Kids’ books of 2023
Much to Farmer’s dismay, Pig refuses to oink. Instead, he prefers to recite rhythmic rhymes about "liberating his dazzlehands" — or should that be dazzlehooves?
This book brings the razzle-dazzle before you even open it, with its enticing hot pink cover and shimmery foil lettering. Playful, funny and a joy to read aloud. Ages 0+
This spectacularly original book shares an avalanche of hilariously "mind-bending scientifically plausible inventions" to combat climate change and rewild our planet.
Kiwi industrial designer and inventor Steve Mushin expertly combines science and whimsy, and the graphic-novel style presentation is stunning to boot. A surefire imagination starter. Ages 8+
A joyful celebration of artistic expression and marching to the beat of your own drum.
Olive’s parents are renowned artists who do not appreciate their daughter’s art. But Olive remains true to her own vision — with glorious results.
An assured debut from United States-based author-illustrator, Lian Cho, who grew up in New Zealand. Ages 2+
Whether or not you holiday in a bach (or crib), this charming ode to a Kiwi summer by the seaside rings true.
The rhyming text is spare and lyrical, and you can almost smell the sea in the windswept illustrations. A wonderful choice for bedtime, too: Good day, good sea, good sand, good night. Ages 0+
Woof says Dog. Moo says Cow. Cluck says Hen . . . and Duck goes meow.
Little Duck confounds all the other animals by meowing instead of quacking, but everything eventually makes sense when Duck’s mama and siblings show up.
With its impeccable rhyme and striking illustrations, this deceptively simple book will delight young readers. Ages 0+
Inspired by the popular RNZ segment "Critter of the Week" this book introduces 50 of this country’s lesser-known and arguably least glamorous creatures to children.
It features chatty, informative descriptions of such wonders as the giant nobbled weevil, dog vomit slime mould and the crimson jellyfish, complete with a "critter attractiveness-ometer" rating for each. Ages 5+
Bear is bereft when his best friend — a little bird — dies. After many bleak days and nights, he finds solace in his many happy memories of little bird and starts to look towards the future.
A touching and ultimately hopeful tale of friendship and grief, and of moving on after loss. Ages 4+
Lizzy proudly purchases a pet cloud she calls Milo. But as he grows bigger and more temperamental, Milo starts causing major problems.
This lovely, offbeat book is about growth, change and letting go. In her bright yellow raincoat and gumboots, little Lizzy shines at the heart of it all. Ages 2+
The soon-to-be-completed trilogy featuring penguin (bestest best) pals Big Blue and Little Blue is a treat for kids learning about humour.
The comic-style books are a treat to read aloud, especially for parents who have a talent for voices, and have valuable lessons about friendship. "Double Dippers" completes the series next year. Ages 4+
Facts about fish may be a little dry for some kids but with three coloured lenses through which to view the world’s murky depths, readers will never be bored.
The descriptions of each featured ocean creature are succinct and intriguing, and capture the beauty and variety of our underwater lifeforms. Ages 5+
