New Zealand Books

Living life with a physical disability from birth means a hard road ahead for anyone, but Ian McDonald has taken it all in his stride and through tough times and good, he has led what some people would describe as a relatively normal yet in some respects, extraordinary life despite his disability. This has seen him treated well by his family and friends, but who survived his school years being mercilessly bullied by other children. As his life has gone on, he's come up against discrimination in the workplace, discrimination by potential and actual employers, been sacked from his 'job of a lifetime' for being too good at it and through all this has had some unbelievable successes along the way. Ian's life is a rich tapestry of good and bad, but all through it we can see his ability to keep a smile on his face and shrug off the bad times shines through.

Written by a Greytown local super star Michelle Dawnson is a great story for kids all ages. This picture book introduces children to the delights of gardening and learning gardening skills from grandparents.

Every day after school, Tom goes to Nana's house and enjoys digging in the garden, pulling out the weeds and watering the garden. Today when Tom arrives, Nana has a surprise. 'Close your eyes and no peeking Tom.' Says Nana. 'I have a surprise for you!' 'What could the surprise be?' wondered Tom.

144 pages of colouring fun. Incorporating lots of New Zealand themes including landmarks, landscapes, animals, sports and outdoor activities. 100 gsm paper ' excellent quality

Measurements: 285mm x 210mm

UTHOR: Carly Waddleton
ILLUSTRATOR: Megan Salole

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO SAIL THE PACIFIC, BALLET DANCE IN PARIS OR STROLL ON THE MOON?

I know a Moa that had such dreams. '...the Moa were dreamers so brave and true, They were never afraid to try something new.' This is a book for anyone who dreams of big adventures.

In Dreams of a Moa young readers will meet a moa with big dreams in this quirky tale full of laughter, energy and a few surprises. The story is firmly anchored in New Zealand, with the illustrations celebrating Aotearoa's flora and fauna.

Debut Christchurch author Carly Waddleton says the idea for the book was triggered by her son's curiosity about the moa, combined with her desire to encourage him to follow his passions.

'I wanted the book to be about encouraging everyone to give your dreams a try even if you have challenges ' like the moa, a bird without wings. In the illustrations you will see that the main character actually has a prosthetic leg. I hope this subtle inclusion illustrates that anyone and everyone can go after what they dream of.'

DIMENSIONS: 230 mm x 250 mm
PAGES: 24
STOCK: Hardback on 160gsm woodfree
ISBN: 9781991179869

ILLUSTRATOR: Flox
WRITER: Malcom Clarke

Tu Meke Tui is a story of friendship, courage and discovering that sometimes it's our differences that make us truly special.

Tere the Tui and Taitū the Takahē are two very different sorts of birds; one loves to flit and twirl around in the sky, while the other prefers to rustle about in the undergrowth.

Tumeke is a New Zealand Māori word which means to startle or take fright. In recent years, tu meke (as two words) has developed as a colloquial phrase meaning 'too much' and is used to express excitement or being shaken up.

Measurements: 240 mm x 240 mm
Language: English

The photo is of Cape Palliser Lighthouse on a lovely day. Card comes with white envelope.

Photo by Michelle Dawson (2024)

Measurements: 18.3cm tall x 11.3cm wide

The photo is of Cape Palliser Lighthouse on a lovely day. Card comes with white envelope.

Photo by Michelle Dawson (2024)

Measurements: 18.3cm tall x 11.3cm wide

Gone fishing, see you another time! Sea fishing at Ngawi in the waters of the Cook Straight.

Photo by Michelle Dawson 2024.

Measurements 11.3cm tall x 18.3cm wide

Ngawi fishing village with old tractors to haul the fishing boats in and out of the wild waves of the Cook Straight.

Photo by Michelle Dawson (2024)

Measurements: 11.3cm tall x 18.3cm wide

Nā Kat Quin i tuhi
Written and Illustrated by Kat Quin

Nā Pānia Papa i whakamāori
Translated by Pānia Papa

Te Tou Pīataata o Kuwi - Te reo Māori translated version of Kuwi's Very Shiny Bum.

With the soft jingle of bells, a mysterious gift falls from the sky.
I runga i te tatangi māriri o ngā pere, ka taka iho tētahi koha rerekē i te rangi.

A portion of the sale of each Kuwi product is donated to Save the Kiwi. To date, over $50,000 has been donated from book sales!

Measurements: 230 mm x 230mm
Language: Te Reo Maori