If you can resist this book, you are an expert in avoiding something thrilling. Giselle Clarkson’s excellent book about all things birds is sure to engage young minds and old. Filled to the brim with intriguing information, it’s perfectly pitched with its bite-size chunks of text, excellent diagrams and illustrations, and humorous asides. Clarkson encourages us to be avian investigators: equipped with our toolkit of omnibird knowledge and our best tool — observation. Being a bird puzzle-solver has never been more lively. From poop to feathers, to all the parts of the wing, to the different styles of wings, and tails, and heads, and beaks, you’ll be spotting birds high above you, deciphering and coming up with —It’s a gull! A blackbird or possibly a thrush! A starling! There are 18 investigator notes featuring a range of birds, including ducks, gulls, corvids, chickens, flightless birds, birds of prey, and the humble sparrow. There are beautiful eggs (spot the odd one out!), a plumology lesson, an array of different nests from the carefully woven thrush work to the scattershot style of the sparrow, and an explainer on bird names — you’ll know your gymnorhina tibicen from your griseotyrannus aurantioatrocristatus in no time! And so much more. Clarkson’s wonderful illustrations draw you in (there’s great bird attitude here), and the text is lively — so many facts, but also humour and speculation. While there are answers to bird questions you didn’t know you had, there are also questions to ask. What does it feel like to fly? What are they saying? What bird would you be? There’s a charge to use your imagination and your detective skills (observational senses). It's a book about birds and it’s a book about noticing the natural world around us — its awesomeness. Omnibird is a gem — a book that informs, inspires and delights.
Ella loves horses. She loves her gran Grizzly and her home in a southern rural town. She’s most at home on her pony Magpie and cantering across the hills, especially at her favourite time of the day — the grimmelings — a time when magic can happen. Yet she’s lonely and wishes for a friend for the summer. Mum’s busy, and grumpy, looking after everyone and running the trekking business; Grizzly’s getting sicker, although she still has time to tell Ella and her little sister Fiona strange tales and wild stories of Scotland; and the locals think they are a bunch of witches. Ella knows there is power in words and when she curses the bully, Josh Underhill, little does she know she will be in a search party the next day. With Josh missing, and a strangely mesmerising black stallion appearing out of nowhere, this is not your average summer. When Ella meets a stranger, she strikes up an unexpected friendship. Has her wish come true? Why does she feel both attracted and wary of this overly confident boy, Gus? With Josh still missing, Mum’s made the lake out of bounds. That’s the last place Dad was seen six years ago. The lake with its strangely calm centre is enticing. What lurks in its depths — danger or the truth? Rachael King’s The Grimmelings is a gripping story of a girl growing up, of secrets unfolded, and a vengeful kelpie. Like her equally excellent previous children’s book, Red Rocks, King cleverly entwines the concerns of a young teen with an adventure story steeped in mythology. In Red Rocks, a selkie plays a central role, here it is the kelpie. King convincingly transports these myths to Aotearoa, in this case, the southern mountains, and in the former novel, the coast of Island Bay. There are nods to the power of language in the idea of curses, but more intriguing, and touching, are the scraps of paper from Grizzly with new words and meanings for Ella — and for us, the readers. Words are powerful and help us navigate our place in the world and ward off dangers when necessary. Yet the beauty of The Grimmelings lies in its adventure and in the courage of a girl and her horse, who together may withstand a powerful being, and maybe even break a curse. Laced with magical words, intriguing mythology, and plenty of horses, it’s a compelling, as well as emotional, ride.
Where can you fly through portals, confront monsters, make dragons your friends, adventure alongside amicable beasts, and be saved from danger by ingenuity, a little luck, and a good dose of knowledge? In books, of course. To celebrate the magnificent Taniwha landing, here’s a selection of books from our shelves.
Gavin Bishop’s books are always excellent. His new picture book, Taniwha, is a wonderful collection of pākūrau to expand your horizons, of creatures monstrous and tricky, as well as kaitiaki — protectors of people and the land and sea. Here you will find Tuhirangi who travelled with Kupe and lives in the depths of Te Moana a Raukawa, the tale of Moremore, son of Pania, who takes the shape of a shark, and the different natures of Whātaitai and Ngake — the taniwha of Te Whanganui o Tara. Beware the hunger of Tūtaeporoporo and the rage of Hotupuku. Superb illustrations, a glossary, and splendid story-telling.
If dragons are your game, look no further than Dragonkeeper by Carole Wilkinson. Set in the Han Dynasty, a slave girl finds out she is descended from a long line of dragonkeepers. Adventures ensue as Ping is set a great quest by an ancient dragon — a quest that will require bravery and heart. Along the way Ping will discover talents she possesses which will surprise not only her, but those she encounters on her journey.
(This is the first in an excellent series.)
Impossible Creatures: The Poisoned King is not to be missed nor triffled with. Head through the portal to a world of magical creatures, danger and intrigue. Well-paced action, humour, and emotional complexities make the nuanced writing of best-sellling author Katherine Rundell hard to put down. Open this book to a map of islands surrounded by mythical ceatures, and a warning!
“They would have said it wasn’t possible. They would have said she didn’t have it in her. It was in her, but deep. What’s under your house, if you were to dig? Mud and worms. Buried treasure. Skeletons. You don’t know. The girl dug into the depth of her heart and there she found a hunger for justice, and a thirst for revenge.”
Irresistible!
If you like graphic novels, Young Hag from the wonderful illustrator and writer Isabel Greenberg is a delight. It’s an alternative Britain of dragons and wizards, but the magic is fading. When a changeling is discovered in the woods, Young Hag, the youngest in her family of witches, is sent on a quest to discover the source of these magical problems. Greenberg ingeniously reinvents the women in Arthurian legend, transforming the tales of old into a heart-warming coming-of-age story.
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin is now available as a graphic novel. Thoughtfully adapted by illustrator Fred Foreman, this will appeal to fans of the classic and those new to it.
Ged is on the path to being a mage, but to do so he must master his powers and confront a shadow-beast which he has let loose when toying with spells beyond his ability. Foreman captures the complexities of this coming-of-age story bringing the darkness and light of Le Guin’s story onto the page with a brooding colour palette, sweeping vistas, raw emotion, and visual details of the magical and natural world.
The winners of the 2025 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults:
Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award: The Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti of Waitangi, Ross Calman (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu) (Oratia Books)
BookHub Picture Book Award: Titiro Look, Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa), translated by Darryn Joseph (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Rereahu) (Gecko Press)
Wright Family Foundation Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction: Detective Beans and the Case of the Missing Hat, Li Chen (Penguin Random House)
Young Adult Fiction Award: The Paradise Generation, Sanna Thompson (umop apisdn press)
Elsie Locke Award for Non-Fiction: The Treaty of Waitangi / Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Ross Calman (Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Raukawa, Kāi Tahu) (Oratia Books)
Russell Clark Award for Illustration: Hineraukatauri me Te Ara Pūoro, illustrated by Rehua Wilson (Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa), written by Elizabeth Gray (Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāti Uepōhatu, Tama Ūpoko ki te awa tipua, Ngāti Tūwharetoa anō hoki) (Huia Publishers)
Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for a Book Originally Written in Te Reo Māori: Hineraukatauri me Te Ara Pūoro, Elizabeth Gray (Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāti Uepōhatu, Tama Ūpoko ki te awa tipua, Ngāti Tūwharetoa anō hoki), illustrated by Rehua Wilson (Te Aupouri, Te Rarawa) (Huia Publishers)
Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for a Book Translated into Te Reo Māori: A Ariā me te Atua o te Kūmara, written by Witi Ihimaera (Te Whānau a Kai, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Mahaki, Ngāti Porou), translated by Hēni Jacob (Ngāti Raukawa), illustrated by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White (Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu) (Penguin Random House)
NZSA Best First Book Award: The Raven's Eye Runaways, Claire Mabey (Allen & Unwin)
We all have times when things are too much, when we fall out with friends, or we have to be brave even when we are scared. For children, story-telling can be a perfect way to recognise emotions, articulate feelings, and unpack complex situations. These books, which are wonderful stories — the best of which employ humour as well as heart — open doors to conversations, understanding, and empathy.
From the pen and brush of the excellent Bomb and Dazzlehands, comes A Guide to Rocks. This is the best picture book I’ve come across about feelings and how to unpack them.
Charlie has a rock. It’s a beautiful pink crystal, but there’s something about it which worries Dad. As Dad tries to instruct Charlie on the way to deal with his rock — hide it, ignore it, deflect attention from it — it just keeps getting bigger! Eventualy the rock gets so heavy and large it joins with many others and pushes Dad and Charlie apart. It’s going to take some effort to turn this rock over, but possibly together they can do it. This is a stand-out picture book. The text is great, Dad and Charlie are excellent characters, and there’s plenty of heart and humour. The illustrations are delightful, full of the same energy and humour as the award-winning Bomb. Clever, funny, honest, and also useful. A Guide to Rocks lets children (and parents) knows it’s okay to vulnerable, to express your fears and doubts, and that you are not alone.
Also available in te reo Māori: Te Taonga te Toka
Another wonderful author/illustrator duo does it again in Twigs and Stones. Joy Cowley is always excellent, and teamed with the excellent Gavin Bishop, the ‘Snake and Lizard’ series has been a favourite with young readers for several years. The latest is a picture book about friendship. Snake and Lizard are friends, but sometimes that’s friends with a big ‘F’ and at other times a small ‘f’. What starts as a good plan becomes a joke, and then not so funny after all. As Lizard works away, Snake dozes, and that ‘f’ becomes a little smaller. When the task doesn’t quite go to plan, Snake doesn’t see the funny side, and takes revenge. But revenge isn’t sweet! Will the two friends make up? This is a charming story about being friends, falling out and making up. Twigs and Stones is a story about the joy of friendship, and why knowing when to back down, move on and be kind are great skills. Words can be mean, and they can also be meaningful.
And one for the brave or about-to-be-brave. Here’s a twist on a classic fairytale. Anna Höglund, inspired by the Swedish author Elsa Beskow’s Tripp, Trapp, Trull, brings us a tale of bravery, audacity and cleverness. The Stone Giant is beautifully illustrated ( copperplate etchings and watercolour) and the heroine is the best — resourceful and determined.
A child is left to fend for herself when her father, a brave knight, has to leave to confront the giant. After some time goes by, and all the chores are done, the child tires of wistfully watching for her father’s return, and sets out to find him. There’s a long journey ahead. But she never gives up. With a little help and guidance she continues on to a land of stones and the giant herself! What can a small child in a red dress do? You’ll be surprised! A wonderful story, with just the right amount of danger for a young audience — and a happy ending.
Books are wonderful. They are sources of information, knowledge, and witness. They are worlds to get lost and found in, with stories that entertain, inspire, or provoke. Books are ideas; and, for children, building curiosity and encouraging the ability to question should never be underestimated. Here are a handful of books on our shelves for the curious child in your life.
My Little Book of Big Questions is a great place to begin. I think this might be my favourite Britta Teckentrup book (and she is the author and illustrator of many delightful children’s books). The illustrations are variously thoughtful, joyful and enigmatic.
As are the questions, that range from the whimsical to tentative to philosophical and provocative. Here there are only questions, some where the only answer may be who knows? or only time will tell, while others open doors to conversations and contemplation.
Here’s a small selection:
Will I be able to fly someday?
Who will be my friend?
Why I am afraid of what I don’t know?
Am I special?
Why is nature so colourful?
Are dreams as true as reality?
From The School of Life crew comes this excellent introduction to philosophy. Big Ideas for Curious Minds features leading figures in the history of philosophy, engages young minds with the concept of thinking, its relevance to everyday life, and why asking questions will always be important.
It’s informative, well-written, relevant to modern life and young people’s concerns and interactions.
So if you would like to know what Hypatia was thinking in 400AD, why Kant thought it important ask why, and how Derrida can make you think again, this is the book for you. There are lots of thinking and talking points, and everyone is bound to learn something new about themselves, each other, and the the world and how it ticks.
Who can resist a book written by Speck Lee Tailfeather — a bird? In Architecture According to Pigeons Speck Lee is determined to share his passion for architecture, and show off his knowledge a little, too! Take a trip around the world to some standout buildings and constructions and get a pigeon-eyed view for a new perspective!
Speck Lee Tailfeather will introduce to the Hungry Beaks Hall (Sydney Opera House), The Worm (The Great Wall of China), The Colosseum, Taj Mahal, The Crabshell (Notre Dame de Ronchamp) and many other architectural wonders. Fabulous illustrations with plenty to look at and dotted with facts and curious tidbits from Tailfeather, as well as architectural notes. Enjoy and learn.
Take an anthropologist, take an artist and shake up how humans live in the world. David Graeber and Nika Dubrovsky free-wheel in Cities Made Differently . Melding history and myth, science and imagination, this is a visual interpretation of a dialogue over several decades between the two authors.
With thought-provoking examples of past cities, and ideas about future cities, the conversation not only grapples with the physicaltity of the spaces we live in, but also ideas of who holds power within these structures and how we want to live together. Mind-spinning stuff — a visually imaginative portal!
Things Come Apart 2.0 is a brilliant book for those who need to know how it works! If you love to navigate the world by unpacking it — literally — then this will be an endless source of fascination short of deconstructing every appliance in the house. (It may well inspire some coming apart, so consider a few defunct items to be close at hand!).
This highly visual catalogue will appeal to the deconstructor in your household, as well as the budding designer. The attention to detail of all the components neatly ordered and looking superb right down to the nuts and bolts is almost meditative!
At VOLUME we offer a book subscription service. There are many options, including a Non-Fiction selection for children. Our book subscriptions for children are so enjoyed that we have many repeat yearly subscribers. Find out why with a six-book taster! ( All subscription prices include postage.)
Planet Earth needs us and we need it. In the news every day there are stories of climate devastation, whether this is the latest storm to tear through a community, refugees searching for environmental and economic stability, food insecurity, or the decline of animal, insect, or plant species. This is the world young people face and this can be overwhelming. The books selected here are antidotes: each is a positive and engaging call to action that embraces nature and our relationship with it.
For teens and upwards, Elizabeth Kolbert’s H is for Hope investigates climate change in an A-Z format. Kicking off with Arrhenius who created the world’s first climate model in 1894 to Z associated with the familiar term Ground Zero and what this means, this book is packed with information, history, facts and ideas. In between A and Z there are O for Objections, P for Power, U for Uncertainty, W for Weather, and of course, H is for Hope. Kolbert’s knowledgable and enquiring text is matched with super illustrations by Wesley Allsbrook. This publication is ideal for 12 up and right through to adult readers. Inspiring and alarming, these 26 pieces are accessible, lightly written without losing gravitas, and empowering.
If you are looking for something a little less confronting for younger readers, The Big Book of Belonging provides a delightful child-centric observation of us and our place in the natural world. Here on the page, a child can see themselves as a person that belongs on the planet along with animals, insects and plants.
Yuval Zommer in word and image allows a child to see how nature works, the similarities between humans and other species, why community and home matter, the wonders of the natural world, and the importance of celebrating as well as nurturing this relationship with the Earth. Sweet, gentle and quietly advocating for cooperation, The Big Book of Belonging, ideal for 4-7 years, is perfect for the next generation of environmentalists.
And if rewilding is your jam, you can’t go past Steve Mushin’s Ultrawild. Winner of the Elsie Locke Non-Fiction Award in 2024, this is the best climate change/science/natural history book that I have come across in publishing in Aotearoa, ever!
So much fun, so inspiring and as the subtitle says — audacious. Part-graphic novel, part-infometrics, completely packed with ideas, facts, action and inventions, Ultrawild is inspiring, zany, and creative. This is the book that every kid (and a few adults, too!) should have under their arm, by the bed, on the sofa, and out in the wild (urban wilderness, suburban scape, backyard or apartment deck) every day, everywhere, problem-solving for a better future. Genius!
Graphic novels are an excellent way not only into books for children, but also into social issues and history. With excellent illustrations and styles of drawing to please a variety of tastes, we are always on the lookout at VOLUME for graphic novels that will engage young people in the world, in narrative, and in the wonder of the written word and art on the page.
Here’s a selection of recent titles to pique your curiosity:
Song of a Blackbird, from Dutch author and illustrator Maria van Lieshout, is a skillfully told story of famlly history, the trials of surviving World War II in Europe, and an emotional journey for a young woman trying to help her Oma. Armed with only a few photographs of buildings in Amsterdam, Annick (in 2011) must unpick the mystery of her Oma’s childhood to save her life. A two-handed story, the other strand of this story is set in wartime Holland. It’s 1943 and everything is changing for Emma as she embarks on a dangerous mission right under the noses of the Nazi soldiers. Song of a Blackbird has striking two-tone illustrations with splashes of colour complemented by black-and-white historic photographs. This is a powerful story of courage, compassion and resistance.
Taking another episode from history is Pearl by Sherri L. Smith and Christine Norrie — another dual-time novel. This time we are in Japan in the 1940s with Amy, a Japanese American girl born in Hawaii, sent to visit her ailing great-grandmother. After Pearl Harbour is bombed Amy is stuck in Japan, where she is conscripted by the military to be a Monitor Girl listening in and translating U.S. radio messages. The other story thread is the one her great-grandmother tells her: the Japanese annexation of the Ryukyu Kingdom in Okinawa in 1879. Both are stories of survival and hope, and for Amy, identity, the conflict of being both Japanese and American. Christine Norrie’s illustrations capture the confusion and emotion of the situation, and the sharp singular colour palette has great impact.
Young Hag is another wonderful publication from the pen and wit of Isabel Greenberg. This delightful coming-of-age story takes us into history, into the drama of Arthurian legend. Here we will encounter tales of tales of Merlin, the Lady of the Lake, King Arthur, Morgan le Fay, and Lancelot. Here there is a changeling that needs returning to the Otherworld. The Ancient Crone has left a door open. The magic is leaking through. Young Hag, one of the last real witches in Britain, must find her magic to reverse a wrong. But can she do it? With glorious illustrations, an irrepressible heroine, and a wonderful feminist retelling of Arthurian legends, who could resist this book?
Oliver Wormwood is struggling to find a Trade. His five older sisters are all amazing. One is a mage, another a lawkeeper, Willow is a ranger, another a blacksmith and the first-born an explorer. All roles his father admires. Oliver isn’t great at any of them. The Calling day is not going well, and the last option presents itself with the late arrival of the librarian. Oliver’s life is about to change. It’s not the most daring Trade. Or so he thinks…. Day one in the Library, the head librarian drops dead in mid-sentence, there are cats that appear from nowhere, and the books seem to have a life of their own! This job may not be as dull as Oliver thought! And in fact a bit more dangerous than anticipated. But can he survive the day!
There are strange comings and goings, complicated enquiries, and much to learn about the returns system, the bookworms (large and hungry) who come out at night, the bats, and the hoovering books! Luckily, Oliver isn’t completely on his own. There’s a girl called Agatha who lives in the library and knows her way around, willing to give Oliver a helping hand. Yet there’s something odd about her. One moment she’s there right beside him, and at other times nowhere to be seen. There are also the cats, all with their distinct personalities and, as Oliver finds out, usefulness. One is a great guard cat, another adept at being ferocious (handy for beasts that accidently come out of books, and a pesky firedrake!), while others are great company. Even as Oliver settles into his daily tasks, things are far from plain sailing. There are thieves sneaking through the aisles, powerful books to protect, and other books that need to be handled very carefully. In this library what it says on the cover really does count; — Death by a Thousand Papercuts, anyone?
When several murders happen in or near the library, it’s time for Oliver to put his mind to the task, and solve the mystery. But who can he trust? Is the murderer in his midst? Where does Agatha dissappear to? Who is the stranger Simeon Golightly and what is he looking for? Why are some of Oliver’s sisters popping in to see him at the library? Just being friendly, or is there something else afoot? Or has a magical creature escaped its covers and gone on the rampage?
This is a highly enjoyable, amusing tale with plenty of twists and turns, with an excellent cast of brilliant characters, both human and animal. Oliver is the best friend for anyone who has ever doubted themselves, as he discovers talents he least expected and that being yourself is a good thing. If you like a book set in a library with cats, daring escapades, and magical books, The 113th Assistant Librarian will be perfect!
From adventures across untamed landscapes, to shapeshifting creatures, to kids finding their way and their culture, here is a selection of best-sellers from VOLUME for 9-14 year olds. These engaging books light the fire of the imagination. They encourage curiosity, understanding and empathy. Some are standout adventures, while others quietly reveal.
Award-winning author Stacy Gregg won the Margaret Mahy Book of Year at last year’s children’s book awards for her superb Nine Girls. This was an important book for Gregg and was a departure from her highly polished pony club titles. Here the author has skin in the game; — it’s her childhood, and her journey in te ao Māori which resonates on every page giving this adventure story that extra bite. But it is the protaganist, Titch, who will stay with you. It’s the late 1970s and Dad has been made redundant. It’s time to pack up and move from Remuera to Ngāruawāhia — a culture shock for TItch and her sister, but also the stuff of holidays and relatives with tall tales. One tall tale takes hold: Gold!
Nine Girls is a coming-of-age story about family, culture and friendship. It takes on big issues like racism, the emotional challenges of illness, and facing death. And with the brilliant Titch at the centre and Gregg’s masterful story-telling this is an absolute winner.
I can’t stop recommending Brown Bird by Jane Arthur. I love this book. Rebecca is the best timid character and Brown Bird has flown straight into the realm of a VOLUME Favourite. Why? One: there’s a map! Two: there’s the wonderful Rebecca and the delightful Chester. Three: Brown Bird is a story about friendship. Four: It’s a spot-on depiction of that moment in childhood — Rebecca is eleven — when things change, emotionally and physically. Five: It deals with emotions with honesty and care. Rebecca’s anxiety and frustration is all there and well articulated, but so too is her kindness and tenacity. Six: I love the quietness of Brown Bird. It’s a book that draws you in, lets you think, and also makes you smile. And Seven: It’s sweetly written. Brown Bird is an excellent book for anyone who’s taken a while to believe in themselves.
The Mapmakers’ Race by Eirlys Hunter is a superbly well-paced adventure. Meet the Santander family - explorers and mapmakers. When Ma misses the train, Sal, the twins Joe and Francie, along with young Humphrey, are on their own, making their way to Grand Prospect as entrants in the Great Mapmakers' Race, a competition to map a railway route through the uncharted wilderness from Grand Prospect to the port at New Coalhaven. The fastest team wins the prize, and the best map, the grand prize, will become the new railway. And all this needs to be done in 28 days!
A highly enjoyable read-aloud or keep-to-yourself. The Mapmakers’ Race will have some children reaching for ink and paper to become wondrous mapmakers, and others out in the wilderness, exploring and making tracks. Charming, exciting and just a little dangerous.
And there’s a sequel! The Uprising brings us more daring;—this time high up in the mountains of Cruxcia with villians and unlikely heroes, and an environmental scam to scupper!
Ella loves horses. She loves her gran Grizzly and her home in a southern rural town. She’s most at home on her pony Magpie cantering across the hills, especially at her favourite time of the day — the grimmelings — a time when magic can happen.
The Grimmelings is a gripping story of a girl growing up, of secrets unfolded, and a vengeful kelpie. Like her equally excellent previous children’s book, Red Rocks (now an exciting TV series), King cleverly entwines the concerns of a young teen with an adventure story steeped in mythology. In Red Rocks, a selkie plays a central role, here it is the kelpie. The beauty of The Grimmelings lies in its adventure and in the courage of a girl and her horse, who together may withstand a powerful being, and maybe even break a curse! Laced with magical words, intriguing mythology, and plenty of horses, it’s a compelling and emotional ride.
There are new children’s books arriving at VOLUME every week. Here are a few we think you might like.
You will love Clive. He’s adorable. Friendly and gentle, Clive loves playing with his friends and exploring the world. It’s all about hats and plenty of imagination in this boardbook, Clive and his Hats. A sunny yellow hat for wearing in the sandpit, a pointy black magic hat for showing his tricks to Moshi the cat, or out in the rain in his best red fire-hat-and-coat set complete with red gumboots! There’s dress-ups and party hats, a special hat for the art gallery, and delightful tall-eared hats for when you being a rabbit. The Clive books by Jessica Spanyol are gentle and affectionate. They avoid gender stereotypes and celebrate diversity, encourage sharing and the joy of play.
A goodnight book about dreaming and the wonders of a world at night. With its atmospheric colour palette of bluey green with little flashes of contrasting orange, Mr Moon Wakes Up captures a warm gentle night with a full moon perfectly. Here are the long shadows and soft shapes, here are magical creatures in the garden and in the sky. A child bemoans the fact that Mr Moon is always asleep. Too sleepy to do puzzles, play hide-and-seek, or hear exciting adventure stories. But what if Mr Moon is awake when you’re asleep? And so begins a wonderful night of magic and mazes, and of seeing the world anew. This charming story, written and illustrated by Jemima Sharpe captures a similar mood as the classic The Moon Jumpers — it is dreamily illustrated and sweetly written.
How to be a champ when you’re not like the others? Iranian author Payam Ebrahimi started writing stories when he was five, and kept writing through school and study, and work, and various occupations, and luckily for us still keeps writing stories. And luckily for us this one, Champ, is ably translated by Caroline Croskery and illustrated by internationally recognised artist Reza Dalvand. Abtin is the misfit of the Moleski family. Every single member of the family is a champion obsessed with sports and winning. Their portraits hung on the wall, medals adorn their chests. They eat heartily and train all day. Abtin isn’t interested in winning, and his dreams are quite different. The excellent illustrations by Davland add further layers to the humour and pathos of Ebrahimi’s text. This is a powerful story about being yourself in the face of adversity and the pressure to conform. Perfect for the champ in us all, and when we need a little courage!
There are new children’s books arriving at VOLUME every week. Here are a few special ones we think you might like.
Let’s Go Ruru! , written and illustrated by Kate Muir, is a bilingual sturdy board book with lift-the-flaps, bright colours, and bold images perfect for a small one. The text uses repetition and rhythm to keep small ones engaged, and there’s a handy pull-out pronunciation guide. Join the sweet ruru to get dressed ready to venture out.
Little Pea is adorable (the brainchild of Davide Cali, charmingly illustrated by Sébastien Mourrain). In this story, Little Pea, the great artist of postage stamps, opens a drawing school. Creatures come from far and near to study in the hollow of a large tree. Some have no drawing experience, others are confident, some are hestitant. Cricket is careful, worm more free-flowing, while Tarantula just draws dots — no matter what the assignment! The end of year exhibition is approaching and a surprise awaits! Little Pea’s Drawing School is a book that celebrates individuality, learning from each other, and the joy of creativity.
The Magic Cap is absolutely wonderful! With its beautiful illustrations by Charlotte Parent and its charming story by Mireille Messier, this is a standout picture book. It is kind and gentle, intriguing and magical, and compliments these characteristics with a hint of humour. It has a folktale atmosphere, set in a forest with sweet woodland creatures, and the rumour of magical beings. When the children’s pet hedgehog Crispin falls ill, Isaura and Arlo do everything they can to make him better. Nothing works. Magic is what they need! They have to find a gnome! Into the forest they go bowl of milk in their hands. The woodland creatures like it. They try wild berries, but a greedy toad eats them all. What’s left to forage? A mushroom — that’s all! Will it work?
Gavin Bishop’s books have been adored by generations of children. With numerous awards to his name and books ranging from Look!, for tiny tots, to Aotearoa, suitable for the whole family, his superb illustrations and excellent stories are delightful and informative. So it’s wonderful to see some of his earlier books back in print in this collection, The Gavin Bishop Treasury.
Here you will find picture book classics like Bidibidi, the adorable Little Rabbit and the Sea, the excellent Rats! and the incorrigible Mr Fox. Mix in some Gavin Bishop-esque fairy tales and you have a perfect book for gifting, reading, and enjoying together…
Rainbows for Bidibidi
Deaming with Little Rabbit
Rapscallion Claw to the rescue
Mischief with Mr Fox!
…Because we think this is a book you should have in your household, we are offering you a $5 sweetener. Use the code TREASURE for this special discount. This week only! Offer ends Sunday 9th February.
Every good book experience starts with the simplest of things. An excellent board book can open a young mind to the world and their own experience in it. At VOLUME, we are always looking for interesting picture books that will surprise and delight. Board books for the very youngest start the journey of a reading life. Here are a few recently published titles:
Titiro/Look is a bilingual first words book. Another excellent title from Aotearoa children’s author and Illustrator Gavin Bishop. The design is excellent, with its arresting illustrations and clear visual information. There’s a great range of subjects, creating plenty of opportunities to expand vocabulary and create conversations, making it a perfect book for looking at, and interacting with, for parent (or grandparent) and child.
So excited to see a new addition to the playful series from creator Antonia Pesenti. Party Rhyme! is as much fun as Rhyme Cordial and Rhyme Hungry. With hairy bread and party bats it will be hard to keep the laughter and rhyming under control. But not to worry, there will be a bear hug to keep everyone feeling cosy at the end. The lift-the-flap formula works brilliantly with Pesenti’s books, and they are robust and create just the right amount of anticipation.
If you are after a sweet bedtime book, look no further than Good Night Belly Button. Reminiscent of the classic Good Night Moon, the youngster in this story is being tucked into bed, from the tips of the toes up to the chin, all snug and sleepy. This long format board book slowly raises the blanket with each turn of the page. Good night little feet, good night little calves, good night little knees…
And here’s a wonderful title now available as a board book. Press Here by designer Hervé Tullet is brilliant. It’s all about colours and movement. It is clever and interactive without any moving parts, but plenty of lateral thinking. Highly enjoyable and endlessly fascinating! It is magic?
If you are interested in a Book Subscription for a young reader, we have designed some perfect book packages. For the youngest, we recommend WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF BOOKS. We create reading subscriptions for all ages and can adjust to fit your requirements.
Not sure which appeals the most? —Use the ENQUIRE button or just email us to start a conversation.
Welcome back Raccoon, Badger, Fox, Bear, and Crow! Raccoon is reading a great book. It’s a wonderful adventure. It’s so exciting, he decides it’s time for his own expedition;— a journey around the world! For that he will need a boat, and he knows where he can find one. His friend, Badger, is just the fellow. Badger has everything, and all in their allotted places. Check out his storage shelves — so orderly! Badger also thinks he will be the perfect companion for this journey. Everyone needs a friend on such a journey. Boat and paddles in hand, they are ready to go. Setting off for the river, they meet Fox at the market selling her eggs. What about food? I better come along with you, insists Fox. The three friends are now prepared for their journey around the world. Bear is out fishing and reminds them about sea monsters and jellyfish. You’ll need a bear on your crew. Off to the river the four friends go. Crow flies past, and exclaims, I’ll be the look-out. Of course, they need a look-out for such a grand adventure. All together, they get under way. It’s a beautiful day for a journey down the river to the ocean. What a great adventure! Philip Waechter’s Around the World With Friends, like his previous picture book about our five wonderful friends ( A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends), captures us. The five friends are adorable, their joyful and positive interactions irresistable, and the story moves at just the right pace, and with a gentleness that is sometimes missing in picture books. The illustrations are delightful and there is always more to see with each reading. Each of the friends has their special talent and all this comes in handy on their adventure down the river. An adventure which mostly goes to plan, but isn’t always plain sailing, so there will be some problem-solving along the way. There will be games on a sandy bank, scrambled eggs and oh dear! — rain. Exciting adventures are wonderful, especially with friends, but what about Fox’s chickens, and Bear needs his teddy at night, and Raccoon forgot to bring his book. Heading home is just fine — especially when there are plans for a new adventure very soon! A perfectly charming picture book for young adventurers. Recommended for gift-giving and inspiring summer adventures, filled with imagination and delight.
Love children’s books? Did you know we have dedicated Children’s Book Subscriptions? Share the world of reading with a special child in your life with a VOLUME Book Subscription. Choose here or let us know if you have a special request. We individually select books for a child’s reading level and interests. No two subscriptions are the same! Need to know more, you can book a ZOOM consultation.
The 2024 Winner of the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year is Stacy Gregg (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Maru Hauraki) with her latest book, Nine Girls. Gregg is a household name in New Zealand, and in the UK, with over 30 pony books to her name, numerous awards, along with commercial success. Nine Girls is a departure from the pony stories. Gone is the pony, but in its place is a talking eel. Titch and her whanua have moved to Ngāruawāhia. Adjusting to a small town where she feels out of place is no easy feat, but with a best friend, Tania, the lure of hidden treasure and the unexpected encounter with her eel connecting Titch to her past, adventure is never far away.
In Nine Girls Stacy Gregg draws on her own childhood, and being an outsider; she explores issues of colonisation, racism and striving to find yourself and connect with your heritage. With Gregg’s expert story-telling this coming-of-age story balances humour, adventure, and emotion — the perfect ingredients for a standout book that embraces important themes and history for both Māori and Pākehā readers.
These wonderful books have just won their categories at the 2024 NEW ZEALAND BOOK AWARDS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS.
Read what the judges had to say, and then click through to our website to grab your copies (or to get us to send them to the children or young adults of your choice). These books are selling fast, but more stock of all of them is on its way!
MARGARET MAHY BOOK OF THE YEAR
Nine Girls — Written by Stacy Gregg (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Maru Hauraki) (Published by Penguin Books)
In Nine Girls Stacy Gregg masterfully weaves comedy, fantasy and history together in a profound exploration of the complexity of identity in Aotearoa New Zealand through the experiences of a young Māori girl finding her place in the world. Historical events are woven into the fabric of the story, grounding her personal journey in a broader socio-political context. Vivid characters animate a fast-paced, eventful narrative with plot twists and emotional highs and lows.
This book celebrates Māori identity, pays tribute to Aotearoa’s rich history, and testifies to the power of storytelling. Nine Girls is a taonga for readers of all ages, resonating long after the final page is turned.
CATEGORY WINNERS
PICTURE BOOK AWARD
Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai — Written by Michaela Keeble with Kerehi Grace (Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Porou), and illustrated by Tokerau Brown (Published by: Gecko Press)
Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai is groundbreaking, deeply creative, and completely original. The story comes from the mouth of a child, and the illustrations are a direct window to the imagination, or maybe to the reality of a child’s mind as they make sense of their identity, whānau, culture, and other big questions.
This is a sophisticated picture book that can be enjoyed by all ages. An inspirational read that will encourage our tamariki and mokopuna to tell their own stories, with their own voices, it deserves to become an Aotearoa bookshelf classic.
WRIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION ESTHER GLEN AWARD FOR JUNIOR FICTION
Nine Girls — Written by Stacy Gregg (Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Maru Hauraki) (Published by: Penguin, Penguin Random House)
Using the thread of storytelling, Nine Girls weaves together an exploration of the complexity of identity, the resonance of history, and the transformative power of friendship. Comic action, magical realism, and social history are skilfully combined in this captivating coming-of-age story. Vivid and well-developed characters populate a fast-paced, eventful narrative as we follow the young protagonist’s journey to discovering her Māori identity. Te ao Pākehā and te ao Māori are equally uplifted as the text explores our bicultural history.
Poignant and profound, affirming and authentic, this book is rich with themes of identity, friendship, and cultural heritage – a taonga from a masterful storyteller.
YOUNG ADULT FICTION AWARD
Catch a Falling Star — Written by Eileen Merriman (Published by: Penguin Books)
Catch a Falling Star is a masterclass in writing that bravely tells the story of Jamie Orange, a complicated and endearing young man who struggles with mental health issues while juggling school work, relationships, and performing in the local musical.
Eileen Merriman has skilfully and sensitively captured Jamie’s journey, allowing readers to step in and experience it alongside him. The result is a remarkably authentic portrayal of his escalating problems, fraught with frenetic energy and leading to a horrifying climax. This book is significant for teens today who may relate to the issues Jamie faces, and better understand them through reading his story.
ELSIE LOCKE AWARD FOR NON-FICTION
Ultrawild: An Audacious Plan to Rewild Every City on Earth — Written and illustrated by Steve Mushin (Published by: Allen & Unwin)
In Ultrawild, Steve Mushin leads us on a deadly serious quest to design our way out of climate change. He presents out-there concepts that are ingenious, technically plausible and often humorous – but it’s the way they are communicated that gives this book the wow factor. Pages are filled to the brim with detailed illustrations of his designs, speech bubbles, arrows, calculations, and full-page spreads that show what these rewilded cities could look like. This book about futuristic design is itself an object of outstanding design.
Ultrawild encourages readers to see the explicit connection between creativity and science, and as Steve Mushin puts it, to think ludicrous thoughts and have revolutionary ideas.
RUSSELL CLARK AWARD FOR ILLUSTRATION
Patu: The New Zealand Wars — Illustrated and written by Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa) (Published by: Puffin Books)
In Patu: The New Zealand Wars, Gavin Bishop has brought everything in his considerable artistic arsenal to bear on this most difficult and fundamental part of our colonial history, with the ambition and control of an illustrator at the height of their mastery.
A complex and wide-ranging story is told clearly and accessibly at least as much through the illustrations as it is through the words, and most importantly it is told with power. In what is not just a historical recounting, the stark compositions and limited colour palette speak to a deeply personal tale; one of mamae discovered, mamae long felt, and mamae yet to be healed.
WRIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION TE KURA POUNAMU AWARD FOR TE REO MĀORI
Nani Jo me ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga — Written by Moira Wairama and illustrated by Margaret Tolland (Published by: Baggage Books)
Nani Jo me ngā Mokopuna Porohīanga is a beautifully written story about the special memories and bonds that are made when we are intentional in our relationships. Opening with childlike bubbly energy and using repetitive language to capture younger audiences, Nani Jo and her mokopuna guide us through the spiritual and emotional experiences of life.
This taonga uses inclusive language to convey the significance of stories, their role in helping us make sense of our world, and the importance of poroporoaki to the grieving process. It is in itself a journey of creating and sharing stories that will live on in generations to come.
N.Z.S.A. BEST FIRST BOOK AWARD
Tsunami — Written and illustrated by Ned Wenlock (Published by: Earth’s End Publishing)
As a graphic novel Tsunami is exemplary, with the language of comics intrinsic to its understanding and impact. The toy-like characters with their clean simple lines invite readers to identify with them, even as their diagrammatic performance of the story's central tragedy distances readers from them – thus seamlessly reflecting the book's themes of alienation and the need for connection.
Tsunami respects the ability of its audience to handle ambiguity, to rise to meet its challenges and to find its rewards, however unsettling the journey may be. This is a book that lingers after the reading, and seems destined to be studied and discussed for a long time to come.
The finalists have been announced celebrating the best in Aotearoa’s children’s and teen books. There are some exceptional gems, and some of my personal favourites from the past year have made the cut. A finalist for the Young Adult Fiction Award and the NZSA Award for Best First Book is Tsunami.
This excellent graphic novel from Paekakariki-based illustrator, animator, and comic maker Ned Wenlock deals with bullying, being an outsider, and that awkward transition from childhood to adulthood, with raw honesty and clarity.
Meet Peter, a target for the school bullies. His commitment to truth and being right isn’t always the best fit for your final days of primary school. Being twelve is never easy and, for Peter, life is just too much. Peter’s parents are too busy bickering to notice his despair, his nemesis Gus and his cronies are on his case, and there’s a new girl at school just as much a misfit as him. But she’s a badass, and it’s difficult for Peter to navigate her motives. It all feels overwhelming to Peter — like a tsunami is coming and he isn't sure he can stop it.
Told in Ned’s unique and beautifully pared-down style, Tsunami is a taut page-turner, a coming-of-age story, and nuanced examination of early teenage alienation and the unpredictable consequences of our actions.
Another example of superb publishing from Earth’s End.
Grace keeps centred with martial arts. Jeet Kune Do is her lifesaver, but will it be enough to get her through the summer? Can the words of Bruce Lee hold the world steady when everything is about to change? Grace is eighteen, working cleaning motel rooms, hoping she can save enough to go to uni, worried about her Mum, and watching out for her Gran. She’s a teen with more responsibility than most, and when her childhood friend, Charlie, jumps out of a suitcase (literally!) unexpectedly in front of her, life’s going to get a little more chaotic. Fall back a few years. Charlie and Grace met when they were five and were inseparable. Grace, a small Asian overprotected child, and Charlie, with his achondroplasia, are drawn to each other instantly and share a curiosity for the world and a fierce loyalty to each other. When Charlie’s academic mother gets a posting overseas, Grace feels abandoned, and has never forgiven Charlie for not keeping in touch. Now he’s back, their friendship is rekindled and it’s not what either of them expected. If this was the most complex issue in Grace’s life, no problem. But there are greater mysteries. Frustrated by her mother’s refusal to tell her anything substantial about her birth in Taiwan or her father who died, Grace is determined to find out more. A DNA test comes back with a surprising result, but her Mum’s in a precarious state, especially after Gran dies. Grace wants to confront her, but doesn’t want to tip her over the edge. Mandy Hager’s Gracehopper is brilliant; she writes about PTSD, bullying, relationships, drugs, trauma, and difference with sensitivity and honesty. Grace and Charlie are complex and compelling characters, who you can’t help but like. This is a novel for older teens about love, acceptance and forgiveness. Highly recommended.
Everyone needs to brave sometimes. Rebecca would rather be invisible. Looking down seems a good option. In Jane Arthur’s Brown Bird, we meet the kind and quiet Rebecca. She’s eleven, an excellent baker, and loves to have her head buried in a book. It’s the holidays and her plans are about to be disrupted by the whirlwind called Chester. What will Rebecca find out about herself, and is Chester as carefree as he seems? Jane Arthur, award-winning poet, perfectly captures the voice of eleven-year-old Rebecca, and expresses the uncertainties, awkwardnesses and hopes that we all experience, in her debut children’s book.