October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 26.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens that has an illustration you would hang on your wall, as an artwork. 

Note: this is a re-post. 

Pukapuka.

Written and illustrated by Vasanti Unka.

Nā Justin Kereama ngā kōrero i whakamāori [Translated into te reo Māori by Justin Kereama.]

Beatnik Publishing in association with Ngā Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki Makaurau [Auckland Council Libraries], 2025.

Picture book.

A family’s delightful journey across town and into a place which is fun, restful, informative, musical and absorbing in turn. A very special treat for library lovers, young and old alike, from one of Aotearoa’s best-loved author/illustrators. 

A glorious story and celebration of libraries and books.

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 25.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens that won an international award, or featured on an international list eg Carnegie, White Ravens, USBBY list, IBBY awards / list.

  

 

The bomb. Te pohū

Written by Sacha Cotter.

Illustrated by Josh Morgan.

Huia, 2018. 

Published, and on the USBBY list, as Cannonball.

In this story about being true to oneself, a boy searches for the secret to doing the perfect bomb into the water. With training from Nan, an expert and former champion, and by listening to his own voice, he finds his unique style and pulls off a wonderful, acrobatic, truly awe-inspiring bomb.

A glorious book – and an amazing Nan!

October Kiwi Kids Books: Day 24.

Share a New Zealand book for children or teens that taught you something new

Pocket observology: a field guide.

Written and illustrated by Giselle Clarkson.

Gecko Press, 2026.

Slip this practical field guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to things you encounter every day in nature. Pocket Observology is the perfect companion to Giselle Clarkson's nature books The Observologist and Omnibird.

A perfect size for taking on walks or exploring at home. Insects, fungi, rocks, birds. So much to observe and identify.  

Some great new words for me to enjoy! All that scientific Latin!

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.