October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 5.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens by an illustrator whose work you enjoy

Runaway Rooster.

Written by Melinda Szymanik.

Illustrated by Lael Chisholm.

David Bateman, 2026.

The Kahui farm has everything an animal could want, but every day, Little Fred Rooster runs away. He doesn't usually go too far, and the Kahuis' friendly neighbours always drive him back.No one knows why he goes.When Fred escapes yet again, Junior Kahui follows him. Will he solve the mystery of the runaway rooster once and for all?  

Is it the author or illustrator I enjoy? Why not both? 

Anyway, I haven't read this yet - it is so brand new! 

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 4.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens for ages 0-4 years. 

 

17 kings and 42 elephants.

Written by Margaret Mahy.

Illustrated by Alba Gil Celdrán.

Little Moa, 2024.

Originally published in 1972 by J. M. Dent & Sons.  

Aotearoa.

Picture book.

Seventeen kings on forty-two elephants Going on a journey through a wild wet night... Join the kings and the elephants on their jungle journey, meeting new creatures as they dance and sing their way through the jungle.

Everyone needs whimsy and glorious language – from birth.

I will always remember the 5-year-old who interrupted my reading of this, to tell me that there were ‘made up words.’ They seemed very unimpressed.

I felt so sad that they had already lost whimsy. 

While hunting for book covers, I found this maths lesson plan - well, lots of plans for different ages - based on how to equally share the care of 42 elephants among 17 kings. 

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 3.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens that contains poetry

The uppish hen & other poems.

Written by Robin Hyde.

Edited by Juanita Deely.

Iillustrated by Dïne.

The Cuba Press, 2023.

Aotearoa.

Poetry

In 1934, four-year-old Derek Challis found a homemade book in his Christmas stocking. On the typed pages bound with pink ribbon were poems written for him by his mother, the writer Robin Hyde. Derek - known as Derry - treasured the gift and could recite the poems until his death in 2021. Hyde hoped the collection would be published 'one fine day' and that fine day has come.

A nostalgia piece, of its time – with illustrations that reflect the period.

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 2.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens with green on the cover

Wild summer.

Written and illustrated by Vasanti Unka.

David Bateman, 2026.

A gorgeously whimsical interactive picture book that inspires kids to get outside and engage with nature. With simple, evocative wording and stunning watercolour illustrations, this book celebrates summer days, running through grass and singing with birds. Wild Summer is a joyous read that draws kids in and sends them out with a wanderlust for nature, encouraging mindfulness, gratitude and acceptance.

Just a wonderful, joyous, creation.

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 1

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens that is a favourite you would gift a newborn.

Hairy Maclary treasury: the complete adventures of Hairy Maclary.

Written and illustrated by Lynley Dodd.

Penguin Random House, 2023.

Picture book.

The complete collection of Hairy Maclary stories: Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy; Hairy Maclary's Bone; Hairy Maclary Scattercat; Hairy Maclary's Caterwaul Caper; Hairy Maclary's Rumpus at the Vet; Hairy Maclary's Showbusiness; Hairy Maclary, Sit; Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack; Hairy Maclary's Hat Tricks; Hairy Maclary, Shoo.

You can’t really go wrong with this glorious collection.