ADVENTURE
- Shatter City: Imposters 2 – Scott Westerfield
Rafi’s engagement party is the talk of the feeds. Her dress is spectacular and her fiancé, Col Palafox, is charming. But Rafi and Col are both prisoners—with bomb collars around their necks. Surveillance dust records their every move, tracks every glance. And there will be deadly consequences if Rafi’s father realises that it’s Frey who stayed behind in Shreve, while Rafi escaped with the rebels.
With help from the rebels, Frey and Col must try to reach the neighbouring city of Paz, where they hope to be safe. But Frey and Rafi’s father has destructive plans even for the City of Peace. When the dust settles after the disaster he initiates, will Frey be able to find a way to survive?
- A Different Land – Paul Jennings
A tiny pub with a dirt floor and corrugated iron walls. A caravan containing the remnants of a dead pig. Snakes, bugs and torrential rain. Not what Christopher’s family expected when they crossed the sea to find a new life. Add a landlord who’s not what he seems, and Christopher finds himself facing challenges he could never have imagined. Will he ever be able to make a home for himself in this strange and different land?
- The Adventures of Anders – Gregory Mackay
Anders, Bernie and Eden are best friends and are always on the lookout for new adventures. In these three exciting stories, discover an unknown comet, explore an extinct volcano and find your way through a castle maze.
- Awol 4: Last Day on Earth – Andrew Lane
A coalition of nationalist groups around the world have access to a poisonous chemical that can be activated by a simple radio signal. Hundreds of thousands of people could die. Can Kieron and Bex save the world—and will they both make it out alive? Young Bond meets Alex Rider and Cherub in this thrilling conclusion to the brilliantly written, fast-paced spy action series. All credibly delivered from somebody who knows all about counter-intelligence.
- Secret Guardians: The Rogues 2 – Lian Tanner
From the author of the wonderful Keepers series, Secret Guardians: The Rogues 2 is a vividly exciting trilogy set in the same world with all new characters.
- The Lost Tide Warriors – Catherine Doyle
Fionn Boyle has been Storm Keeper of Arranmore for less than six months when thousands of terrifying Soulstalkers arrive on the island. The Storm Keeper’s magic has deserted him so Fionn must rely on his friends Shelby and Sam to help him summon Dagda’s army of merrows. But nobody believes the ferocious sea creatures even exist. How can he prove he’s right without any magic? In the brilliant sequel to The Storm Keeper’s Island, Fionn finds himself at the heart of the fight for the island’s survival.
- Little Hector and the Big Idea – Ruth Paul
Little Hector’s games with his friends keep getting spoilt. When it’s not by dangling, tangling fishing nets, it’s by a mess of plastic trash. He wants to make the bay safe for all the marine creatures to play in again—but how will one little dolphin tackle such a BIG problem? Find out what we can all do to help keep our coastal waters beautiful and safe for Little Hector and his friends in this delightful sequel to the best-selling Little Hector and the Big Blue Whale by Ruth Paul.
HALLOWEEN
- Is It Halloween Yet? – Susannah Chambers
Emily loves Halloween with its spooky dress-ups, fun games and yummy things to eat. Her busy family is not so sure. Luckily, Emily has a few tricks (and treats) to get everyone in the mood.
A funny family story about a neighbourhood Halloween including a craft idea that makes this a must-have Halloween purchase for every family, especially for those who like to trick-or-treat.
- Where’s Mrs Witch? – Ingela P. Arrhenius
Five beautifully illustrated spreads show a series of friendly Halloween characters hiding behind bright felt flaps in this exciting new title in the bestselling, graphic board book series. And there’s a mirror on the final page — a textile and sensory read that’s perfect for sharing with very little ones.
- Press Out and Decorate: Halloween and Press Out and Decorate: Ancient Egypt – Kate McLelland
Make your own 3D decorations with these brilliant board books of press-out Halloween or ancient Egyptian ornaments. Each press-out image is intricately decorated with foil and perfect for all ages to decorate. Featuring unique designs, the press-out pieces can be slotted together to create eye-catching 3D hanging ornaments or threaded together to make a decorative garland.
- A World Full of Spooky Stories – Angela McAllister
Get ready for Halloween with this child-friendly collection of spooky stories from all over the world. Feel your pulse race and your skin tingle as you read about the fearsome witch Baba Yaga, the serpent woman from Spain, and the water-dwelling Bunyip from Australia. Make sure you have your candle ready as it’s sure to be a long night. This gorgeous gift book is the perfect anthology for Halloween or any time you want to be spooked.
ANIMAL
- Hotel Flamingo: Holiday Heatwave – Alex Milway
The temperature is rising, which can only mean one thing: it’s summer. Bookings are up at Hotel Flamingo, and the hotel is getting busy. Anna is excited to receive world from King Penguin royalty asking to holiday in their Royal Suite. But there’s a lot get fone, and it’s not easy to manage the needs of the penguins when there’s a heatwave on and a huge ice shortage. Help. Can Anna get Hotel Flamingo back to its usual shining self and have happy guests all round? An enchanting four-book series featuring the adventures of Anna and her array of animal friends.
- Nuts – Lou Peacock
When a little squirrel finds a big pile of nuts, he is very excited. But soon, he is joined by another squirrel and this squirrel thinks the nuts belong to her. And when Mouse, Bear, Badger and Rabbit get involved, well, things get very confusing indeed. They won’t even listen to wise Rabbit. Will the quarrelsome squirrels ever learn to share?
- Animal Families: Safari and Animal Families: Forest – Jane Ormes
Find out the different names for mummy and daddy animals in the wild and in the forest—and then lift the flap to find the babies. These striking, satisfying introductions to animal families, with screen-printed artwork and bold neon ink, will capture the attention and imagination of babies and toddlers.
- Imagine 30th Anniversary Edition – Alison Lester
A beautiful hardcover edition to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Alison Lester’s much-loved classic picture book.
- The Animal Awards – Martin Jenkins
Celebrate the most spectacular species in the animal kingdom. Fifty fantastic creatures are awarded prizes to celebrate their most dazzling talents and some unusual skills. Roll up, roll up. The Animal Awards are about to begin. Who will win the Terrific Teeth Award? Who will claim the title of Most Smelly? Who will win the prize for Best at Pretending to be a Plant? Celebrate with 50 brilliant animals from around the world who represent nature’s rich tapestry.
- Into the Land of Dinosaurs and Onto the Farm – Laura Baker
Step into the land of dinosaurs or onto the farm with these exquisite, layered books that combine touch-and-feel elements and a simple narrative to introduce younger readers to dinosaurs and farm animals.
FUN
- Lemonade Jones and The Great School Fete: Lemonade Jones 2 – Davina Bell
A haunted house. A giant rainbow slide. And delicious donuts from Clark Dark’s dad’s donut van. Lemonade Jones’s school fete is going to be as sparkly and fun as a shook-up bottle of fizzy drink. Most exciting of all is the Year One Mum Band. Lemonade Jones has talked her mum into being the lead singer, and everyone knows that the lead singer is the star. This is going to be the greatest school fete ever.
- My Parents Cancelled My Birthday – Jo Simmons
Tom can’t wait for his lucky birthday. It’s an epic family tradition, and he’s dreamed up an unforgettable party. Only, after several disasters involving a flattened chihuahua and a curse from the tooth fairy, it’s been cancelled. But Tom won’t give up. With the help of his friends (and a pig painted like a zebra), Tom decides to throw himself the party he deserves. What could possibly go wrong?
- Miss Kraken – Nicki Greenberg
The Minute we saw Miss Kraken, we all knew it was going to be a bad year. She’s cranky. She’s strict. She’s just plain weird.
Miss Kraken is definitely not the teacher the kids were hoping for. But she might have a surprise or two up her sleeves. A hilarious tale of bad behaviour and unexpected consequences.
MYSTICAL
- The Truth Pixie Goes to School – Matt Haig
New school. New friends. Same old pixie. An uplifting story that will delight younger readers and help them to be themselves in their school uniform. With words by bestselling mastermind Matt Haig and pictures by the inky genius Chris Mould.
- Mythologica – Stephen P. Kershaw
An encyclopaedia of Greek mythology like no other, Mythologica features startlingly beautiful and exquisitely otherworldy portraits of mythological characters in eye-popping colour and authoritative text. Uncover the colourful lives of 50 powerful gods and goddesses, earth-dwelling mortals and terrifying monsters as you journey back in time to ancient Greece. Discover why incredible stories are still a part of our culture today. Prepare to be amazed as you uncover the epic, heroic and sometimes terrible lives of mortals, monsters and gods.
- Under Earth – Ellen Renner
As the island’s new Weather Witch, Storm must sail with the fleet into dangerous waters. The Drowned Ones are out for revenge, and the seas itself is treacherous. But it’s Bellum Town that brings Storm her first real test. And where she learns that magic could save her or it could be the end of everything. Another action-packed fantasy adventure as Storm discovers just how powerful she really is.
- Lights on Cotton Rock – David Litchfield
A little girl witnesses an alien spaceship landing at Cotton Rock near her house. She visits the spaceship and meets a young alien but is called home by her parents. She keeps returning to Cotton Rock as she grows up, in the hope that the UFO will come back. Eventually, after many years, she’s got a son and a granddaughter of her own, and she’s starting to give up hope. A story about never stopping believing and the importance of family—a Close Encounters for under-fives.
- The Serpent Gift (Shamer Chronicles #3) and Shamer’s War (Shamer Chronicles #4) – Lene Kaaberbol
The third and the final book in the thrilling fantasy adventure series, The Shamer Chronicles. With nowhere else to turn, Dina must learn to see through her father’s deceit and use her own gift against him. The Dragon Lord of Dunark will stop at nothing in her persecution of Shamers, and he is determined to crush any community that shelters them. Those struggling to resist his cruel power have realised that hiding won’t work anymore. It’s time to fight back.
HISTORY
- British Museum: So You Think You’ve Got It Bad? A Kid’s Life In Ancient Rome – Chae Strathie
Developed in consultation with experts from the British Museum and packed with historical facts, this brilliantly funny and fascinating book reveals what life was really like for kids in ancient Rome—from washing clothes in wee to snacking on dormice and even fighting in gladiatorial combat. A must-read for kids with a passion for horrible history.
EARLY LEARNING
- My Hair – Hannah Lee
Joyous and vibrant, this gorgeous picture book captures perfectly the excitement of getting ready for a celebration, as well as showcasing a dazzling array of intricate hairstyles.
- Ravi’s Roar – Tom Percival
Most of the time, Ravi can control his temper, but, one day, he lets out the tiger within. Being a tiger is great fun at first-tigers can do anything they want. But who wants to play with a growling, roaring, noisy, wild tiger who won’t share or play nicely? Ravi is about to discover something very important about expressing his feelings and making amends. A clever and engaging book about temper tantrums, dealing with emotions and learning to express and understand your feelings.
- Dr Seuss’s Horse Museum – Dr Seuss
From the mind of Dr Seuss comes a book to help understand the sometimes puzzling thing we call art. Welcome to Dr Seuss’s Horse Museum—now open for a canter through art history.
- An ABC of Equality – Chana Ginelle Ewing
A is for Ability, B is for Belief, C is for Class. All people have the right to be treated fairly, no matter who they are, what they look like, or where they come from. This is called equality. An ABC of Equality introduces complicated concepts to the youngest of children. With clear and simple explanations and bright and engaging artwork, this is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to teach children about current issues and social justice.
- A is for Apricat (Little Concepts) – Mauro Gatti
Learn the ABCs through cute, quirky mashups of animals and food, from apricat to zebrussels sprout. Combining photos of fresh fruits and vegetables with cute illustrations of animals, A is for Apricat is a fun, quirky way for kids to learn their ABCs. Promoting healthy eating and imaginative thinking, this unique, light-hearted take on a basic concept will be enjoyed by kids and parents alike.
SCIENCE
- My Cousin is a Time Traveller – David Solomons
The fifth book in this bestselling series sees Luke face his greatest fear yet, one that’s surprisingly close to home. A machine-from-the-future is stalking Bromley, playing havoc with all the tech and trying to stop Star Lad going on a date. Could this be the Rise of the Machines? Luke knows what he must do—he just needs his fellow SCARF members to help, or it will be the end of everything.
- Catch Cat – Andy Council and Claire Grace
Take a world tour as you try to catch Car in this series of continent-themed spreads with hundreds of things to spot. Find the elusive world-travelling cat hiding in seven intricately illustrated continent maps, teamed with explanatory spreads featuring a selection of the fascinating creatures, people, iconic buildings and geological features that make each continent unique. Geography has never been more fun.
- You Can Change the World – Lucy Bell
This practical guide is designed to empower kids to make changes in their lives to help make a difference in the world. Filled with information, ideas and activities, and interspersed with features on amazing children around the world, it shows kids how to: Avoid single-use plastics; Throw a plastic-free party; Make a compost bi and reduce waste; Start a herb garden; Grow bee-friendly flowers; Learn about where their food comes from; and be kinder to others, share and donate.
LANGUAGE
- My First Words in Māori – Stacey Morrison
My First Words in Māori equips your whānau with the first words you need to speak te reo at home together. Designed by Māori language champion and broadcaster Stacey Morrison for parents and tamariki to read together, with details in the illustrations to point out and name, scenes include Tōku Tinana/My Body, Tōku Whānau/My Family, Tōku Whare/My House, Wāhi Tākaro/At the Park, Tātahi/The Beach, Te Marae/The Marae, and much more. This is the perfect book to bring the Māori language into your home.
- The Adventures of Tupaia – Courtney Sina Meredith
Highly skilled in navigation and able to communicate with both Māori and Europeans, Tupaia was a pivotal member of the Endeavour crew. This beautifully written and illustrated book tells this little-known story in vivid detail. Developed in partnership with Tamaki Paenga Hira Auckland War Memorial Museum, The Adventures of Tupaia sits alongside an exhibition about Tupaia opening in September.
It recognises the critical role Tupaia played in our history, acting as translator and mediator for both the Europeans and tangata whenua on this first voyage. The book follows Tupaia’s story of growing up in Rai’atea; becoming an arioi in Tahiti; meeting up with Cook in Tahiti and sailing as part of the crew on the Endeavour across the Pacific from Tahiti to Aotearoa.
PEOPLE
- Hey Grandude! – Paul McCartney
A magical adventure for all the family from beloved music legend Paul McCartney, taking readers around the world and back in time for bed.
CHICK LIT
- American Royals – Katharine McGee
Crazy Rich Asians meets Gossip Girl in this completely addictive and gloriously fun modern-day fairytale. Meet the Washingtons—the most scandalous royal family ever.
- Frankly in Love – David Yoon
High school senior Frank Li is a Limbo—his term for Korean-American kids who find themselves caught between their parents’ traditional expectations and their own Southern Californian upbringing. His parents have one rule when it comes to romance: ‘Date Korean’. This proves to be complicated when Frank falls for Brit Means, who is smart, beautiful and white. Fellow Limbo Joy Song is in a similar predicament, and so they make a pact: they’ll pretend to date each other in order to gain their freedom. Frank thinks it’s the perfect plan, but in the end, Frank and Joy’s fake-dating manoeuvre leaves him wondering if he ever really understood love—or himself—at all.
- Princess of Pets: The Naughty Kitten and Princess of Pets: The Lost Puppy – Paula Harrison
Animal-mad Princess Bea is ready to help any animal in need, no matter what the royal rules say. When Bea rescues a lost kitten, she promises to keep it safe until she can find its owner. And when a tiny puppy turns up in the palace garden, Bea must keep it a secret until she can find it a home.
