A&U Children's NZ – serie

SHORTLISTED: Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2026FINALIST: BOOKSELLERS' NZ CHILDREN'S BOOK OF THE YEAR 2026 NZ LISTENER 50 BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS 2025'A brilliant guide for anyone looking to take up fishing, presented with real enthusiasm by the author.' Creative Steps Magazine UK'A book to return to. Technical enough to be a reference guide, but neither overcomplicated nor absurdly blokey.' Tom Davis, The Sapling'Whether you've never tried or have had a go, you'll be completely hooked by the time you've finished.' What Book Next? Whether you want to fish for sprats from a wharf, walk up a stream with a fly rod or cast a line from a boat or kayak, there's a heap of handy information in here. Learn how to tie knots, bait hooks, cast lures, and fillet and cook your catch.Al Brown has a life-long love of fishing and Hooked includes ten of Al's most-loved fish recipes, some of them Depot classics. Fishing is a terrific outdoors experience that is challenging but also super exciting. And the learning never ends as your knowledge builds with each adventure and every time you head out. Hooked is a go-to for all anglers!

Mikah feels so sad . . .Chloe's feeling angry . . .Charlie feels anxious . . .Feelings are messages from the heart!Big Feelings helps you to understand your emotions, how they make you feel and how you can manage them.Includes strategies and resources for parents, caregivers and teachers.Rebekah Ballagh's strong counselling background combines perfectly with her empathetic storytelling and adorable illustrations.'One of the best books I've seen about emotions. Rebekah goes beyond linking emotions to colours or naming them but also describes how they make your body feel and how to manage them. I highly recommend this book for all parents and educators.' School Library News'Big Feelings is designed to help little children but, full disclosure, I've used a couple of the techniques in the back on myself. It's good stuff.' Matt Heath, NZ HeraldBallagh dispenses wisdom and compassion in this wonderful resource that shows children they have the power to influence their emotions. Rebekah Lyell, NZ Booklovers

WINNER: 2025 NZSA Best First Book Award, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults SHORTLISTED: 2025 Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young AdultsWINNER: NZ Booklovers Award for Best Junior Fiction Book 2025 STORYLINES NOTABLE BOOK 2024Three friends and a one-eyed raven find themselves up against the rulers who restrict the gifts of writing and reading to an elite few. They must go on a wild and unpredictable rescue mission. Who and what will they meet along their way? And what is the terrible truth behind everything they think they know about their world? 'The work of a writer who wields her words with exquisite care and understands the power of great storytelling.' NZCYA judges'You will be bewitched!' GRACI KIM 'Sparky and spooky, humorous and luminous.' ELIZABETH KNOX 'I adored it.' RACHAEL KING 'Beautiful, warm and assured debut.' HERA LINDSAY BIRD 'Claire Mabey writes like a dream.' ANNA SMAILL'The whole novel is a riff on the transformative power of reading and writing... done with a terrific panache.' HARRY RICKETTS'This is the fantasy read of the year for students.' Jackie Rodgers, Read NZ'It's a lyrical, lively debut, and promises more good things to come. No maybe about this Mabey.' David Hill, Kete Books'A compassionate and intelligent book, full of a deep reverence for the world and those in it. And for miracles of all kinds, in whatever manner they occur.' Hera Lindsay Bird, The Spinoff'A bewitching story that will captivate readers. There's twists and turns a plenty, and magic too, with Mabey setting a cracking pace. The characters are full of vigour and personality, and flaws too.' Rebekah Lyell, NZ Booklovers'Mabey's world is evoked with rich, immersive imagery and prose that is delightfully of its world. It's an adventure story, perfect for young readers who love books about books, and being transported into a realm of fantasy and magic.' Aotearoa NZ Review of Books'Great world-building, wholly-developed characters and whimsical-yet-earthy. Excellent middle-grade fiction, perfect for readers who enjoyed The Grimmelings or Crookhaven.' Alex, Scorpio Books'With a gorgeous turn of phrase, unique characters and an exciting plot, The Raven's Eye Runaways is worth a read no matter your age.' Kristin Stefanoff, Glam Adelaide

SHORTLISTED: NZ BOOKLOVERS AWARD FOR BEST CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK 2026BEST-SELLING DEBUT PICTURE BOOK OF 2025'Rhymes, zany farm animals, tractors gone awry, onomatopoeia, drenched in primary colour and good production value mean that, for many, buying this book will be a no brainer. Perfect for fans of The Wonky Donkey, Little Blue Truck, or Grumpy Monkey.' The Sapling'Perfect for 3 to 6 year olds who love animal antics and a bit of problem solving along the way.' School Reading List UK'Wee ones will love the rhyme and repetition of this NZ story, that will be loved by young animal lovers everywhere.' What Book Next? How do you fix a wobbly tractor wheel?Goat and pig and horse and friends have some ideas! Which one will work?

WINNER: NZ BOOKLOVERS AWARD FOR BEST YOUNG ADULT BOOK 2026 SHORTLISTED: West Australian Young Readers' Book Award 2026 NZ LISTENER 50 BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS 2025AUCKLAND COUNCIL LIBRARIES TOP 10 FOR TEENS 2025STORYLINES NOTABLE BOOK AWARD 2025 SHORTLISTED: 2025 Young Adult Book Award, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults WINNER: 2024 Storylines Tessa Duder YA Award 'A darkly funny, haunting tale of finding a way through darkness to hope. A fresh and powerful take on an all-too-common teenage experience, this deftly executed story is both confronting and validating.'NZCYA judges'Tender and wickedly humorous - such an important story.' KAREN FOXLEE bestselling author of Lenny's Book of Everything'Very funny, very well written and an accurate look into a teenager's changing world. Get it for your reading teen.' Linda Thompson, NZ Herald'A must-read for teenagers. Dark, funny, and deeply unsettling, Bear is a book that crawls under your skin and stays there.' Imogen Gadd, Kete 'Wonderfully fresh and engaging.' Tessa Duder'Amusing, tender, painful and beautiful.' What Book Next?'Lightened by humour and Jasper's own observations and opinions. Bear is a must-read for both teenagers and the parents of teenagers.' NZ Booklovers Award judgesJasper Robinson-Woods is not okay - his name is too long, his mum has an annoying boyfriend, he never sees his dad, and he can't sleep because of a terrifying nightmare. Oh, and to top it off, his goldfish is dying. Jasper is overwhelmed with bad thoughts. Are they a sign of disaster to come? The only place he feels safe is in the tree in his front yard. But then the unimaginable happens: his nightmare comes to life and everything spirals out of control. Jasper decides it's finally time to face his nightmare.Bear is a moving, often laugh-out-loud funny story showing that even when you hit rock bottom, you never know what, or who, is around the corner.

SHORTLISTED: Wheelers Books Award for Young Adult Fiction, New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults 2026 SHORTLISTED: NZ BOOKLOVERS AWARD FOR YOUNG ADULTS 2026STORYLINES NOTABLE BOOK AWARD 2025 WINNER: Best Unpublished Author manuscript in the Storylines Tessa Duder YA Prize 2024'A brilliant new YA novel from a huge new talent.' The Spinoff 'An emotionally charged and beautifully written debut novel.' NZ Booklover'Witty and readable. Hannah Marshall is a skillful writer and her double narrative keeps readers aware of things that the main characters don't know yet, which creates some really amusing situations. The suspense is skillfully maintained.' Magpies'All the hallmarks of a winner. Good stuff for young folk, and adults too.' Linda Thompson, NZ Herald'Very well written, definitely a good read. The relationship between the two main characters is great.' Lisa Finucane, RNZ'The friendship between the two characters is also the glue of the novel as they try to put the pieces back together. This is far from smooth and a difficult journey, making it an engaging read. So good to have a real-life teen novel amongst the plethora of fantasy. Something real life readers can get their teeth into.' What Book Next? 'Written with a good dose of humour, the novel explores relationships, love, grief, addiction, forgiveness and coming of age.' Heidi North NZ HeraldZelle has moved back to the town she left three years ago after a tragedy shattered her life and also her friendship with Callum. Now their lives are about to get a whole lot more complicated.Zelle is in denial about her alcohol use that threatens to spiral out of control, and she's deeply annoyed at having to leave the city. Callum's future is thrown into jeopardy after both a disastrous uni interview and his budding romance turning sour. But they can't keep running from the past forever, and circumstances force them to examine their grief and guilt and find a way through. With beautifully assured story-telling, this is an emotionally tense page turner that leaves you on the edge of your seat.

THE SPINOFF BEST BOOKS 2025 'Charmed! What a delightful picture book.' NZ LISTENER 50 BEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN & YOUNG ADULTS 2025 STORYLINES NOTABLE BOOK AWARD 2025 RNZ PICK OF THE YEAR 2025 'Reminiscent of Shirley Hughes.' Claire Mabey'Endearing and relatable story which is brought to life by Tapper's adorable illustrations. A picture book classic in the making!' Lancashire Post'A warm family-centred story, sure to become a bedtime favourite.' Creative Steps Magazine UK'The wariness, curiosity and joy of Rosie meeting her new baby sister is gorgeous on the page.' What Book Next?Very charming story for small children, aged 2-6. In this story of cosy and chaotic family life, the imaginative world of a little child is front and centre.Rosie likes to wrap things up: her crayons, her toys, her kitten, a parcel for Granny, some baking, flowers. Rosie herself is wrapped up in a towel after her bath; her mother wraps up warm when she goes out in the cold, dark night; and Granny wraps Rosie up in her bed when she's too upset to sleep by herself. And finally a brand new baby is all wrapped up in a cuddly blanket.

WINNER: NZ BOOKLOVERS AWARD FOR BEST JUNIOR FICTION BOOK 2026AUCKLAND COUNCIL LIBRARIES TOP 10 FOR KIDS 2025FINALIST: TE PAE TAWHITI OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT MIDDLE GRADE FICTION 'First and foremost a rollicking adventure. A remarkable combination of absolute realism and total enchantment, this book will captivate young readers.' Aotearoa NZ Review of Books'A delightfully kid-forward story, where the adults play supporting roles . . . with some genuinely tense and emotional moments.' Kete Books 'Compelling. The description of this real-life wild NZ setting is beautifully portrayed, taking readers deep into the bush with Nissa. This rich realism mixed deftly with fantastical fairy-like characters, effortlessly continues the immersive story of Spark Hunter.' What Book Next?'A great adventure story of courage, friendship, love, and the power that is inside us all, even and especially if you're "just a kid". It's sure to captivate young readers.' NZ Booklovers Award judges It's almost a year since Nissa Marshall was found alive after miraculously surviving a month lost in the vast, dense, isolated bush of Fiordland. Strange, magical things happened when Nissa was lost in the wilds but was it actually real? Or had she made it all up in the forest inside her head?When the mysterious forest creatures come for Nissa again, she discovers that Fiordland is under threat. What are the sparks so afraid of? What is the secret they're so desperate to protect? And why do they think a thirteen-year-old kid can save them all? This thrilling sequel to Spark Hunter crackles with the magic of the ancient forest. It's a high-stakes adventure through a vast wonderland with a great green secret hidden from humans for thousands of years.

Winner of the Best First Book Award in the 2022 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults The judges said: 'Perfectly pitched for middle fiction readers. Making this story's light shine bright is te reo Māori blended throughout and a cast of supporting characters that are easily recognisable.''A riveting story of an imaginative world of ancient creatures woven into the real world of the impenetrable, beautiful and extremely dangerous Fiordland bush.' What Book Next? Something is hiding deep in the forest - Nissa has seen mysterious, supernatural lights in the trees. What are they, why do they seem to be trying to attract her attention and why does no one else seem to notice them? When Nissa sneaks away from her school camp to track down the lights, she finds herself lost in a dangerous wonderland. She's not the only one at risk - the Fiordland forest and the creatures in it are under threat too. What can she do where adults have failed? And can Nissa find her way back home? In Fiordland, the lost usually stay lost ...

'A gripping, magical book full of curiosity, intelligence and action and an absolute must-read.' Rebekah Lyell, NZ Booklovers 'Ideal for fans of fantasy and magic aged 8-12, and perfect for fans of The Grimmelings and Nevermoor.' Alex Adank, The Sapling 'The writing is rich and immersive, creating vivid word pictures which immerse the reader in this unusual world.' Storylinks AustraliaWhen Getwin, Lea and Buckle - with the help of Sharp the raven - unearth the trickster Book of Blacke, they embark on a quest to undo the controls on their world, seeking justice for the Scribes who are forced to work and for those who have never been allowed to read or write.The city of Wyle comes alive with danger and intrigue as our heroes contend with the secrets of the Scholar's Library, a magical boat, curious creatures, a secret reading and writing society, sleeping trees and the twists and turns of the ancient city. Can the friends stay safe? Will they be able to free the Scribes? Will they make enough trouble to shake the foundations of their world?This unmissable sequel to award-winning The Raven's Eye Runaways is rich with wonder and a thirst for justice.Perfect for middle grade readers looking for: - exciting, action-filled fantasy - strong characters with complex friendships - a wild, imaginative world to be immersed into PRAISE FOR THE RAVEN'S EYE RUNAWAYS 'A bewitching story that will captivate readers. There's twists and turns aplenty, and magic too, with Mabey setting a cracking pace. The characters are full of vigour and personality, and flaws too.' Rebekah Lyell, NZ Booklovers 'With a gorgeous turn of phrase, unique characters and an exciting plot, The Raven's Eye Runaways is worth a read no matter your age.' Kristin Stefanoff, Glam Adelaide 'The work of a writer who wields her words with exquisite care and understands the power of great storytelling.' NZCYA judges 'The world she has created, and the characters that reside there, feel authentic and inevitable as if they have lived with her for a long time. The story is translated onto the page with wit, restraint and confidence. It's a talented rendering of a beautiful world and I instantly capitulated to the reality of it.' Hera Lindsay Bird

'Inventive, off-the-wall brilliance!' Armadillo Magazine'Highly recommended.' School Reading List UK'Will quickly become a favourite, one that invites laughter, participation, and repeated reading, with a final line that not only delivers a satisfying giggle but naturally opens the door to further conversation and curiosity beyond the last page.' Leanne Caune, Glam Adelaide'These farm animals burst off the page in a riot of colour and fun that young ones will love. The rhythm and rhyme will bring smiles and giggles as these animals wreak havoc.' Adele Broadbent, What Book Next?'With Carla Martell's hilarious illustrations of the farmer's clothes being put to unconventional uses and Tim Saunders' playful rhyming tale with repetition and silliness aplenty that reads well aloud, I suspect this will be requested over and over.' Red Reading Hub, UKFrom the brilliant team that created family favourite and bestseller The Tractor has a Wobbly Wheel.The farm animals are having a field day with all the farmer's clothes, using them in all sorts of inventive ways.With perfect bouncy rhyme, this is a silly delight to read out loud. The illustrations capture the animals' strange and wonderful inner lives.Perfect for:- anyone who likes nonsense rhymes like Dr Seuss- children who love funny, silly stories- reading aloud with little ones- spotting the fun ideas in the illustrations that add to the story - fans of animal stories- fans of anything set on a farm- anyone who loved The Tractor has a Wobbly Wheel

'As punchy and readable as it is sincere and authentic.' August Elworthy, The Sapling'A terrifically unique premise, delivered expertly.' Bob Moore, Good Reading Australia 'A beautiful love story with an intriguing twist.' Adele Broadbent, What Book Next?'Heartwarming . . . with a truly unique plot, featuring themes of love, loss, mental health, resilience and hope.' Belinda, UBS CanterburyYou can't fight time, or love ... A coming-of-age love story with a twist!  When Theodore Brown looks into a person's eyes he sees a number: the exact number of days he'll spend with them. It's hard to make friends when there's a literal countdown! He's kept everyone at a safe distance since his dad died. But now that he's in college, he fears he's missing out. Even his stuffy English professor thinks he needs to get a life. So, to improve his mental health and sharpen his writing skills, he decides to do just that.  Then Lil Sanchez crashes into his world like a tidal wave. She's fearless, creative, and only around until the end of summer. But Theo begins to wonder if the pleasure of knowing her might be worth the pain of losing her. Only time will tell - and the clock is ticking ... For teens who love:- a book you just can't put down and have to read all night- a love story for the ages- stories that are dramatic and funny and sad, all wrapped up in one great package- books like The Perks of Being a Wallflower

'Fun-to-read mystery with a surprising but satisfying ending.' Adele Broadbent, What Book Next?Best friend cousins Ana and Frog turn junior detectives in a determined search for Whaea McCready's missing horse, Minty.Ana loves that horse more than anything. More than hip-hop. Much more than homework. And her cousin is right by her side.So Ana and Frog set out on a spy mission around their small town, searching for any clues that might lead them to Minty, and to whoever might have taken her. Find out if the cousins can solve the mystery!Perfect for readers who love:- horse stories- cosy mystery stories- school stories- Harriet the Spy

Oh no, the little kiwi builder's house is falling down!His screws have all come loose - what can he do? When the brickie, the plumber, the roofer, the sparky and the painter all come to help, it's looking good! Until, that night ... uh-oh!Perfect for: - anyone who likes fun and silly rhyming stories - reading aloud with little ones - spotting the fun ideas in the illustrations that add to the story - tradies! - kiwis! - archetypal kiwi stories