For wonderful New Zealand books we shop at
Please note, for the links to work you need to click on the title of the book to be taken to the full post. Thanks Tarnya
"The picture book is a peculiar art form that thrives on genius, intuition, daring and a meticulous attention to its history and its various, complex components. The picture book is a picture puzzle, badly misunderstood by critics and condescended to by far too many as merely a trifle for "the kiddies." Children are routinely patronized and thus so are we who spend our creative lives entertaining them and nourishing their spirit" Maurice Sendak
For second hand books you may like to try
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Read Alouds to share
Books that are especially enjoyable read aloud and usually have an appeal to a variety of ages
My Father’s Dragon: Three Tales by Ruth Stiles Gannett
My Father’s Dragon: Three Tales: 50th Anniversary Ed My 10 year loves these books. I read the first one aloud to him when he was about 8. They were one of the first real chapter books that he read to himself. They have lovely illustrations. The type is large for easier reading, the vocabulary is... »
Beatrix Potter – the Complete Tales By Beatrix Potter
“Peter gave himself up for lost, and shed big tears; but his sobs were overheard by some friendly sparrows, who flew to him in great excitement, and implored him to exert himself.” When I read Beatrix Potter I am surprised by the rich vocabulary. Yet my children love them and the young ones do not find... »
The Story of Dr. Dolittle by Hugh Lofting
Dr. John Dolittle featured first in the illustrated letters from a father enduring the horrific trenches of WW1 to his children. I have enjoyed reading aloud many of the books, there are little jokes throughout that often only the parent will get. I am just finishing reading Gub-Gub’s Book, An Encyclopaedia of Food (1932),... »
Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
This lovely book to share, invites us to cuddled up together, before bedtime, to help settled down all those wiggles. I think the reason this book has grown in popularity over the years is it invites a parent and child to find things in the child’s room to which they can say goodnight. A lovely... »
The Very Hungry Caterpillar By Eric Carle
A lovely way to learn the days of the week. It has cut out holes showing how the caterpillar eats through all the food. A classic which all our children have enjoyed. Here is the link for the book at the NZ National Library Here is the link for the books at the Auckland Libraries Click on the... »
The Tiger Who Came to Tea
I read this so many times to one of my children we had it memorised. The story is so delightful that I have not minded a bit reading it again and again to a younger sibling. An opportunity to have a chat about table manners in a informal way, what would mother say if you... »
Where the Wild Things Are By Maurice Sendak
I think all children know what it is to be a wild thing! But like the child in the book they decide that they really do want to come home. A delightful picture to read and perhaps discuss conflict between child and parent in a time of peace. We love to roar the terrible... »
Never Take a Shark to the Dentist By Judi Barrett
Judi has a delightful sense of humour that appeals to adults and children. This means I am happy to read her books aloud many, many times. We have enjoyed this book by Judi Barrett as well as Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Animals Should Definitely Not Act... »
Along Came a Dog by Meindert De Jong
Along Came a Dog De Jong writes quiet books that spend time observing everyday events. They often involve farm and rural life but also gentle observation of the human spirit. Some children may find her books “boring” . But some of my children especially one animal loving boy loves them. I love to suggle on... »
Giant Jam Sandwich, The story and pictures by John Vernon Lord with verses by Janet Burroway.
The Giant Jam Sandwich is also available as a board book. This is one of our all time favourite books and so it my first post:-) The verse is delightful, the illustrations a sweet treat. The Giant Jam Sandwich is a great read for parents and children and that is why is works so well. I... »