There’s such a tremendous range of books available for children that we’re spoilt for choice. However, finding the best and most suitable books on our own isn’t always easy. We’ve asked our reviewers – professionals in the genre of children’s books – to give us some good leads. We hope you enjoy some of their suggested top reads. Happy reading!
Picture books come in many shapes and sizes. There is something here for everyone, from simple books to share with babies to sophisticated picture books for older children. Most will be loved by the adult readers as much as the children!
By Peter Schössow Translated from German by Sally-Ann Spencer Gecko Press 2011 Paperback with flaps $19.99 Hardback $32.99 A small boy is given a pedal car by his grandfather. It’s rusty, but after they clean it up Granddad gives a few driving lessons then it’s time for a test drive, with dummy-sucking little brother in [...]
By Chris Szekely Illustrated by Malcolm Ross Huia Publishers, 2011 Hardback $20 This is a touching story about cousins who holiday in a rural M?ori community. They have lots of adventures and fun together swimming at the beach, riding horses, catching fish and eels. But then one of the cousins, Thomas, drowns. They have a [...]
By Bob Graham Walker Books 2011 Hardback $29.99 An old broken-down bus is found on the street outside Stella’s house, with a name taped to the front – Heaven. Where people had always rushed by, now they stopped to take a look and talk to each other. Stella decided they should claim it for their [...]
By Michelle Osment Illustrated by Sunset Little Friends, 2011 ISBN 9780473185305 Paperback $19 This is a rhyming story about a kiwi and its egg. Kiwi, a gorgeously shaggy fellow, turns his egg and goes out into the night for food where he’s spotted by the camouflaged Kiwi Hunter who finds the nest and discovers the [...]
By Mick Inkpen Hodder Children’s Books (1993, 2001, 2003), 2011 ISBN 9781444902754 Paperback $18.99 I always think it’s worth giving an old favourite a mention when a special edition is published. This 21st anniversary collection celebrates Kipper and his warm and funny group of friends as they enjoy things familiar to young children – birthdays, [...]
By Jennifer Beck Illustrated by Lisa Allen| New Holland, 2011 ISBN 9781869663155| Paperback $19.99 Gypsy Day (1 June) is a special time for the farming world. Many dairy farms change ownership; families move to their new farms, often taking their herds of cows with them. The story, told in rhyme, is from a young boy’s [...]
By Lucy Cousins Walker Books 2009 ISBN 9781406321982 Hardback fold-out $18.99 Maisy the mouse is on her way to Eddie’s birthday party, passing interesting shops and houses along the way. The pages fold out to a metre-long panel, with bold colours and door panels to open and see who is inside. Any small person will [...]
By Carin Berger Greenwillow Books (HarperCollins) 2009 ISBN 0890061576690 Hardback $26.99 A quirky take on looking after the planet with few words but great collaged illustrations using recycled materials. We start with some quirky people and animals driving sporty cars. As more vehicles arrive so the pollution increases until they have to think of different [...]
By Pamela Allen Penguin/Viking 2009 ISBN 9780670073351 Hardback $28 Three to seven years. Two children and their dog go to visit Uncle Peter. When his dog Millie runs to fetch the ball Danny grabs her tail and won’t let go. Uncle Peter comes up with a clever plan (involving hot chilli sauce!) to make Danny [...]
by Wolf Erlbruch Gecko Press 2009 $18.99 (Pb), $29.99 (Hb) This one’s for older children who will appreciate the rugged characters that make up this fearsome band. They’re grubby and rough but have their own redeeming characteristics and work out a way to have a good time and make the most of their talents. By [...]
