Reading Recommendations - Tamariki
Librarians recommend the best books for tamariki on a variety of topics - fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and more - for kids of all ages.
Poetry for Tamariki - Kids
Children can learn a love of language from poetry - find books in our collection and more.
Detective Beans: Li Chen's cute kitten is on the case
Moata discovers a graphic novel that's a fun read for kids (and their grown-ups) and "interrogates" the New Zealand author/illustrator.
New For You - Children's - September 2024
A selection of new picture books and children's nonfiction for the younger reader.
Best of the Year
Library selectors highlight the best books of the year. View the best of this year and previous years.
Best of 2023 for Kids and Teens
Our selectors choose the best new titles for tamariki and rangatahi for 2023. Find books that excite, enthuse, enthral and inform.
Library Booklists
Children's librarians recommend great reading in these official booklists for tamariki.
Library Booklists
New For You - Children's - September 2024
A selection of new picture books and children's nonfiction for the younger reader.
New For You - Children's - August 2024
A selection of new fiction and nonfiction for older readers.
New For You - Children's - July 2024
A selection of new picture books and children's nonfiction for the younger reader.
Te Iwa o Matariki - Tamariki
Encourage an understanding of Matariki with this list of children's pukapuka (books) relating to the Nine Stars of Matariki.
New For You - Children's - June 2024
A selection of new fiction and nonfiction for older readers.
New For You - Children's - May 2024
A selection of new picture books and children's nonfiction for the younger reader.
New For You - Children's - April 2024
A selection of new fiction and nonfiction for older children.
Poetry topics on specific subjects like dinosaurs & feelings
Poems about all your favourite topics from feelings to dinosaurs to atoms to jellyfish, and everything in between.
Great poetry, just in a picture book!
Some great children's poetry is now published as picture books. Here are some of our favourites - great rhyming, rhythm and fun.
Classic children's poetry
Classic children's poetry as chosen by the buyers of children's books at Christchurch City Libraries.
New For You - Children's - March 2024
A selection of new picture books and children's nonfiction for the younger reader.
2024 Youth Media Awards - Children
"Each year the American Library Association (ALA) honorus books, videos, and other outstanding materials for children and teens."
Te Tiriti o Waitangi - Tamariki Resources
We have put together a list of introductory resources on Te Tiriti o Waitangi. These are great resources for tamariki or new learners.
Rainbow Reads - Graphic Novels for Tamariki
Cosy magic, school life, and fantasy graphic novels and manga from our children's collection including LGBTQIA+ characters and themes.
Rainbow Reads – Older Fiction books for Tamariki
Older fiction or preteen titles of all kinds including LGBTQIA+ characters from our children's collection!
Rainbow reads for tamariki - kids
Books for tamariki and whānau that explore and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
New for Kids
More booklists for tamariki (made by librarians)
Non-Fiction: January-July 2022 Starred Reviews from SLJ
Star selections as picked by SLJ reviewers.
Graphic Novels: January-July Starred Reviews from SLJ
Star selections as picked by SLJ's reviewers.
Chapter Books: January - July 2022 Starred Reviews from SLJ
Star selections as picked by SLJ's reviewers.
Picture Books: January - July 2022 Star Reviews from SLJ
Star selections as picked by SLJ's reviewers.
Guardian Book Reviews for Children & Teens (Jan-July 2022)
Take a look at some of the reviewed books from 'The Guardian' .
Chapter books for sporty kids
Mostly fiction with a few nonfiction books thrown in.
Mystery and detective chapter books for children
Books for budding detectives! A mix of younger fiction (first chapter books), and older fiction.
Engaging, fun, Search and Find, I-Spy and Maze books
These exciting and engaging interactive books are a fun and playful way to build children's memory and learning skills.
Action, Adventure, Mystery! (eAudiobooks for children)
Exciting eAudiobooks for children to listen to. Many are the first in a series, so if you like a story you can check out the next one.
eBooks to read with your preschooler
My top 10 eBook choices for preschool age children. Most of these are picture books I have read to children in Wā Kōrero: Storytime sessions
eAudiobooks for preschoolers
A selection of popular eAudiobooks for your little ones to listen to.
Anti-Racism and Diversity
Books to help children process and discuss race relations & explore cultural diversity - picture books, fiction, & non-fiction.
Everyday Superheroes
Some great stories for little heroes to access from home.
eBook Picture Books with Narration
A collection of eBook picture books that all include narration so children can listen as they read along to a great story!
eBook Biographies for Children
True stories that will inspire and amaze you.
Armchair travel for kids
eBooks for kids- Read your way around the the world, without leaving your bubble!
Printable lists
If you like ... Classics
Stories so good, they are still excellent lots of years after they were written. Printable list [500KB PDF]
If you like ... Roald Dahl
Quirky characters in unusual escapades. Printable list [509KB PDF]
If you like .... Real world adventures
Writers that prove adventures don’t need magic to be exciting! Printable list [526KB PDF]
If you like ... Ngā Pakiwaitara
Bilingual stories by Kiwi authors. Printable list [1MB PDF]
If you like ... Silly stories
Get your giggle on with these wacky reads! Printable list [341KB PDF].
If you like ... Harry Potter
More writers of magical adventures. Printable list [138KB PDF]
