Slinky Malinki, Early Bird

New Zealand author and illustrator
Summary: In this rhyming story, Slinky Malinki the cat likes to wake up very early in the morning and thinks his family should too, but his family is not so sure. Suggested level: junior

Dads: A field guide

Summary: What kind of dad do you have? Find out with this handy field guide, a celebration of the many and varied types of dad. (From back cover)

Zen Shorts

When Stillwater the panda moves into the neighbourhood, he tells stories to three siblings which teach them to look at the world in new ways. Suggested level: junior, primary.

 When Stillwater the giant panda moves into the neighborhood, the stories he tells to three siblings teach them to look at the world in new ways. Includes factual note on Zen.

Uno's Garden

Uno builds a home and garden in the magnificent forest among the playful puddlebuts and feathered frinklepods, but as the place becomes more and more popular, it is overtaken by tourists and buildings until the forest and animals seem to disappear altogether. A sophisticated picture book. Suggested level: junior, primary.

 "When Uno arrives in the forest one beautiful day, there are many fascinating and extraordinary animals there to greet him. And one entirely unexceptional Snortlepig. Uno loves the forest so much, he decides to live there. But, in time, a little village grows up around his house. Then a town, then a city... and soon Uno realises that the animals and plants have begun to disappear..." -- BOOK JACKET.

Tessa Snaps Snakes

Brief text and illustrations of children engaged in a variety of activities explain the meaning of different words. Suggested level: preschool, junior.

Knuffle Bunny: a cautionary tale

Trixie, Daddy and Knuffle Bunny go on a trip to the local Laundromat. But their exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes somebunny has been left behind...
By combining expressive cartoon drawings with beautiful photographs of Brooklyn, New York, Mo Willems tells a brilliantly true to life tale about what happens when Daddy is in charge and things go terribly, hilariously, wrong.

Wooden Arms

Summary: Many years ago, a Maori couple built a little hall where people could gather. It was warm and welcoming, with walls that folded all the way round like wooden arms. Through the years, the hall houses a church, a shoemaker, a doctor, a dressmaker, a dance studio and finally becomes a meeting place for people who had travelled from countries far away. And within were folded all the words and footsteps, the prayers and music, the dreams and dancing that had passed and were still to come
Winner of the Joy Cowley Award 2011
New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator

My place

My Place, the classic Australian picture book, is a 'time machine' which takes the reader back into the past. It depicts the history of one particular piece of land in Sydney from 1788 to 1988 through the stories of the various children who have lived there. It aims to teach the reader about the history of Australia, about families, settlers, multiculturalism, and the traditional owners of the land. Each child's story covers a decade in time, showing their particular dress, customs and family life. The book also features maps that the successive generations of children have 'drawn' which demonstrate the things that have changed - as well as the things that have remained constant. 'My Place' ultimately aims to show 'that everyone is part of History' and that 'every place has a story as old as the earth'."--Provided by publisher.

Small and Tall Tales of Extinct Animals

English language ed
Summary: A journey around the world of extinct animals, combining cartoons with naturalist drawings, and mythology with science

Heather Fell in the Water

	Heather keeps falling into pools, puddles and troughs, especially when she is wearing her best clothes. Concerned for her safety, her parents make her wear water wings. Finally, she copes with her fear of water by learning to swim. Suggested level: junior.

Mr Bear Branches and the Cloud Conundrum

Summary: In the style of Winnie the Pooh comes an enchanting new story about friendship and dreams. Lintfrey Longfellow would love nothing more than to sit among the clouds ... but, sadly, clouds just aren't made for sitting on. Can Mr Bear Branches find a solution to Lintfrey's cloud conundrum

Melu

Summary: Melu decides to follow his dream, instead of the herd. The mules had been clip-clopping around the sun-baked hills for generations. They always clip-clopped in the same direction: west towards the setting sun. And they never ventured down to the glittering green sea. But Melu was different. He was always out of step. When the herd clipped, Melu clopped. When the others clopped, Melu clipped. And one day, he decided he wanted to go down to the glittering green sea. (Publisher)
New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrators

The Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley

Summary: Compares the life of a contented rat Riley with that of humans who always seem disgruntled with their lot. A sophisticated picture book. Suggested level: primary.

The Queen and the Nobody Boy

 Other Title: Hodie's journey (in five parts all about bad choices)
Summary: Hodie is the unpaid odd-job boy at the Grand Palace in the Kingdom of Fontania. Fed-up, he decides to leave and better himself in the South. But the young queen, 12 year old Sibilla, is fed-up, too, because of gossip about her lack of magical ability. (Publisher)
Sequel to: The Travelling Restaurant
New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator

Uncle Trev and his Whistling Bull

Summary: More humorous stories of life on the farm with Uncle Trev and his family set in New Zealand during the 1930s
New Zealand author

At the Beach: explore & discover the New Zealand seashore

Identification chart attached inside back cover
Contents: Sandy beaches -- What lives on sandy beaches? -- Mudflats -- What lives on mudflats? -- Rocky shores -- What lives on rocky shores? -- Crabs -- Shells you might find on the beach -- Shellfish -- Sea stars, kina & sea anemones -- Seaweeds, sponges & sandhoppers -- Fish, jellyfish & shrimps -- Birds

Remember that November

Summary: It's almost Guy Fawkes Night, and at the school speech competition Andy talks about Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. The children cheer excitedly, thinking Andy will win the contest. But then, Aroha gets up, wearing a white feather in her hair, and tells the story of another fifth of November - the invasion of Parihaka in 1881. (Publisher)
New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator
Published simultaneously in Maori as: Maumahara ki tera Noema

Taketakerau: The Millennium Tree

Other Title: Millennium Tree
Summary: A child listens to Koro and Grandma as they weave a tale about the life and times of the ancient puriri tree Taketakerau, the settlement and development of New Zealand, and world events that happened over the last 2000 years. (Publisher)

A Great Cake

Summary: Harvey wants to bake a great cake, but doesn’t have all the ingredients. That doesn’t stop him. Harvey can make cakes from the most amazing things! Suggested level: junior.
Harvey wants to bake a great cake, but doesn’t have all the ingredients. That doesn’t stop him. Harvey can make cakes from the most amazing things!

100 Amazing Tales from Aotearoa

Other Title: One hundred amazing tales from Aotearoa
 Other Title: Hundred amazing tales from Aotearoa
 Other Title: Amazing tales from Aotearoa
Summary: Te Papa stores more than 2 million pieces in trust for the nation. New Zealand through 100 Objects takes readers on a tour behind the scenes of the museum to discover more about 100 of these treasured items. Readers will learn the secrets of the first dinosaur fossil ever discovered, see new and unique spider species, be inspired by famous paintings and quirky jewellery, encounter fearsome weapons and armour from the Pacific and uncover the deep and personal stories of Maori taonga
Based on TVNZ television series "Tales from Te Papa
Accompanied by: 2 DVDs including the original TV series
Tales from Te Papa (Television program)

The A C B with Honora Lee

New Zealand author
Summary: Michael is keeping a list of all the reasons why he hates school. When he has to do a project on families, he finally comes to realise that the real reason he hates school is nothing to do with school, but with a family tragedy in the past

Kiwi: a real story

Summary: Illustrations accompany a story that can be read on two levels: for young children a bold rhythmic verse describes the North Island brown kiwi in action in the bush, while the non-fiction narrative provides older readers with added insight into kiwi biology and behaviour. (Publisher)

Come Down, Cat!

Summary: The day is ending, night is falling, and Nicholas’s cat still won’t come down. High on the roof he licks his paws while Nicholas worries about monsters and ghosts. Nicholas fetches a ladder so high that he can see into nests when he reaches the top. But the cat, that cheeky, naughty cat just won’t come down to the safe, warm house. Suggested level: junior.

Anzac Day : the New Zealand story : what it is and why it matters

Contents: 1. The Gallipoli campaign -- 2. New Zealand at war, 1914-18 -- 3. Remembering our war dead -- 4. Anzac Day, then and now -- In war and peace
Summary: This book exposes the rich history behind Anzac Day, seeking to answer the many questions children often ask their parents and teachers around the 25th of April every year. It covers all aspects of Anzac Day, from the Gallipoli Campaign and the Great War, right through to the format of the commemorative services held annually throughout the country. The author identifies important memorials around New Zealand, examines the national anthem, the tradition of Anzac biscuits and the Last Post, Reveille music, plus much more. She also offers websites and projects for further study. The thoroughly researched information is presented alongside numerous images, both historic and contemporary, giving children a very clear view of the significance and background to Anzac Day. (Publisher)

Hooray for Anna Hibiscus!

Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa.
She loves singing to her two baby brothers, Double and Trouble. But when she is chosen to sing for her school in front of the president, her throat runs dry and her bones turn to stone. Can Double and Trouble save her?

Crocodile Jack

Rev. ed
Jack's big brother Tom has asked him to go fishing! But Jack knows you should never go fishing when there are crocs about...

The Bad Butterfly

Meet Billie B Brown...
Billie has started ballet classes. She wants to be a famous ballerina! But will Billie's dancing dreams come true?

The Secret of the Swords

Summary: When Tommy is made Flamant Castle's Keeper of the Blades it seems her dreams of becoming a knight might come true. But then a valuable sword is stolen from the sword chamber. Can a surprising secret and an extra-special group of friends her her find it? Or will Tommy be sent back to the kitchen in disgrace

Fantastic Mr Dahl

Table of contents includes: The boy -- The man -- The writer
'I seem to remember the interviewer asked us what we thought were the "ingredients" of a good story for children. "Above all," Roald Dahl told the interviewer, "it must be FUNNY."
How did a young boy from a small town in Wales grow up to become one of the world's greatest storytellers - the creator of Mr Willy Wonka and the BFG, Matilda and Miss Trunchbull?
From his days at boarding school to the RAF, his love of chocolate and endless storytelling.
Roald Dahl's life, just like his books, was nothing short of extraordinary.

Rabbit

Summary: Jack wants a dog for his birthday, but when he opens the box, instead of the puppy he is expecting, he finds a rabbit. His disappointment is extreme - until he discovers that this rabbit can talk. The rabbit becomes a good listener to Jack's troubles with a couple of school bullies and thinks up a way to help Jack pay them back. But it is hard to keep a talking rabbit a secret, and once Jack tells his friend Nick the secret is out and soon the rabbit is stolen. It is up to Jack and Nick to find him
New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator

Diary of a wimpy kid : the third wheel

 Other Title: Third wheel
Summary: A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down until an unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves his best friend Rowley the odd man out

It was a Dark and Stormy Night

It was a dark and stormy night, the rain came down in torrents, there were brigands on the mountains, and wolves, and the chief of the brigands said to Antonio 'I', bored - tell us a story!'
No one tells a better story than Antonio.
His tale is full of action and absurdity, pirates, parrots and chocolate carnival cake, rubies, emeralds, diamonds of enormous size ... and a Thingy. Antonio just makes i up as he goes along. And he begins: 'It was a dark and stormy night ...'

Save our Sharks!

Summary: The Seaport Junior Sharks can't win a game.  Their coach is in trouble, their footy ground is unsafe, and the team needs more players.  But will the Sharks give up?  Never!

The Scary Solo

Summary: Jack's best friend got the solo that Jack wanted, and he's a bit mad. But when things go wrong on concert night, can Jack save the day

The New Friend

Summary: Jack has found a lost puppy! It is so cute. But can he convince his mum and dad to let him keep it

The Crazy Cousins

Summary: Jack's in the mood for mooching around, not playing with his crazy cousins! But will his bad mood spoil the whole day

The Worry Monsters

Summary: Jack hates spelling. He has a test coming up, but he doesn't want to practice for it. What will happen if he leaves it too late? (From book cover)

The Worst Sleepover

Summary: Jack loves sleeping at Jem's house. He has so many cool games! But why is Jem acting so weird? (From book cover)

The Winning Goal

Summary: Jack wants to kick a goal at soccer, but the coach had made him goalie. There's no glory in goalkeeping, is there

The Robot Blues

Summary: Jack is invited to a costume party, and he's made an awesome robot suit. But what if the other kids at the party think it's lame

The Lost Reindeer

Summary: Jack can't wait to give his best friend Billie her Christmas present. He made it himself! But what will happen when Billie's present for him is way cooler

An Island Escape

Bindi is travelling deep into the jungles of Borneo to film the plight of orphaned and rescued orangutans. When she gets there, one orangutan captures Bindi's heart: Merah. He's a real scene-stealer! But when a tropical storm hits, Merah escapes from his river island. With poachers lurking nearby, it's up to Bindi and her new friend Siti to track Merah down before the poachers do

I've got a feeling!

A lift the flap book
I sniff and sob. I shout and scowl. I laugh and grin. I pout and growl. I wriggle and sigh. I clap and squeal. Can you guess how I feel?
Look, Listen and Lift the Flaps!

Guji - Guji

Summary: One day, an extra-large egg rolls right into Mother Duck's nest. Her hatchlings include a yellow duckling; one with blue spots; another with brown stripes; and a rather unusual, crocodile-shaped youngster, named after his first words. Guji Guji grows bigger and stronger than his siblings (and more crocodilelike), but Mother loves all her offspring the same. When three duck-hungry crocodiles make fun of Guji Guji's ways and try to tempt him into betraying his family, he is put to the test. Charming spin on the ugly duckling theme

My Grandad Marches on Anzac Day

A Lothian Children's Book
This is a simple, moving look at Anzac Day through the eyes of a little girl. It explains what happens on the day and its significance in terms that a young child can understand.
A gentle story about families and the importance of sharing memories and remembering.

The Lion Drummer

Lulu dreams that one day she will be the lion drummer in the Chinese dragon parade...

The Enormous Turnip

Based on a traditional folk tale by Alexei Tolstoy
When the farmer goes to pull the biggest turnip out of the ground, he gets an enormous surprise!

Northwood

Summary: Cecilia Undergarment likes a challenge. So when she discovers a sad and neglected dog, she is determined to rescue him. No matter what. But her daring dog rescue lands her in deep trouble. Trouble in the form of being lost in the dark forest of Northwood. A forest where ferocious black lions roam. A forest that hides a secret castle, an unlikely king and many a mystery. A forest where those who enter never return. But Cecilia is determined to find her way home. No matter what
New Zealand author; New Zealand illustrator

The Circus Pony

Horse-crazy! ;
Bonny and Sam are best friends. No one loves horses they way they do. When Bonnie whispers to them, they understand, and Sam always knows if they need a drink, or a hug, or a race around the paddock.
The girls have the best adventures, like the time they practised trick riding before the circus came to town...

Yikes! In Seven Wild Adventures, Who Would You Be?

	Summary: Choose a character, then turn the page to find out what happens to you. Suggested level: junior, primary.