October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 23.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens by an author or illustrator you’ll always read

Brigitta’s bicycle.

Written by Heather Haylock.

Illustrated by Lily Uivel.

Penguin, 2027!

Picture book.

Inspired by the vital role bicycles played in the Dutch Resistance during World War II, Brigitta’s Bicycle follows Brigitta from the Netherlands through war and its aftermath, and across the world to a new life in New Zealand. Her cherished bicycle carries not only people and precious supplies, but memories of courage, loss and hope — memories that will one day be passed on to a new generation.

Gorgeously told by Heather Haylock and illustrated by Lily Uivel, this moving historical picture book for ages 5–10 offers a sensitive way into conversations about war, displacement, migration and starting over.

I’m cheating with this one – but it is by an author I’ll always read – and I’m hanging out to get my hands on it!

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 22.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens published this year

Once upon a harbour.

Written by Fiona Farrell.

Illustrated by David Elliot.

Allen & Unwin, 2026.

Think a blend of Shaun Tan and Dr Seuss. Set in a harbour that could be anywhere in the world, this tells the stories of fantastical characters like Mr and Mrs Drizzle who 'drench the world till it's puddle and slush'; pirate rats and seagulls fighting over a pie; sea monsters Craig and Shirley refloating shipwrecked boats; trees who party because they are 'bored when planted in rows'; a little house beside the sea that floats away; and Piggy Bill and his little piggies who are as happy and as grubby as can be'. There's pace and rhythm to the stories with a natural story arc of build-up, excitement, climax and resolution with a sweet 'go to sleep' ending. David's illustrations are stunning, strange and charming. Fiona's beautifully scanning, clever rhyming for children bounces along, is easy to read aloud and full of funny, inventive ideas and vocabulary.

A treasure which will appeal to many ages. There’s something nostalgic and whimsical about it.

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 21.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens for ages 15-18 years

What if you could.

Written by Jacinda Ardern.

Adapted for young adults by Ruby Shamir.

Penguin, 2026.

Based on A different kind of power by Jacinda Ardern.

From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for young readers on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people and, at the time, the youngest woman leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included. Wouldn’t her insecurity, overthinking, worrying, and kindness stop her from being able to achieve her goals? As she soon learned, though, it was exactly those attributes — as well as caring and wanting to listen to and serve others — that made her into the empathetic, adaptable, and effective leader that she was. While sharing her own experiences and challenges as a young person, and then as prime minister, Jacinda Ardern asks readers to realise that true strength, success, and power come from embracing ourselves just as we are — imposter syndrome and all.

Important messages for us all. Imposter syndrome is a sneaky beast.

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 20.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens that is historical – either fiction or non-fiction

 

Kupe and the great octopus of Muturangi.

Retold and illustrated by Mat Tait.

Allen & Unwin, 2026.

Kupe's voyage to Aotearoa! Kupe found that a huge, fearsome wheke (octopus) was taking all the fish in the ocean and the people of Hawaiki had nothing to eat. So Kupe chased that wheke across Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa (the Pacific Ocean). Finally Hine-te-Aparangi, Kupe's wife, saw land and a long white cloud: Aotearoa! Find out what happened when the wheke and Kupe had a massive battle.

Whether you consider this retelling fiction or nonfiction depends on your world view and inculturation.

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 19.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens that features river / ocean

 

Swim: the story of Hinemoa and Tūtānekai.

Retold by Chris Szekely.

Illustrated by Andrew Burdan.

Published simultaneously in Māori as: Tāhoe: he pakiwaitara mo Hinemoa rāua ko Tūtānekai.

Huia, 2013.

This Te Arawa Māori traditional story tells of two lovers forbidden to meet who find a way to be together. In the legend, Hinemoa lives by Lake Rotorua and Tūtānekai on the island, Mokoia. Hinemoa falls in love when Tūtānekai plays the flute, but Hinemoa's father considers him unsuitable. They vow to be together, and every night on the island, Tūtānekai plays his flute to guide Hinemoa to him. With no canoe, Hinemoa must swim the lake with mystical creatures in it to be with Tūtānekai.

Just a glorious book. Luscious illustrations.