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.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 0-6: USBBY Outstanding International Books List

 

Afloat.

Written by Kirli Saunders.

Illustrated by Freya Blackwood.

Little Hare, 2024.

Picture book.

Roam the water with me. We are here to learn. Here to spin wisdom, to grow... From award-winning Gunai author Kirli Saunders and seven-time CBCA-winner Freya Blackwood comes Afloat, a story told in a time of climate crisis. Against a backdrop of a changed environment, an Elder leads a child along the waterways, sharing her People's knowledge and gathering community along the way. Afloat is an uplifting and inspiring picture book that uses the practice of weaving as a powerful metaphor for the honouring and teaching of First Nations wisdom, and the coming together of all people to survive, thrive and create a more hopeful future.

The threads that weave us together – the importance of traditional weaving in many cultures.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 13-18: Oceania

Liar's test.

Written by Ambelin Kwaymullina.

Text Publishing, 2024.

Seven will come. Two will die. Two will sleep. Two will serve. One will rule. I didn't want to rule the Risen. Wreak a little havoc upon them, though? That was something else entirely. Bell Silverleaf is a liar. It's how she's survived. It's how all Treesingers have survived since they were invaded by the Risen and their fickle gods. But now Bell is in the Queen's Test-she's one of seven girls competing in deadly challenges to determine who will rule for the next twenty-five years. If Bell wins, she'll have the power to help her people and take revenge on the Risen. But first she has to make it through the challenges alive. She doesn't know how much she's been lied to, or where she fits in a bigger story, a mystery stretching back generations. And she's facing much bigger dangers than the Queen's Test. She's up against the gods themselves. Liar's Test is a fast-paced, intricately woven fantasy novel with an unforgettable heroine inspired by the strength and power of Aboriginal women.

So, when’s the next one coming?!!!

Riveting, edge-of-your-seat material.

Slight romantic interest going on.

World Kid Lit Month 2026: Explorer Challenger: 13-18: Oceania

 

Migration.

Written by Steph Matuku.

Huia Publishers, 2024.

Farah can't wait to escape her mother's incessant demands and attend the legendary Western Wānanga, where the best military fighters are trained. Through daring battles against her classmates and encounters with cryptic temple masters, Farah sheds her life as a person from the upper ranks of society and becomes an intuitive. But when her world comes under attack, she learns who she really is.

Colonisation through a science-fiction lens.

Action, adventure – death and violence. A little touch of romance. 

And lots to think about.