Welcome to our Children's Librarian Picks, where our passionate children's librarians handpick the most delightful, heartwarming, and engaging books for young readers. Happy reading, little bookworms!
Children's Picture Books
Bluey - The Beach by Rebecca Gerlings
Get on board the Bluey bandwagon and enjoy their beach adventure!
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
Reading can be a hard skill to master Perfect for kids wanting to gain more independence with reading. VOX books can be switched on to have read the story out loud while the reader follows along. This book is particularly excellent (but there’s lots of great ones in our collection!).
Children's Young Fiction
Dom's Special Things by Sally Rippin
The latest in the School of Monsters series by Sally Rippin. These books are perfect for kids aged 5 yrs and up who are learning to read - colourful, rhyming, and fun with not too many words. AND there is a neat "how to draw" section at the end that guides you step by step how to draw the main character. I have not yet met a young child who does not enjoy these books!
Children's Non-Fiction
The Encyclopedia of Unbelievable Facts by Jane Wilsher
Choc-a-block full of excellent facts, guaranteed to fascinate and teach you something new. My favourite facts found so far are: what happens to astronauts’ dirty laundry? (page 47) and how big is a fart bubble of a blue whale? (page 31). You'll have to read it to find out the answers!
The Observologist by Giselle Clarkson
Full of fun prompts to get the little people in your life (and you!) out exploring and investigating natures very small wonders.
Firecraft and Campfire Cooking by Bear Grylls
Get ready to rustle up some delicious campfire food with Bear Grylls. Learn how to start a fire, the best food to take on an expedition, plus some tasty recipes. Includes step-by-step instructions and tips from Bear.
For children and families wanting to read in other languages, this is one of the many awesome kids books we have available in our world languages section.
Te Mīhini Iti Kōwhai (The Little Yellow Digger) by Betty Gilderdale
Read a classic NZ children’s picture book in te reo Māori.
You Don’t Know What War Is – The Diary of a Young Girl from Ukraine by Yeva Skalietska
A powerful true story of the war in Ukraine told through the eyes of twelve year old Yeva, who keeps a diary during the first 12 days of the war. Told with honesty and wisdom, this book is intended for readers 11yrs and older.
Little People Big Dreams – Steve Irwin by Ma Isabel Sánchez Vegara
Crikey! It’s Steve Irwin! Meet the real life croc hunter who was a passionate wildlife educator and conservationist.
Young Adult Graphic Novel
The Dam Keeper by Robert Kondo
Full of courage and mystery, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel is based off the Oscar nominated short film of the same name.