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Title: Snowy the Doganaut Author: Diego Albuquerque ISBN: 978-1-877514-62-3 RRP: $14.99 Specs: 200 x 200 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: June 2014 The Book: Snowy is a dog with a difference – an alien canine, with ears where he should have eyes, and eyes in the back of his head. Can a kindly veterinarian make him normal, even if he has to travel to Pluto to do it? This is the first English translation of a classic in its native Brazil, where author Diego Albuquerque wrote it as a child. Viva Snowy! -
Title: Bedtime, No Playtime! Author: Lawrence Schimel Illustrator: Elina Braslina ISBN: 978-1-99-004206-5 RRP: $14.99 Specs: Board book, 150 x 150 mm, 16 pp, colour Published: 17 August 2021 Click here for companion book Early One Morning A young girl is getting ready for bed when her puppy tries to play. First Rex brings his ball over, but that doesn’t work. Then he crashes story time, and she still doesn’t give in! Finally, as a last resort, Rex steals her teddy and the chase is on! Under the table, over the chair, her daddies race and, at last, rescue the bear. Now it’s really time for bed! Goodnight, Rex. An adorable rhyming board book that will have pre-school readers coming back, and the representation of a family with two dads makes this a meaningful addition to every bookshelf. -
Title: Early One Morning Author: Lawrence Schimel Illustrator: Elina Braslina ISBN: 978-1-99-004207-2 RRP: $14.99 Specs: Board book, 150 x 150 mm, 16 pp, colour Published: 17 August 2021 Click here for companion book Bedtime, Not Playtime! A young boy and his cat are awake before his mums and sister. It’s too early to make a sound, but his rumbling tummy needs to be fed. The boy and his cat finish their breakfast just in time to say ‘Good morning!’ to the rest of the family. Delightful illustrations and a simple story will have pre-school readers coming back. The cadence of this adorable rhyming board book will delight readers young and old, and the representation of a family with two moms makes ita meaningful addition to every bookshelf. -
Title: I Need a New Bum! AS READ BY THE SCOTTISH GRANNY ON FACEBOOK Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-18-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: September 2012 For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz The Book: I need a new bum! Mine's got a crack. I can see in the mirror a crack at the back. What to do when you need a new bum? Should you get one that’s blue or yellow spotted? A rocket bum that’s all fire and thrust, or a robo-bum? The options are endless – but wait, Dad’s bum crack is showing too? Maybe this is contagious. I Need a New Bum! is a multiple bestseller in New Zealand and has gained a legion of fans around the world. I Need a New Bum! is available in New Zealand through this website and good booksellers. It’s also in the fun collection I Need a New Bum! and other stories: http://oratia.co.nz/product/i-need-a-new-bum-and-other-stories/ For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz For the US edition I Need a New Butt! (Dover Publications): http://store.doverpublications.com/0486787990.html For Australian orders, John Reed Books: https://www.johnreedbooks.com.au/p/children-s-books-i-need-a-new-bum--2?barcode=9780947506186 For the UK edition, Scholastic UK: https://shop.scholastic.co.uk/products/I-Need-a-New-Bum-9781407196015 For the Chinese edition (CITIC Press): https://www.amazon.cn/%E6%88%91%E8%A6%81%E4%B8%80%E4%B8%AA%E6%96%B0%E5%B1%81%E8%82%A1-%E5%94%90-%E9%BA%A6%E5%85%8B%E7%B1%B3%E8%8E%B2/dp/B071VCT9Z6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499929058&sr=8-1&keywords=%E6%88%91%E8%A6%81%E4%B8%80%E4%B8%AA%E6%96%B0%E5%B1%81%E8%82%A1E-book available from
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Title: Holy Socks Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Philip Webb ISBN: 978-0-947506-44-5 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: October 2013 REPRINTED OCTOBER 2017 The Book: ‘One Christmas Eve, some years ago, a ginger kitten wandered along a street on the far side of town. He was hungry, and cold and wet.’ Bertie McGinty finds the kitten and christens him Holy Socks. Soon the pair are inseparable. Even after Bertie’s death, Holy Socks sticks by his master and takes up home in the church near his grave. Captivated by Holy Socks as she sits in church, young Christie calls out, ‘Can I keep the cat?’ Father John, by way of answer, tells everyone the story of Holy Socks. A heart-warming tale with beautiful illustrations. -
Title: Squeakopotamus Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-11-7 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 6 October 2016 The Book: Is he a hippo that looks like a mouse? Or, is he a mouse too big for this house? Just who or what is Squeakopotamus? And how will the kids, Mum and Dad keep him fed? No one yet has ever had a pet like the astonishing, demolishing Squeakopotamus! A memorable tale for younger readers, Squeakopotamus crosses hippo-sized fun and zany illustrations with mouse-proud rhyme, rhythm and a happy ending. -
Title: Woolly Wally Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-42-1 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: NEW EDITION WITH NEW ISBN PUBLISHED 13 JUNE 2018 The Book: Wally is the sheep supreme, the master of his flock, proud to be the handsome head of his faithful ewes. But pride, as they say, comes before a fall — or in Wally’s case, a date with the shearing shed. What will Wally and his flock learn once they have lost their fine fleeces? First published in 2006, Woolly Wally is now back in an upgraded new edition that blends fun with a universal moral. -
Title: Nanny Mihi and the Bellbird Author: Melanie Drewery Illustrator: Tracy Duncan ISBN: 978-0-947506-36-0 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 10 July 2018 Fact sheet for classroom use: Click here The Book: Every school holidays the kids go and stay with their nanny in her house by the sea. One morning (for some reason) Nanny Mihi gets the kids up early and they sit on the porch whistling a song until the sun comes up. Then they find out why – a bellbird appears and joins in the song. Whenever they come to stay after that, the bellbird is there to whistle the kids’ song. But in spring, there is no bellbird! What has happened? Nanny Mihi and the Bellbird is a charming story about love for family and nature, released for school holidays — a special time for kids and grandparents (and for parents as well). Nanny Mihi is back! -
Title: When Dad Came Home Author: Vanessa Hatley-Owen Illustrator: Rosie Colligan ISBN: 978-0-947506-50-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 8 November 2018 Teacher resource for classroom use: Click here The Book: The war was over and Dad was coming home at last! But the days and weeks go by, and when he does return Dad is not the happy man that young Rita once knew and Thomas thinks he remembers. Struggling to understand his sadness and fears, the kids accompany him as he readjusts to home life, all the while singing his favourite song. One day, while they help him fix the deck, Dad starts to join in the song … Vanessa Hatley-Owen and Rosie Colligan beautifully capture a children’s view of family love and the realities of shell shock for the men who returned after the First World War ended on 11 November 1918. -
Title: I've Broken My Bum! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-64-3 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 9 October 2019 For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz What should you do when you fall off your bike and your bum breaks into pieces? Collect them up, take them home and glue them together, of course!But then what happens when the pieces get stuck to the tray on which you’re making the repairs?
Join the popular character from I Need a New Bum! as he discovers the joy and fun that can be had when you have a tray stuck to your bum! You can slide like a boss, you can be an ace at paintball, you can be a superhero, you can ride a geyser — and imagine how good you can be at surfing …
Dawn McMillan’s rollicking rhyme is accompanied by Ross Kinnaird’s reliably hilarious images, pulling the story along to a conclusion that encourages children to embrace and celebrate their differences.
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Title: Nanny Mihi and the Rainbow Author: Melanie Drewery Illustrator: Tracy Duncan ISBN: 978-0-947506-65-0 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 5 November 2019 For Teacher Resource: click here The Book: Nanny Mihi’s mokopuna (grandchildren) come to stay during the school holidays. Each day, she sends them out to collect objects of a different colour. They scour the local beach collecting shells, flowers, seaweed and beach detritus left by humans, all the time asking, ‘why?’. By the week’s end they have a collection of coloured items for a beach rainbow. Nanny Mihi teaches her grandchildren and the kids who will read the book patience, creativity and connection to nature — and that sometimes the best things are not those we keep but those we give away. The text includes te Reo throughout, for which translations are provided. Tracy Duncan’s revamped artwork and Melanie’s enduring story ensure that once again children’s imaginations will be captured. -
Title: The Longdrop Author: Joan Joass Illustrator: Bob Darroch ISBN: 978-0-947506-71-1 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 16 June 2020 For Teacher Resource: Click here For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nzHere’s a fantastic tale for kids about the classic Kiwi holiday that includes a caravan, a beach and the sometimes-smelly toilet shed out the back of the holiday section — the longdrop.
The kids need to go, and the public loo is sooo far away from their caravan. So, Dad builds a longdrop! When the paper builds to capacity Dad thinks and thinks and solves his problem — with a match ...
Based on a true story (Joan’s husband is ‘Dad’), this fun rhyming story celebrates the hilarious situations that arise from the Kiwi ‘she’ll be right’ approach to life. Bob Darroch’s jam-packed illustrations perfectly depict New Zealand holiday time.
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Title: Sir Singlet Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-75-9 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 2 October 2020 For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz The latest collaboration from author Dawn McMillan and illustrator Ross Kinnaird Sir Singlet brings their zany rhyms and illustrations to a colourful story of a knight who can’t stand the sloppy underwear he wears under his armour. Narrated by his nephew, Sir Singlet celebrates special talents: Sir Singlet is clever with needle and thread. See all the cushions he’s made for his bed? Sir Singlet’s solution to his problem is to design his own line of comfortable, and colourful ‘knightwear’. But before he can launch the product, the king gets in the way by declaring war. Wearing his new undergarments, Sir Singlet wins the battle, not using hand-to-hand combat — but by scaring his enemies away when he displays his wonderful wearable creations. The king is so pleased that he … well, you’ll have to read the story to find out how it all ends up! -
Title: My Bum is SO NOISY! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-81-0 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 2 March 2021My bum is so noisy.
My bum brings me shame.
It makes weird noises and I get the blame.
This poor kid really has trouble with his bum. This time he’s in a fix because some strange noises unpredictably issue from his behind!
There’s tooting and hooting, and burping and slurping, and popping and squeaking when Auntie is speaking. But Mum and Dad love their boy and they refuse to make a fuss. And see what happens when he is talent-spotted (or talent-heard) by movie scouts …
Join the popular character from I Need a New Bum! and I’ve Broken my Bum! when he discovers he has the loudest, the proudest, the most uproarious, victorious, sound-system backside!
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Title: Captain Cat Author: Joan Joass Illustrator: Bob Darroch ISBN: 978-0-947506-86-5 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 3 June 2021 For Teacher Resource: Click here For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nzAn adventurous tale of two mischievous cats that find themselves in a predicament — their love for fish leads to an unscheduled journey in their owners’ dinghy. Will anyone notice them floating into the estuary?
The owner of the boat might not be on to it, but the neighbourhood kids are! Spying Fluff and Scout floating about, one of them posts on the Internet: ‘Do you know whose cats are these?Get in touch and HURRY please!’
Thank goodness Mum uses social media. Scout and Fluff are saved when the Joneses jump in their kayaks and set off to save their moggies.
Bob Darroch’s vibrant and jam-packed illustrations hilariously depict Fluff and Scout’s adventures at sea, and the efforts of the Jones family and friends to bring them back to shore.
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Title: My Bum is SO CHEEKY! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN:978-1-99-004212-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 7 March 2022My bum is ridiculous! My bum acts like a fool. It causes trouble when I go to school In the newest addition to the hit ‘Bum’ series, our boy’s backside just can’t sit still — it’s jiving and dancing, puddle jumping, and then stuck down the back of a chair! Mum and Dad come to the rescue: they pull their boy out of the chair and buy the perfect thing for his bum talents — a trampoline! And guess where he goes? For Olympic gold! Also publishing in the US and UK.Join the popular character from I Need a New Bum!, I’ve Broken My Bum! and My Bum is So Noisy! as he discovers he has the cheekiest bum ever.
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Title: Nanny Mihi's Medicine Ngā Rongoā a Nanny Mihi Author: Melanie Drewery Illustrator: Suzanne Simpson Translated by Kanapu Rangitauira ISBN: 978-1-99-004211-9 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 15 June 2022 For Teacher Resource: click here Nanny Mihi’s grandchildren excitedly visit her every school holidays. Only this time they arrive with colds … Nanny takes the kids around her forest and garden, showing them plants that can make them feel better. They find kawakawa and make tea, mānuka to put in the bath and clear their stuffy noses, koromiko to help their headaches, and cabbage tree leaves to help with the cuts and scratches they get in the forest. By the time they’re well, Nanny is tired and scratched from their foraging — and the kids know just what she needs! This latest in the popular Nanny Mihi series features an all-new illustration style and a spread of information about the medicines growing around us. -
Title: Hickory Dickory Kick Author: Peter Millett Illustrator: Bob Darroch ISBN: 978-1-99-00-4225-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 1 August 2022 Hickory Dickory Slick, the halfback pulled a trick. He hid the ball behind the maul … HICKORY DICKORY SLICK! What’s not to enjoy about men of a certain age galumphing around a footy field, slipping in cow pats and tripping over Granny’s knitting? Add in Buck the dog chasing the ball, and there’s chaos. All the action between the black and gold teams plays out to the tune of 'Hickory Dickory Dock' in this jam-packed read for fans of rugby and riotous fun. -
Title: Kia Hou Taku Tou! I Need a New Bum! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird Translated by Stephanie Huriana Fong ISBN: 978-1-99-004224-9 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 1 September 2022 To mark ten years since the first publication of I Need a New Bum!, and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2022, Oratia is delighted to present this children’s favourite in a new bilingual edition. All of the colourful and active main text is in Māori, following our hero as he searches for a tou hou/new bum, after finding that his one has a crack. ‘Subtitles’ in English run at the bottom of the page to help readers of all ages to understand and learn. After editions in Chinese, Italian, Korean and Portuguese, it’s a pleasure to ‘bring the bum home’ into Stephanie Fong’s gorgeous rhyming reo. -
Title: My Bum’s on THE RUN! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN:978-1-99-004241-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 2 March 2023Down the footpath, along past the trees I’m out in front, moving with ease. (With my new secret weapon — cabbage and peas!) Red Pants Boy (RPB) really, really wants to win a running race. But try as he might, his bum is slowing him down. What can he do? Find something to move his bum along, of course! Maybe a kite, or a rocket blast, or a big engine? Nah, he figures he needs some bum-strengthening exercises — some squats, kicks, steps and lunges. And while he’s working out, a whole lot of other folk join him. After some training he’s off — on a cross-country race near home. Think he’s set up to win? There’s a twist to this tale, involving his wee dog friend, in one of the funniest and surely the fastest of the New Bum series! -
Title: You Don’t Know How Lucky You Are! Me i Mōhio Koe ki tō Waimarietanga! My Beautiful Family Author: Belinda O’Keefe Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird Translator: Te Ama-Rere-Tai Rangihuna ISBN: 978-1-99-004236-2 RRP: $21.00 Specs: PB, 230 x 215 mm, 32 pp, colour Published: 5 July 2023When Izzy moans about unloading the dishwasher, Great-uncle Arthur says, ‘You don’t know how lucky you are!”
He’s always done something worse — like hand-washing stacks of dishes, or dodging arrows in a battle.
As the stories get wilder — taking three days to finish a meal of tough old food, for example — his great-niece starts to wonder if Arthur may be exaggerating a little …
Emerging author Belinda O’Keefe joins forces with well-known illustrator Ross Kinnaird in this fun book that helps young readers connect with the experience of their grandparents’ generation.
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Title: My Bum is SO SPOOKY! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN:978-1-99-004243-0 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 2 October 2023Wait for the squeals, the shouts and the criesWhen everyone sees my … SPOOK-TACULAR BUM!Halloween is a scary time of year but when bestselling team Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird get in on the act, the fun takes over from the fright.Join the hero of the international hit New Bum! series as his Halloween costume plans take an hilarious turn! With a special pumpkin uniform around his middle, Red Pants Boy has what it takes to make Trick or Treat a crazy experience for all. And conspiring with his vampire-costumed cousins, he has a surprise in store for the family and neighbours at the end of the night — quite a ghostly surprise! -
Title: My Bum is SO CHRISTMASSY! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN:978-1-99-004227-0 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 2 October 2023My bum will look jolly, wearing some holly, but … what if I have to sit? It’s Christmas time and there’s excitement galore at the house of the boy with red pants! All the family is there to celebrate, but … something isn’t right. It’s his bum of course! It’s plain, when and he wants to zing it and bling it! He imagines all the ways he could decorate it — some Christmas stockings? Some reindeer and snowflakes that glow in the night? Best of all would be a Christmas tree — that would make for a truly stunning bum! Then he thinks again. Is having the most decorated bum the most important thing at Christmas time? Santa may just have the answer. Join the popular character from I Need a New Bum! as he finds the real meaning of Christmas. -
Title: My Dad’s Runaway BUM! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-1-99-004254-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 5 March 2024Dad’s bum has blown off! With a hiss and a roar, it’s gone out our front door ... After a meal of cabbage and peas, Dad’s bum not only lets off a smell, but blows off entirely and sets off on its own around the town! ‘Let’s chase it, Dad, before it’s too late,’ says the red-panted hero in this latest New Bum escapade. Forget about a car chase, this is a bum chase — past joggers in tights and bikers with lights, until the Police have to intervene. Hilarious rhymes and drawings capture the spirit of this brilliant addition to the international hit series, cracking up readers from Aberdeen to Invercargill. -
Series: Moana Oceania Title: Island Toes/Tamatama'i Vae o Motu Author: Christin Lozano Illustrator: Mariko Merritt Translator: Suzie-Jo Rasmussen ISBN: 978-1-99-004245-4 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 4 July 2024Flipper toes, jandal toes Swimming underwater toes... This colourfully illustrated book takes young readers on a journey around the South Pacific — no shoes needed!A fun celebration of the different toes we have and the adventures they get up to, from clean toes to highchair toes, tan toes to pale toes, snorkel toes to buried-in-the-sand toes.Translated for Samoan readers by Auckland teacher Suzie-Jo Rasmussen, the New Zealand edition of this hit Hawaiian book will be a great read and read-to for everyone who loves toes and the islands! -
Title: Nanny Mihi’s Harvest Te Hauhake a Nanny Mihi Author: Melanie Drewery Illustrator: Suzanne Simpson Translated by Kanapu Rangitauira ISBN: 978-1-99-004257-7 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 4 June 2024 For Teacher Resource: click hereHaere mai,’ called Nanny Mihi, when we arrived to stay. ‘You are just in time to help me plant the garden.’ The fourth book in the Nanny Mihi series extends the nature connection from 2022’s Nanny Mihi’s Medicine/Ngā Rongoā a Nanny Mihi, with a fully bilingual text about gardening (publishing ahead of Matariki 2024). When her mokopuna arrive for the spring school holidays, Nanny enlists their help to plant her garden. As they return each season, the kids see their labours bear fruit. By winter there is nothing in the garden, but the products of the harvest have gone into a soup that ‘tastes like spring and summer and autumn and winter’! The fast-growing Nanny Mihi series is becoming a perennial for Kiwi kids. -
Title: I Need a New BUM! Activity Book Authors: Betsy Ochester and Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-1-99-004246-1 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 48 pp, b&w Published: 5 November 2024The newest addition to the global phenomenon of the New Bum! series, here’s a book that will keep the kids busy and laughing for hours on end. Responding to popular demand from families around the world, this activity book offers amazing mazes, word games, bum puzzles, drawing challenges, code crackers, jokes and more. Author and illustrator dream team Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird partnered with US puzzle expert Betsy Ochester to bring this fun-packed book to bum fans around the world. With the zany drawings and silly humour of the New Bum! series, this activity book will keep the kids — and the whole family — entertained. -
Title: Easter Bunny needs a NEW BUM! Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-1-99-004278-2 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 13 March 2025 Easter Bunny has arrived to hide the Easter eggs in our hero’s garden … but something doesn’t look right … I’m looking … I’m looking … What do I see? Oh … there’s nothing at all where his tail should be! Red pants boy has another bumergency on his hands in this hilarious addition to the New Bum series. And of course, he has an eggselent idea to help Easter Bunny. ‘Hoppity hoppity, cannot stoppity. Tickety boo! Tottle-oo.’ Together they race around the garden to hide the eggs before the family wakes up – but will they sort out Easter Bunny’s bum issues? Dawn McMillan’s playful rhymes and Ross Kinnaird’s vibrant drawings bring an exciting Easter adventure to New Bum fans around the world, continuing the success of this globally bestselling series. -
Title: I’m a Submarine Author: Nigel McHardy ISBN: 978-1-99-004280-5 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 3 April 2025A seagull is a seagull, and a whale is a whale. Seagull knows a thing or two about sea creatures and submarines. But after meeting Whale, Seagull learns that things are not always what they seem! Whale works hard to convince Seagull that although he/she looks like a whale, what Seagull is actually seeing is a submarine! In this highly original debut book, designer and nature enthusiast Nigel McHardy takes young readers on a fun journey that might just lead them to question what they see. That is, if they stop laughing! -
Series: Moana Oceania Title: Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa ma Uiga mo Tamaiti Samoan Proverbs for Children Author: Tauanu'u Perenise Tapu Sitagata Illustrator: Ani Huia Ligaliga ISBN: 978-1-99-004270-6 RRP: $21.00 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 6 May 2025, in association with Auckland Libraries – Ngā Pātaka Kōrero o Tāmaki MakaurauDistinguished educator and translator Tauanu’u Perenise Tapu Sitagata joins with artist Ani Huia Ligaliga to present 30 Samoan proverbs for children in the original language, alongside translations and explanations in English. Each proverb is presented in Gagana Sāmoa and English above an illustration, with bilingual explanations below. Traversing themes from family, leadership and education to the environment and spirituality, Alagā’upu Fa’asamoa ma Uiga mo Tamaiti adds a valuable Pasifika resource for children and families everywhere. -
Te Ara Māori Pathways: Past, Present, Future Author: Krzysztof Pfeiffer & Paul Tapsell ISBN: 978-0-947506-02-5 RRP: $22.99 Specs: Paperback, 210 x 297 mm landscape, 32 pp, full colour Published: May 2016 The Book: From one of the leading Māori scholars of his generation and one of our greatest photographers comes this beautifully illustrated work that serves as a fine overview of leadership and challenges for Māori today. This trilingual publication in English, Māori and German will be of value for general readers, visitors and students. After a general introduction to Māori history, Te Ara focuses on the stories of iwi in five regions Hokianga, Peowhairangi (Bay of Islands) Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Waiariki (Rotorua-Taupo) and Murihiku (Otago-Southland). Edition also available in Musqueam (Vancouver First Nations language), ISBN 978-1-877514-60-9. -
Title: The Castle in our Backyard Author: Malcolm Paterson Illustrator: Leah Mulgrew ISBN: 978-1-877514-05-0 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 284 x 208 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: July 2010 The Book: Tui and his cousin Jennifer are much too busy playing a video game to want to visit Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill. But then Nanny Marei tells them the mountain’s got giants and fortresses, just like their game! Explore Maungakiekie with Tui and Jennifer as they travel back into its history – meeting the Goddess of Fire, Māori tribes, Chinese gardeners, Sir John Logan Campbell, and the tourists of today. -
Title: The Tunnel in our Backyard Author: Malcolm Paterson Illustrator: Hana Maihi ISBN: 978-0-947506-04-9 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 284 x 208 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 16 June 2016 For Teacher Resource: Click here The Book: A charming picture book, The Tunnel in our Backyard brings to life for children the connection with the land around them - a land full of stories and reminders of history. Jennifer and her whanau go to Te Atatu to help her cousin Tui’s family move house to Mount Albert. What they learn from Nanny on the way about Matariki and the Waterview Tunnel leads on to a big discovery once they reach Mount Albert – that old tunnels also run under here! Under the guidance of Nanny and new neighbour Tefere, the kids relive old and more recent history and follow in the giant footsteps of the ancestor Ruarangi from Mount Albert down to Meola Reef in Point Chevalier. -
Title: Māui – Sun Catcher/Te Kaihao i te Rā Author: Tim Tipene Illustrator: Zak Waipara Translator: Rob Ruha ISBN: 978-1-99-004232-4 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Paperback edition publishing: 17 November 2022 (Hardback edition originally published: 8 November 2016) The Book: In this modern retelling of the beloved myth, Māui is a schoolboy who lives with his mother and four older brothers in a city where the day is never long enough to get things done. Māui grasps the mantle: Mum, I'm gonna catch that Sun for you. That Sun who’s always on the run. With their woven flax net, the brothers drive to the pit where the Sun lives, and make their play to slow the day. This bilingual book– in English and Māori – brings Māui into the 21st century in a fun and colourful retelling – the first in the international Indigenous Voices series. Published originally in hardback in 2016 and reprinted in 2019, Māui – Sun Catcher/Te Kaihao i te Rā is now available in a quality paperback edition. -
The Taniwha in our Backyard Author: Malcolm Paterson Illustrator: Martin Bailey ISBN: 978-0-947506-46-9 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 284 x 208 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 12 September 2018 For Teacher Resource: Click here The Book: Tui, his cousin Jennifer and their whānau go to the south Kaipara to visit their Uncle Rua and Auntie Mina. Exploring the area down to Muriwai, they learn about moa, kauri, Māui dolphins, kaitiakitanga (stewardship), geology and more. In the telling of their stories, a previously unknown taniwha (monster) takes centre stage! The Taniwha in our Backyard mixes English and Māori (with a smattering of Malay), profiling established and newer ethnic groups. This third book in the Sharing Our Stories series carries on the kaupapa of connecting children with the amazing environments and history around them. -
Title: 12 Huia Birds/12 Manu Huia Author: Julian Stokoe Illustrator: Stacy Eyles ISBN: 978-0-947506-78-0 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 14 July 2020 For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nz Previously published in hardback in English, this popular book is now back with Māori text in a quality paperback. The Listener named the first edition one of its Top 50 Children's Books of 2016, and called it: “A striking reminder of the many ways this beautiful bird was wiped out.” 12 beautiful huia birds play and sing in the forest. But is that a canoe arriving? A rat sniffling? A ship on the horizon? One by one, the huia start to disappear – what will remain? 12 Huia Birds is a captivating celebration of one of our loveliest birds. Through gentle rhyme and colourful imagery it subtly conveys an environmental message – and includes links to a 12 Huia Birds app, educational resources and games. -
Title: Rona Moon Author: Tim Tipene Illustrator: Theresa Reihana Translator: Stephanie Huriana Fong ISBN: 978-1-99-004233-1 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Paperback edition publishing: 17 November 2022 (Hardback edition originally published: 16 September 2020) The Book: ‘Everything looks so small from up here,’ said Rona. ‘I know,’ Whaea beamed. ‘Even the reasons we felt angry seem so little’ The beloved myth of Rona and the Moon comes to 21st-century Aotearoa in English and Māori in Tim Tipene’s sensitive telling, strikingly illustrated by Tai Tokerau artist Theresa Reihana. Rona Moon gets angry with everyone — her brother, her Nana and Papa — and then one night she calls the moon stupid! Taken to meet her ancestor Whaea Rona on the moon, she learns a lesson in how to control her temper. Published originally in hardback in 2020 and reprinted soon after, Rona Moon/Ko Rona Māhina is now available in a quality paperback edition.E-book available from
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Title: The Water Bottle Author: Philippa Werry Illustrator: Burak Akbay ISBN: 978-1-99-004215-7 RRP: $22.99 Specs: PB, 270 x 210 mm, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 5 April 2022 For Teacher Resource: click here Award-winning children’s author Philippa Werry teams up with leading Turkish illustrator Burak Akbay to tell a tale that crosses the battle lines of Gallipoli. Young girl Derya and her family move from Turkey to live in New Zealand, bringing with them family treasures including the water bottle that her great-grandfather Hasan brought back from Gallipoli. At school she learns that her new friend Tom had a great-great-uncle who fought at Gallipoli. Together with their friend Airini they learn what happened when New Zealand and Turkish soldiers met there, and how an Anzac soldier gave the water bottle to Hasan after he was wounded. After attending an Anzac Day ceremony, the friends come home together and Tom’s mum makes Anzac biscuits. ‘Look at the three of us,’ Airini says. ‘Many years ago our families fought each other, but now we can be friends.’ -
Title: The Grandmothers of Pikitea Street Ngā Kuia o te Tiriti o Pikitea Author: Renisa Viraj Maki Illustrator: Nikki Slade Robinson Māori translation by Kanapu Rangitauira ISBN: 978-1-99-004217-1 RRP: $22.99 Specs: PB, 270 x 210 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Published: 8 September 2022 For Teacher Resource: click here Scents of lemongrass, garam masala, baking and smoked meat drifted down the street as the children’s grandmothers made food for their lunchboxes. Māori, Ethiopian, Samoan, NZ European, Indian and Chinese grandmothers share traditional stories and recipes with their grandkids as they get ready for bed — explaining how the food will benefit the kids at school the next day. The grandmothers aren’t cooking only for the children. They are also making dishes for their monthly gathering at one of their homes, where they continue to share their traditional dishes and stories, crossing cultural boundaries. Renisa Maki tells a beautiful story of connection between cultures, and nanas and grandchildren, sumptuously illustrated and with a fine te reo translation. Winner of a Storylines Notable Book Award 2022, Picture Books category -
The River in our BackyardTe Awa e Pātata Rawa AnaAuthor: Malcolm Paterson Illustrator: Martin Bailey ISBN:978-1-99-004219-5 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 284 x 208 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 17 October 2022For Teacher Resource: click hereContinuing the successful series that connects kids with local heritage, in this fourth Sharing our Stories book Tui, cousin Jennifer and whānau go on a voyage of discovery into the history and nature of Auckland’s Te Atatū peninsula and the wider Waitematā Harbour. The children learn about the impact humans have had on the river and ocean, how places got their names, and how their family friends Kōmako and Kumar help to conserve nature. Everyone then joins in the fun of Diwali, attending a local market and watching their friend Rani perform in a dance. Martin Bailey’s vibrant artwork brings to life a story of connection that celebrates our shared heritage, with text in English and Māori along with words from the Tamil language. -
Out of stock
Title: Ngā Atua: Māori Gods Author/Illustrator: Robyn Kahukiwa Translator: Kiwa Hammond ISBN:978-1-99-004242-3 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 17 May 2023 TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK, REPRINT DUE LATE MAY 2025A book to treasure for young and old, Robyn Kahukiwa’s Ngā Atua – Māori Gods takes the reader on a stunning visual journey while imparting simple and effective explanations of the major Māori gods.
Robyn introduces the pantheon of Māori deities and explains the arena of life for which each one is responsible. For example:
Tumatauenga is the greatest warrior. His powers are extreme strength and courage. He fights for truth and justice.
This new paperback version is fully bilingual, incorporating a superb translation by Kiwa Hammond, building on the popular hardback edition in English (published by Oratia Books in 2017). The vibrant paintings bring the gods to life and help this beautiful book to affirm their continued relevance to today’s world.
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Title: Tōku Whānau Rerehua My Beautiful Family Author: Rauhina Cooper Illustrator: Isobel Joy Te Aho-White ISBN: 978-1-99-004238-6 RRP: $22.99 Specs: PB, 270 x 210 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Published: 2 June 2023 For Teacher Resource: click here‘How was school today, Huia’ her mum asked. ‘It was okay … but our news topic is our family.’
Huia feels too shy to talk about her family to her classmates because she has two mums. Will her friends laugh at her and tease her?
Over the next days, she learns that some whānau have a step-parent, some have one parent, and some children are adopted. There are all sorts of families! So when her turn comes to show her family photo, she doesn’t have to be shy.
Written in te reo Māori and translated into English (te reo appears first on the pages), Rauhina Cooper’s story is beautifully illustrated by award-winning illustrator Izzy White.
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Title: Te Pukapuka ka Kore e Pānuihia Author: Tim Tipene Illustrator: Nicoletta Benella Translator: Kanapu Rangitauira ISBN: 978-1-99-004247-8 RRP: $22.99 Specs: PB, 270 x 210 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Published: 1 September 2023 For Teacher Resource: click hereTe Pukapuka ka Kore e Pānuihia takes the viewpoint of children who have reading struggles, with design guided by educators for appeal to reluctant or even dyslexic readers This inspirational story is available in Māori (in this paperback edition) as well as in English (hardback).He uaua te pānui pukapuka mā ētahi tāngata — he uaua mā te tamai roto i tēnei pukapuka. Engari, arā ētahi pukapuka ka tohua kia pānuihia e koe, mea rawa ake ka puare mai he ao whakamīharo i roto i ngā whārangi.Ko Te Pukapuka ka Kore e Pānuihia tētahi o aua pukapuka. Pūtake mai ai i ōna wheako, ka whakaahuatia e te kaituhi whiwhi tohu, e Tim Tipene ētahi o ngā uauatanga i ngā wā he uaua te pānui, he whakamōhio atu ki ngā tamariki e taea ana aua uauatanga te eke panuku. The boy who narrates this story doesn’t like reading, until one day in the school library he picks up Te Pukapuka ka kore e Pānuihia. Suddenly the book takes on a life of its own – and before he knows it, he’s finished the book. ‘What should I read next?’ -
Title: Rere Atu Taku Poi! Let My Poi Fly! Author: Tangaroa Paul Illustrator: Rebecca Gibbs ISBN: 978-1-99-004248-5 RRP: $22.99 Specs: PB, 270 x 210 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 8 February 2024 For Teacher Resource: click hereWritten in te reo Māori and translated by the author, Rere Atu Taku Poi! is a beautifully illustrated story about gender fluidity in a school setting. Rangi loves doing haka but performing poi is his favourite — even though his classmates say it’s just for girls. When the lead poi performer falls sick before a school performance, Rangi has to take her place. How will the other students and audience react – ‘Surely a boy can’t lead the poi?’As Rangi steps on stage, the familiar movements of poi take him from scared and unsure to standing as his authentic self.Audiobook available from
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Whakarongo ki ō Tūpuna Listen to your ancestors Author: Darryn Joseph Illustrator: Munro Te Whata ISBN: 978-0-947506-67-4 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Published: 5 March 2024 WINNER: NZSA New Zealand Literary Heritage Awards 2020, Te Reo Māori sectionKia toa, e hine mā, e tama mā, kia kaua hoki koutou e whakamā. Me waiata koutou ki ngā manu o tō koutou tūpuna, o Tāne-mahuta. Be bold now, girls and boys, it’s no time to be shy. Sing to the birds of your ancestor, The Great Forest. This poignant story is set in a school and then rest home environment, following the life lessons passed from a teacher to her pupils, and aligning these with the example set by Māori gods and ancestors. As the story unfolds the teacher ages and retires, and we see the beautiful and caring relationship between ‘Nan’ and her granddaughter. Nan passes away; we are reminded of the circular nature of life as her granddaughter begins to teach her own pupils lessons from the ancestors. -
The Ever-Standing Tree Te Rākau Tū Tonu Author: Tim Tipene Illustrator: Ani Huia Ligaliga Translated by Kanapu Rangitauira ISBN: 978-1-99-004260-7 RRP: $22.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, PB, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 2 September 2024 For Teacher Resource: click hereOver the protests of his kids, Dad cuts down a tree to get ‘a better view’ — only for a chorus of birds and insects to put it back together overnight. The battle of wills between the blade and nature goes on until Dad finally sees the light and comes to love the tree. Told in Māori and English, this lovingly illustrated story resets the beloved myth of Rātā and the Tree in a modern setting, encouraging readers to consider traditions, tikanga and respect for nature. The Ever-standing Tree/Te Rākau Tū Tonu follows on from Tim Tipene’s successful picture books Māui – Sun Catcher/Te Kaihao i te Rā and Rona Moon/Ko Rona Māhina, both Storylines Notable Book Award winners. -
Title: What’s in a Name? He aha tō te Ingoa? Author: Renisa Viraj Maki Illustrator: Isobel Te Aho-White Māori translation by Hona Black ISBN: 978-1-99-004263-8 RRP: $22.99 Specs: PB, 270 x 210 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Published: 5 November 2024 For Teacher Resource: click here ‘I’m worried about saying the names correctly,’ Priyanka says when she gets tasked with reading out student names at the end-of-year school assembly. Determined to say them correctly, she goes on a chase to find her classmates and learn how to pronounce their names. She meets Arihia, Xinze, Somachandra, Sean and Tausa’afia, learns about their names and practises hard for the big day. Renisa Maki tells a gentle and heart-warming story that crosses cultures and highlights the mana our names carry. Superbly illustrated by Isobel Te AhoWhite and translated into te reo Māori by Hona Black, What's in a Name? is a book to read and reread at home or school. -
The Iron-Bound Coast Karekare in the Early Years Author: Wallace Badham Editor: Bob Harvey ISBN: 978-1-877514-01-2 RRP: $25.00 Specs: 240 x 215 mm portrait, HB, 200 pp, b&w, 215 images Published: September 2009 The Book: The Iron-Bound Coast is a publishing gem, discovered by Bob Harvey while researching the history of Auckland’s spectacular west coast. Prepared from the late Wally Badham’s manuscripts, the book records the early years of Karekare and neighbouring farming and logging settlements, at a time when car and air travel were starting to end the isolation of these stunning locations. Badham spins captivating yarns about the people and events of the first half of the twentieth century; with over 200 photos, many never-before published, this is a book to read and admire. -
Title: Kura Toa: Warrior School Author: Tim Tipene ISBN: 978-0-947506-17-9 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 92 pp, b&w Published: new edition 4 August 2016 The Book: High-school student Haki needs to find the pounamu that was stolen from him after a car crash by a mysterious old man who seems to know a lot about him. Haki’s search brings him into conflict with his family, his friends and his school. In the process he must confront his fears and find a way to answer the challenge to serve his people and his land, fight a taniwha, and grow into a warrior. Kura Toa is a superb read for students in the 12–16 age group that distils youth and indigenous issues into a seamless and easy-to-access narrative that has attracted a strong following in schools.E-book available from
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Title: Bullies and Warriors Author: Tim Tipene ISBN: 978-0-947506-30-8 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 198 x 129 mm portrait, PB, 100 pp Published: July 2012; reprinted in Oratia Books March 2017 The Book: Going to school is a misery for Sean. Whatever he does to avoid the school bully, Mark Thomas and his mates always catch up with him. Then the students join Warrior Kids, a programme that teaches leadership and self-control. So begins a journey for Mark and Sean that has a predictable outcome for one boy and a surprise for the other. In this novel for children aged 8–12, Tim Tipene depicts the reality of bullying and strategies to address it for those on both sides of the problem.E-book available from
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Title: The Story of Sir Peter Blake Author: Tessa Duder ISBN: 978-0-947506-31-5 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 234 x 153 mm portrait, PB, 144 pp (inc. 8 pp colour) Published: June 2012 Oratia Books edition: April 2017 The Book: Peter Blake was a New Zealand hero – sailor, adventurer, leader and environmentalist. Competing in ocean races, he clocked up as many sea miles as any seafarer in history, with some epic victories. Then he led his small country to win the America’s Cup (twice!), and gave his last years to helping the environment. Award-winning author Tessa Duder tells the gripping story of Sir Peter’s life for teenage readers, revealing what made him an inspirational leader. The book features boxes backgrounding sailing skills, the America’s Cup and other key points, and is richly illustrated with photos from his life (including 8 pages of colour). -
Title: There's a Tui in our Teapot Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Nikki Slade Robinson ISBN: 978-0-947506-47-6 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, HB, 32 pp, colour Published: 16 October 2018 For Teacher Resource: Click here The Book: There’s a tui in our teapot. He’s looking out at me. A tui in the teapot? Yes … he wants a cup of tea! A tui and his various friends including takahe, kea, korimako (bellbird), pukeko and hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) invade the family kitchen, getting up to all kinds of high jinks and making a tremendous mess! What will Nan say when she sees what the hilarious gang of mischievous birds have done to her kitchen? Two of New Zealand's best children's book creators join together in this classic bit of fun that concludes with a handy fact list on the native birds featured. -
Whakarongo ki ō Tūpuna Listen to your Ancestors Author: Darryn Joseph Illustrator: Munro Te Whata ISBN: 978-0-947506-62-9 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, HB, 32 pp, colour Published: 10 September 2019 WINNER: NZSA New Zealand Literary Heritage Awards 2020, Te Reo Māori section The Book: One night in June 2016, Massey University language lecturer Darryn Joseph sat in a hospital room minding a teacher who had become a dear friend and mentor to him. Darryn wrote her a poem of appreciation, kissed her hand and said goodbye; the next day she passed away. That poem is contained in Whakarongo ki ō Tūpuna/Listen to your Ancestors, which is written in te Reo Māori with English translation. The story follows a beloved teacher giving her pupils and grand-daughter guidance by directing them to follow the examples of Māori gods and ancestors. The book is illustrated by emerging artist Munro Te Whata, who has vividly brought to life settings in a school, the outdoors and a rest home in a colourful and fun style. Whakarongo ki ō Tūpuna teaches the values represented by Māori gods and ancestors, and provides a much-needed tool for reading in te Reo. And at its heart this is a story of love and respect, harking back to the friendship that inspired its writing. -
Title: There's a Weta on my Sweater Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Stephanie Thatcher ISBN: 978-0-947506-76-6 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, HB, 32 pp, colour Published: 4 November 2020 For Teacher Resource: Click here The Book: There’s a weta on my sweater! He’s climbing up my sleeve … A humungous weta! An awesome weta! He doesn’t want to leave. Weta and friends, including beetle, centipede, stick insect and huhu, come to school with the kids for Show and Tell. In the classroom weta marches along while his friends show what they can do — singing, dancing and scaring the teacher! But they don’t want to stay in the classroom! Where will they go? Will Koro be able to help his mokopuna keep the critters safe?E-book available from
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Title: Blimmin’ Koro: Kātahi rā, e Koro e! Author: Jill Bevan-Brown Illustrator: Trish Bowles Translator: Māhaki Bevan-Brown ISBN: 978-0-947506-87-2 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Published: 7 September 2021 For Teacher Resource: click here For orders from outside New Zealand, email: sales@oratia.co.nzKotukū notices her grandfather is becoming forgetful. He hides things around the house and has trouble talking. Is Koro sick? Step by step, Kotukū and her whānau learn about dementia and help Koro to adjust to the changes in his life.This bilingual story tells the story Koro’s changes and how his family adapt to look after him. What doesn’t change is their unwavering love for their grandad. Trish Bowles’ watercolour illustrations sensitively trace the family’s journey and help show dementia doesn’t mean the end of life.
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Title: There’s a Moa in the Moonlight He Moa kei rō Atarau Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Nikki Slade Robinson Māori text: Ngaere Roberts ISBN: 978-0-947506-96-4 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, HB, 32 pp, colour Publishing: 2 November 2021 For Teacher Resource: click here There’s a Moa in the Moonlight. He’s in our garden plot. He’s munching all our melons. He likes the seeds a lot. Moa and friends are invading the garden — Huia is hanging out in the hibiscus, Wren is darting around and Adzebill is hunting lizards! What will Mum say when she sees all these animals in her garden? An effortless combination of rhyming text and funky illustrations extends Dawn McMillan’s nature-story series to bring our extinct animals back to life. Featuring a spread of animal facts at the back. -
Title: The Book that Wouldn’t Read Author: Tim Tipene Illustrator: Nicoletta Benella ISBN: 978-1-99-004231-7 RRP: $25.99 Specs: HB, 270 x 210 mm portrait, 32 pp, colour Published: 1 September 2023 For Teacher Resource: click hereThe boy at the centre of Tim Tipene’s striking new story doesn’t like reading, until one day in the school library he picks up The Book that Wouldn’t Read. Suddenly the book takes on a life of its own — with sentences moving up and down, words changing colour and disappearing, and strange fonts and characters that get the reader jumping around, even burping. His appeals to the teacher and friends get hushed because ‘it’s reading time,’ and before he knows it, he’s finished the book. ‘What should I read next?’
The Book that Wouldn't Read takes the viewpoint of children who have reading struggles, with design guided by educators for appeal to reluctant or even dyslexic readersThis inspirational story is available in English (in this hardback edition) as well as in Māori (paperback).
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Title: Lucky Me Author: Lawrence Schimel Illustrator: Juan Camilo Mayorga ISBN: 978-1-99-004250-8 RRP: $25.99 Specs: HB, 229 x 229 mm square, 32 pp, colour Published: 12 October 2023 Bruno's friend Sanjay is lucky: he has his own room and a pet iguana. His brother Mateo is lucky too: he has a dog who helps him get around and he can read in the dark, even after their parents tell them to turn off the light. Bruno doesn’t have his own room and he doesn't have a pet … but maybe he is lucky for other reasons? In this heart-warming story, Bruno discovers that everyone has different strengths, abilities, and reasons to feel grateful. Featuring a visually impaired character with a unique set of skills, the book invites young readers to embrace differences and celebrate what makes us unique. This thoughtful book forms part of Oratia’s Five Oceans collection of international authors translated into English for readers Down Under. -
Title: Duffy and the Bullies Author: Jeff Szusterman Illustrator: Ant Sang ISBN: 978-1-99-004256-0 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 229 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 88 pp, colour Published: 6 August 2024 From the pen of one of New Zealand's finest comic artists, in tandem with the creative brains behind the Duffy Books in Homes theatre programme, comes this graphic novel that speaks to kids from upper primary school through to junior high school. Adapted from a play that confronts bullying, Jeff Szusterman’s story — superbly illustrated by Ant Sang — shows the popular Duffy (a Māori kid who captains the rugby team) coming to the aid of 11-year-old Marama, victim of physical and psychological bullying by the jealous Ashlee. With Kiwi-as characters, lots of rugby and familiar school and home settings, Duffy and the Bullies is a gripping read that will make a difference to kids. -
Title: There’s a Crab in my Castle He Pāpaka kei taku Pā Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Nikki Slade Robinson Māori translation by: Stephanie Huriana Fong ISBN: 978-1-99-004262-1 RRP: $25.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, HB, 32 pp, colour Published: 15 October 2024 For Teacher Resource: click here There’s a cool crab in my castle! He’d like to be the king. He sits there on his throne, watching everything. The newest addition to Dawn McMillan’s Nature Stories series takes readers to the rocky shore, where crab meets sandhopper, snapper, kina, manta ray and more. Enticing rhymes and Nikki Slade Robinson’s evocative illustrations bring the beach to life. With a fun ensemble of seaside creatures and text in Māori and English, this is an educating and entertaining read for young readers and their whānau, out in time for summer. -
Home Child A child migrant in New Zealand Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Trish Bowles ISBN: 978-0-947506-58-2 RRP: $27.99 Specs: 270 x 210 mm portrait, HB, 40 pp, colour Published: 9 April 2019 For Teacher Resource: click here The Book: ‘Tears were close as I talked to the class about where I had come from. The way I spoke, my accent, the words I used, made me different from everyone else.’ Home Child is the true story of Pat Brown, whose father made the heart-wrenching decision in 1950 to send his children from London to New Zealand for a better life. The four kids enjoy their ship voyage from Britain, not knowing that they will never be going home again — nor that only Pat and her sister would be staying together when they are adopted by Kiwi families. In these pages Pat (now resident in Nelson) retells the story of making a new life in New Zealand to her granddaughter Sarah Rose, hauntingly capturing the experience of young children consigned to a strange but welcoming country. In 2010 Pat represented New Zealand at the British Government’s official apology to child migrants. This is her story. -
Favourite Māori Legends Author: A.W. Reed; edited by Ross Calman ISBN: 978-0-947506-22-3 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 160 pp, b&w Published: June 2013 The Book: Māori myths and legends have an important role in transmitting and regenerating traditional knowledge. Yet as Ross Calman points out in his introduction to this new edition, they are also simply great yarns – reflective of a time when telling and listening to stories was a key leisure activity in Māori society. Favourite Māori Legends is an invitation to enjoy over 30 of the most memorable legends, grouped into themes of the spirit world, patupaiarehe (ghosts), taniwha, supernatural creatures, heroes and deeds of daring. Concise yet complete, these stories are enlivened by the fine illustrations of Roger Hart.E-book available from
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Title: Patu Author: Tim Tipene ISBN: 978-0-947506-84-1 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm (A5) portrait, PB, 224 pp Published: November 2012 The Book: In this powerful novel for teenagers, 16-year-old Jahnine is having to fend for herself amidst a series of family misfortunes, with her mother is in hospital battling cancer and her brother gone without a trace. Family legend has it that a patu taken during the Land Wars by her great-great-grandfather has left a curse on them. Determined to return the patu and lift the curse, Jahnine turns to a strange Maori boy, Andy, and follows him away from Auckland to try and put things right. Nothing turns out the way she imagines in this powerful, realistic novel.Audiobook available from
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Title: I Need a New Bum! and other stories Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN: 978-0-947506-32-2 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 96 pp, colour Publishing: 9 November 2017 The Book: Bum problems ... Naughty seagulls ... Mysterious smells ... This collection from the fun team of Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird brings three favourite stories together in one fantabulous volume: I Need a New Bum! —What to do about that crack? Seagull Sid and the naughty things his seagulls did!— How can the seagulls reclaim their beach? Doggy Doo on my Shoe — Who’s to blame for that awful smell? Hilarious rhymes and zany drawings make this a book to treasure. -
Title: Heke Tangata: Māori in Markets and Cities Author: Brian Easton ISBN: 978-0-947506-43-8 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 234 x 153 mm portrait, PB, 130 pp, b&w Publishing: 15 May 2018 The Book: Heke Tangata can broadly be translated as ‘migration of the people’, and in this book economist Brian Easton tracks the major relocations Māori have made into the cities and market economy since 1945. The book’s first part provides a narrative of the post-war Māori experience while the second part gives the statistical basis, covering areas including criminal justice, demography, education, employment, health, housing, incomes and wealth. The picture that emerges is stark: Māori remain a generation behind Pākehā in economic well-being. Commissioned by Te Whānau o Waipareira, Heke Tangata is a concise, clear overview for policy discussion and general understanding of Māori economic participation in contemporary Aotearoa/New Zealand. -
Legends of Rotorua and the Hot Lakes Author: A.W. Reed Illustrator: Dennis Turner ISBN: 978-0-947506-57-5 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 210 x 148 mm portrait, PB, 164 pp, b&w Published: 20 March 2019 The Book: First published in 1958, this is the classic collection of myths relating to that cradle of Māori culture, Rotorua – with relevance across New Zealand Rotorua is one of New Zealand’s most visited cities. It is impossible to avoid the area’s Māori history and, in this book, it is easy to learn about the most popular legends of the area. These include Ngatoro the Fire-Bringer, whose avoidance of fire demons left them raging underground to make the famous geyser and mudpool formations in the Rotorua area; and Hatupatu, who bravely escaped from the birdwoman, who would have him as her slave. A.W. Reed is renowned for his telling of Māori stories; his list of published works in this area is long and his popularity has rarely waned. The Dennis Turner beautiful illustrations are reproduced unaltered, speaking to the era of the book’s original publication. -
Title: Pioneer Women Series: The NZ Series Editor: Sarah Ell ISBN: 978-0-947506-59-9 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 240 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 100 pp, 2 colour Published: 10 July 2019 For Teacher Resource: click here The Book: Get ready for a new take on New Zealand society, history and geography in one of the first two books in The NZ Series, a snappily designed and fact-packed collection for intermediate and high-school age readers. This fascinating collection of writings and reflections by some of the pioneer women who came to New Zealand in the nineteenth century reveals the challenges they faced and overcame when they arrived in their new country. Pioneer Women presents extracts from diaries and letters by women who emigrated to New Zealand from Europe in the nineteenth century. These tales of hardship and happiness are accompanied by portraits, newspaper clippings, and markers like the Women’s Suffrage Petition, creating an easily digested record of these adventurous pioneers. -
Series: The NZ Series Title: Volcanoes and Earthquakes Editor: Gordon Ell and Sarah Ell ISBN: 978-0-947506-60-5 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 240 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 100 pp, 4 colour Published: 10 July 2019 For Teacher Resource: click here The Book: Get ready for a new take on New Zealand society, history and geography in one of the first two books in The NZ Series, a snappily designed and fact-packed collection for intermediate and high-school age readers. Volcanoes and Earthquakes investigates the causes and history of seismic activity in Aotearoa, taking in the Christchurch and Kaikoura earthquakes and recent volcanic activity. The informative, easy-to-understand text is accompanied by numerous explanatory diagrams, historical and modern-day photographs and ‘Fact File’ boxes. Ours is a physically small country but it packs a powerful amount of geological activity into its landscape, as does the keen design of Volcanoes and Earthquakes.E-book available from
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Title: Rush to Riches Kauri and Gold Series: The NZ Series Author: Gordon Ell ISBN: 978-0-947506-70-4 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 240 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 100 pp, 2 colour Published: 8 May 2020 For Teacher Resource: click here The Book: The discovery of gold in New Zealand in the 1800s led thousands of people to rush to overnight tent towns set among isolated mountains and rivers. In the north, vast forests of giant kauri trees cloaked the land. Yet now only a tiny fraction of the trees survive in threatened forests, and many goldmining settlements are just ghost towns. Rush to Riches tells the story of how mining for gold and felling the kauri forests helped found New Zealand, with both Māori and new immigrants involved in these new industries. The tales in this book reveal how exploiting these resources changed the face of the land and its people. The third in The NZ Series brings these important forces in history and the environment to readers from young adults on, with plentiful illustrations and information boxes. -
Title: First Encounters Series: The NZ Series Author: Gordon Ell and Sarah Ell ISBN: 978-0-947506-90-2 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 240 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 108 pp, 2 colour Published: 8 April 2021 For Teacher Resource: click here The Book: Europeans had no idea what they would find when they first set eyes on Aotearoa. First Encounters selects some of the key writings from these early traders, missionaries, explorers and surveyors — covering nearly 200 years from Abel Tasman in 1642 and Joseph Banks in 1769, through to early settlers such as John Logan Campbell in 1840. Their records of encounters with this new land and its Māori inhabitants reveal stories of wonder, curiosity, misunderstanding and adventure — all with maximum interest and impact for modern readers. The text is liberally illustrated with two-colour imagery and historical photos, alongside fact boxes explaining historical language and events. -
Title: The New Zealand Wars Series: The NZ Series Author: Matthew Wright ISBN: : 978-0-947506-93-3 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 240 x 160 mm portrait, PB, 108 pp, colour Published: 8 July 2021 For Teacher Resource: click here Why did the New Zealand Wars occur? Who fought them and how did they proceed? And where were these battles fought? In The New Zealand Wars, Matthew Wright answers these questions in probing text supported by fact boxes and illustrations that make navigating these protracted wars easy. Building on his 2014 book on the same subject, Wright covers all of the wars’ major incidents, movements and people, including the Battle of Gate Pa, Pai Marire, and figures such as Colonel G.S. Whitmore and Te Kooti. He shows that the wars, which pitted British settlers and allied Māori against other Māori over a 30-year period, really ended up as a civil war fanning flames in many regions. The book features glossaries that explain military terms, and sidebars that explore subjects like ‘Did Māori invent trench warfare?’, and ‘Food, horrible food’. There are over 70 colour images, including of battle sites that we can visit today. -
Title: I’ve Broken MY BUM! and other stories Author: Dawn McMillan Illustrator: Ross Kinnaird ISBN:978-0-947506-94-0 RRP: $29.99 Specs: 230 x 215 mm portrait, PB, 96 pp, colour Publishing: 19 October 2021A backwards bum … Out-of-control ear hair … A dog relates his adventures … The laugh-a-lot team of Dawn McMillan and Ross Kinnaird brings three of their best stories together in this volume of funny and fantastical characters! Included are I’ve Broken my Bum! — Is glue the right solution to put a broken bum back together? Mister Spears and his Hairy Ears — Will corks and a helmet really stop Mister Spears’ ear hair growing? Charlie and his amazing tales — Did Charlie the dog seriously do a parachute jump? A great value edition to get the kids through lockdowns and holidays.Audiobook available from
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