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.
Best of 2024 for Kids
Our selectors have picked the best books of 2024 for tamariki. Have a browse and find a great read!
Most Popular in 2024
Most Popular in 2024: eAudiobooks for kids
Harry Potter took out the top 6 spots in this year's eAudiobooks for kids.
Most Popular in 2024: eBooks for kids
Moon Rising: Wings of Fire Graphic Novel series, Book 6 by Tui Sutherland / Mike Holmes is the most popular eBook for kids.
Best of the Year
Library selectors highlight the best books of the year. View the best of this year and previous years.
Best of 2024: Children's Nonfiction - Art and Activities
Our selectors pick the best books about art and other activities.
Best of 2024: Children's Nonfiction - Science & Technology
Our selectors pick the best books about science and technology.
Best of 2024: Children's Younger Fiction
Our selectors pick the best children's younger fiction titles.
Best of 2024: Children's Nonfiction - Art and Activities
Our selectors pick the best books about art and other activities.
Best of 2024: Children's Nonfiction - Science & Technology
Our selectors pick the best books about science and technology.
Best of 2024: Children's Younger Fiction
Our selectors pick the best children's younger fiction titles.
Author interviews for Kids and Teens
Read interviews with authors - how do they create characters and make awesome stories.
Library Booklists
Children's librarians recommend great reading in these official booklists for tamariki.
Library Booklists
New For You - Children's - April 2025
A selection of new fiction and nonfiction for older children.
New For You - Children's - March 2025
A selection of new picture books and children's nonfiction for younger children.
New For You - Children's - February 2025
A selection of new fiction and nonfiction for older readers.
New For You - Children's - January 2025
A selection of new picture books and children's nonfiction for younger children.
Kirkus Reviews 2024 - Best Middle Grade Non-Fiction
Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933. They review over 10,000 books a year before their release.
Kirkus Reviews - Best Middle Grade Books of 2024
Kirkus Reviews is an American book review magazine founded in 1933. They review over 10,000 books a year before their release.
The Spinoff's best NZ Books of 2024 - Children's Literature
The best local books published this year, as selected by books editor Claire Mabey and a panel of experts.
Rainbow Reads - Picture books
A collection of picture books about the rainbow community for younger tamariki.
2024 SLJ Best Books - Picture Books
School Library Journal (SLJ) is a magazine and website for school librarians and public librarians who work with young people.
2024 SLJ Best Books - Middle Grade
School Library Journal (SLJ) is a magazine and website for school librarians and public librarians who work with young people.
2024 SLJ Best Books - Poetry, Non-Fiction
School Library Journal (SLJ) is a magazine and website for school librarians and public librarians who work with young people.
2024 SLJ Best Books - Graphic Novels and Manga (Kids/YA)
School Library Journal (SLJ) is a magazine and website for school librarians and public librarians who work with young people.
Gavin Bishop in Te Reo Māori
Complete two challenges for the 24/25 Summertime Reading Challenge. Read a book by Gavin Bishop and reading a book in Te Reo Māori!
Find and read a book written or illustrated by Gavin Bishop
Complete a challenge for the 24/25 Summertime Reading Challenge with any of these books!
Rainbow reads for tamariki - kids
Books for tamariki and whānau that explore and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
New for Kids
Featured
Granny McFlitter stitches up a storm
Missbeecrafty reads the latest in the Granny McFlitter picture book series - a story about a goat, a caravan, a storm... and knitting!
Beloved Bishopdale playground slide and the book it inspired
When Melanie Koster decided to write a picture book about Bishopdale's favourite slide she tried to find out how it came to be...
The strange & unlikely tale of Montgomery: Antony Elworthy
Tanya reports back on a sparkly gem of a new children’s novel: The Strange and unlikely tale of Montgomery, The Mysterious Bird of Mystery.
The Joy of Poetry
Emma discusses the value of poetry, especially for children, and shares entries in Te Hāpua: Halswell Centre's poetry day competition.
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]