Librarian Anne Coppell shares with us a sampling of recent releases from Aotearoa New Zealand.
By Anne Coppell
I’d like to start by opening with a traditional prayer.
Karakia Tīmatanga
E te Atua
Arahina ngā kōrero
Arahina ngā pātai
Arahina ngā ture nei
Kia puta ai te marama
Amene
Opening prayer
Dear Lord
Guide our words and speeches
Guide our questions
Keep true our respect amongst us
To let knowledge emerge
Amen
Tēnā koutou katoa
(Hello to all)
E mihi ana ki ngā mana whenua
(Greetings to the indigenous people of the land)
Nō Airangi me Ingarangi ōku tīpuna
(My ancestors came from Ireland and England)
Ko Anne tōku ingoa
(My name is Anne)
E mahi ana ahau hei poukōkiri
(I work as a Senior Librarian)
Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa
(Once again, hello to you all)
Aotearoa New Zealand has a long history of children’s writing, dating back to the 1830s. It’s worth noting that this is even before the signing of New Zealand’s founding document in 1840: Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi.
Authors from Aotearoa New Zealand have won international accolades and awards, including the Hans Christian Andersen Award for writing (Margaret Mahy, 2006).
As a former British colony, much of our writing is published in te reo Pākehā (English). However, there has always been publishing in te reo Māori (the language of Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa). And, we have always looked outwards, towards the rest of the world.
I have tried to select books which reflect current publishing trends in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Written in French and illustrated by Lucie Brunellière
Translated into English by Linda Burgess
Published by Gecko Press, 2025
One of the cutest board books you’ll ever see. I love the way the book is flipped on its side – it opens top to bottom, rather than side to side. Each little page is just perfection. It is so hard to translate something with so few words, and have it scan so well. A delight for all little ones, especially those in cold climes.
Written and illustrated by Gavin Bishop (Tainui, Ngāti Awa)
Published by Gecko Press, 2024
Gavin Bishop is a powerhouse, and a legend, of Aotearoa children’s publishing. Recently, he has been commissioned to write and illustrate board books. Every one of them is a gem.
This is a parallel text book. The objects and words aren’t your usual selection. Each spread also contains an action verb, so it is possible to act out a story you create.
This is also available in Spanish / English as Miro / I Look, also published by Gecko Press (now part of Lerner Group).
Granny McFlitter Stitches Up a Storm
Written by Heather Haylock
Illustrated by Lael Chisholm
Published by Penguin Random House New Zealand, 2025
This is Granny McFlitter’s fifth adventure. Previously she’s knitted jumpers for penguins rescued from an oil spill (inspired by a true story); saved the day at the local show; knitted for Christmas and Easter. Now, she has to save a summer holiday after a storm – and a hungry goat.
Told in rollicking rhyme, with a refrain – which is in all the books – these are so much fun to read aloud. The illustrations are detailed and joyful. Lael has studied knitting, and knitters, and it shows.
Charlie Tangaroa and the God of War
Written by T. K. Roxborogh (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri)
Illustrated by Laya Hutton-Rogers
Published by Huia Publishers, 2024
This is Charlie’s second appearance, following on from Charlie Tangaroa and the Creature from the Sea.
The author, Tania Roxborogh, has woven together so many strands, without losing the mystery and adventure aspects of the story.
Readers unfamiliar with Māori mythology, matauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), and tikanga (customs/protocols) will not be left behind, as we join Charlie as his knowledge grows. You also don’t need to have read the first book, although, as always, it does help.
Written by Kiri Lightfoot
Published by Allen & Unwin, 2025
Winner of the 2024 Storylines Tessa Duder YA Award
This is a story of loneliness, hope, and love. And the magic found in the everyday and people. It’s a story of feeling alone, of anxiety and negativity. But, also a story of reassurance – that you are not alone, and there is always hope.
It may have taken nearly a decade to write, but this book is worth the wait.
Written and illustrated by Giselle Clarkson
Published by Gecko Press, 2023
This nonfiction title has reached beyond Aotearoa’s shores, to rave reviews overseas.
From ants to bird poop, this guide encourages everyone to become an Observologist: a scientist and explorer, even in your own backyard.
Ostensibly written for 7 to 11 year olds, this can be enjoyed and treasured by many ages, including adults. Now available in German, Dutch, Korean, sign language and 4 other language translations, according to Gecko Press!
Karakia whakamutunga
Unuhia, unuhia
unuhia ki te uru tapu nui
kia wātea, kia māmā, te ngākau
te tinana, me te wairua i te ara takatū
Koia rā e Rongo
whakairihia ake ki runga
Kia tina! TINA!
Haumi e, hui e! TĀIKI E!
Closing prayer
Release, release
release us from this sacred state
to clear and set free the heart
body and spirit so that we are prepared
Let peace and humility
be raised among us
and be made manifest (indeed!)
Draw it together! Affirm! It is done!
About Anne Coppell
Anne is a professional auntie, at least, that’s how it seems sometimes in her work as a children’s librarian in a small, semi-rural library in Aotearoa New Zealand. Besides her day job as a librarian, Anne volunteers with an amazing group of people at Storytime Solidarity, where she is the Southern Hemisphere / non-North American representative.
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