Children's Books > NZ classics

Blackly humorous, utterly un-PC, Robert G. Barrett revels in being controversial and contrary. He's a true original and is much loved by his many thousands of readers. This year is the 25th anniversary of the publication of the first Les Norton novel and to celebrate we are releasing the first new material from Bob in two years. First published in 1996, Rider on the Storm was a collection of Les Norton short stories and articles by Bob on subjects as wide-ranging as acting, dating, getting the dole and being famous. We are now reis... read more

The uniquely Kiwi version of 'The Twelve Days of Christmas'. Read and sing along together. You know the tune! "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me, a pukeko in a ponga tree" This beautifully illustrated book goes through the 12 days of Christmas song, but with a Kiwi twist. First published September 1999.

Denis Glover's iconic New Zealand poem 'The Magpies' is illustrated by Dick Frizzell to create a beautiful gift edition that every New Zealand family needs to own. The delightful refrain 'Quardle ardle oodle ardle wardle doodle' is well loved in New Zealand poetry, as are Dick Frizzell's illustrations for this book. It won the Russell Clark award for illustration in 1988. Originally published in 1987, this book remains as fresh and original today as it was then. This is the true mark of a New Zealand Classic - the third in Random... read more

Nina, the littlest elf in Santa's workshop, doesn't finish the teddy bear she's making in time for it to get loaded onto Santa's sleigh-but, encouraged by Santa Claus himself to not give up, she works far into the night to finish it. While Santa is out delivering presents, a baby is born. Santa comes back for Nina's now-finished bear--and guess who he takes along to deliver it?

This 1949 Little Golden Book edition of the famous poem, "The Night Before Christmas," was a staple in the Golden Book line for many years. Recently found in the Golden Books archives, Corinne Malvern's artwork for this title has been digitized and beautifully reproduced for today's kids!

Set in wartime Highgate, "Westwood" tells the story of Margaret Steggles, a plain bookish girl whose mother has told her that she is 'not the type that attracts men'. What she lacks for in looks she makes up for with a romantic nature and cultural aspirations - she goes to concerts at the National Gallery and is a devotee of the modern drama. By contrast, Margaret's best friend Hilda has a sunny temperament and effortlessly attractive. Hilda's many 'boys' are always 'ever so cheery'. When Margaret finds a ration book in Hampstead H... read more