tara of the Ngati Kahu iwi. She was raised in Kawakawa, Northland and now lives in Kaikohe with her partner Charles Rolleston and their daughter Tekiteora.Ali Teo is a Wellington-based illustrator. Her first picture book, Nga Mokonui a Rangi - Rangi and his Dinosaurs, was published by Huia Publishers in 1998.Astrid Jensen is a Wellington designer and graphic ar... read more

The Little Kowhai Tree, Witi Ihimaera's first picture book, draws on the rich storytelling traditions of folk tales, nursery rhymes and fairy tales. This quirky story of a lonely little kowhai tree uses comical characters to tell a fable about positive sibling relationships. The Little Kowhai Tree is full of familiar story patterns placed in a New Zealand forest setting to provide great fun and reading for kids. With eye-catching artwork by Wellington based artist, Henry Campbell, and witty design elements, this book is a textual f... read more

Remember the thrill of planting a seed as a child and seeing it grow into a plant? The Piriri Tree is a gentle new children's book that celebrates the cycle of life. Author Merito Tawhara chronicles the events of Hemi's life following his discovery of a piriri seed. At his koro's suggestion, Hemi plants the seed and the rest of the book explores both Hemi's growth and the growth of the piriri, which becomes part of the landscape to Hemi's life. In this age of consumer madness, The P?riri Tree suggests that often, the simplest thing... read more

Created by well-known children's writer and illustrator Gavin Bishop, this is the story of a little white kiwi. When he is born his mother doesn't recognise him because he's not brown. Little Kiwi looks to the moon as his mother instead because it is white and bright and round. In the background of this story we see the changing times of a nearby pa. Through illustrations only we see intertribal warfare, the death of the chief, English soldiers arriving and then the burning of the pa. This fire spreads and the two stories become on... read more

Bob Darroch, author of The Kiwi that was Scared of the Dark, takes readers on a tongue-twisting journey from A-Z. From an alien apeman who eats all of Aunt Annie's apple pie to Zinnie and his family who are zonked after visiting the zoo, Bob's hilarious illustrations and twisty-twirly text will delight children aged 0-6 years.

Dop 2007, Auckland softcover book & cd All seems well in Kiwi's world but it soon becomes clear Kiwi has got his timing all wrong. Some of his friends actually sleep at night, not play monsters! When he finally settles down to sleep, his reply Tui's dawn request that he, 'Join in, come sing along,' can only be, 'Good morning Tui, and good night.'Includes a CD that has English and Maori readings of Good Morning, Good Night and Erin's very successful previous publication, As Kuku Slept.

Visiting a marae is an experience that will never be forgotten. However, the protocol and the physical aspects of a marae can sometimes be overwhelming or a little confusing. This book, designed to be used on its own or in conjunction with The Marae wallchart, explains the many functions of the people, the land, the processes, and the parts of the marae building itself, in an easy-to-understand manner.

Pukeko has always wanted a rainbow, so she chases one into her swamp. When the kea who own the rainbow find out who has stolen their precious treasure, they set out to get it back. Pukeko finds herself in a waterlogged battle of wits with the Rainmakers. Another beautifully told and illustrated picture book from author Ben Brown and illustrator Helen Taylor.

One Christmas eve Old MacDonald's farm, hushed and quiet as all are asleep, receives a visitor driving a sleigh. Oh no! On his way to deliver his gifts to kids in Kaitaia, Santa's crashed his sleigh? With knock, knock here and a knock, knock there, Santa wakens Old MacDonald for some much needed assistance. When a replacement sleigh has been made, Santa sets off into the starry sky - accompanied by a gobbling flying mate!A fantastical weaving together of two favourite kids' tales: Old MacDonald and Santa Claus.