This page lists and summarises fiction and nonfiction books for children (< ca.15 years). Listed books have been published by Top of the South writers and are available for purchase.
To find out where to buy the book and learn more about the author, click on the author's name.
To find out where to buy the book and learn more about the author, click on the author's name.
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A Curious Kiwi
Chrissie Ward (2007) This playfully illustrated book is packed with facts about more than 50 different animals that live, or once lived, here in Aotearoa. Teeming with ancient reptiles, giant creepy-crawlies, incredible birds, fabulous fish and loads more, Curious Kiwi Creatures is a delightful introduction to our amazing natural heritage. |
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A Little Blue
Jeanette Goode (2020) A hand-illustrated picture book loved by children of all ages. It is particularly relevant for reluctant readers as Jeanette has drawn the pictures to tell a slightly different and deeper story. It is a tale of love and the arresting power of nature. |
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Advice for Starting School
Shelley Nonana Harris (2021) Going to school is one of the biggest adventures a little person can have. It can be exciting, scary and even a bit confusing, but it will also be bucket loads of fun! Inside this book are a few pieces of ‘Nanny advice’ to help you on your way. |
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Black Shag
Marion Day (2017) Black Shag is washed up by a storm. She is too weak to stand and dry her feathers so she can fly home. None of the creatures on the seashore can help her. And Big Wild Swan is in a bad mood so he is no use. Can Black Shag save herself before the tide comes in? Is there anyone who can rescue her? |
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Books for Babies
Annemarie Florian (2010) Perfectly sized for little hands, this board book encourages parents to snuggle up with their new baby, and holds the baby's attention with the simple rhyme and engaging baby photos. A perfect first book. |
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Brave
Shelley Nonana Harris (2020) Sometimes it’s hard work being brave. Whether we fall off our bike and graze our knee, or can’t get to sleep because of the monster under the bed, being brave can be a challenge. If you would like a little help, open up this book and take a look at Grandy’s story; you might just find some useful advice! |
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Captain Stinky & Sailor Puss Meet a Pirate
Colin Fisher (2018) A captain afraid to bathe. A cat who likes to tell lies. Captain Stinky's ship is loaded with Rainbow Lollypops to sell on far away islands, but trouble begins when Sailor Puss joins the crew. Will Sailor Puss learn why telling lies is very bad before it is too late? |
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Captain Stinky & Sailor Puss Meet the Magicals
Colin Fisher (2019) Captain Stinky and Sailor Puss are ready once more to sell their famous Rainbow Lollypops and have high seas adventures. Sail along as Mary Ann's crew discover the magical Magicals and Islanders along beautiful Berrymaster Bay. Meet the lovely Lady Captain Jacky Jack and rescue sailors who have fallen prey to that nasty pirate Noogie Poo! |
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Captain Stinky & Sailor Puss Rescue a Pirate
Colin Fisher (2019) Learn about fish, whales and albatrosses in this charming sequel as Captain Stinky and Sailor Puss set sail once again to seek new islands, sell their famous Rainbow Lollypops and hunt for buried treasure. Count the seagulls, take the Captain's Quiz, and find out what Captain Stinky must do when he finds someone he doesn't like in trouble at sea. |
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Captain Stinky & Sailor Puss Visit Turtalia
Colin Fisher (2021) Captain Stinky and their crew visit the Island of Turtalia. Everything on Turtalia is big! Meet Ced, the chief on the island, look out for that pirate Noogie Poo, learn about turtles and other sea creatures. Why won't Shorty leave the Mary Ann? Why are the Turtalians so big and healthy? |
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Dobby
Marion Day (2022) Flying into the snow-clad mountains by helicopter in the depths of winter, Dobby goes missing when his master takes him hunting for mountain goats. His jacket gets snagged in the scrub and he is trapped. But with the help of two kea, he finds the strength to survive until he is found. He is rescued seven days later with the two birds at his side. It is thought they might have helped him. |
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Elton the Flying Crane
Marion Day Elton is gigantic! Elton is strong and determined! But he’s still a softie with a big heart. Hold on tight as he and his rescue friends, Connie the chopper and Flaps the water bomber, whisk you away on four amazing adventures. |
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Fairy Dust
W J Scott (2016) Farran cupped a hand to his ear and said, “I can’t hear you. Do you believe in fairies?” The hall erupted into chaos as children sprang out of their seats, spilling popcorn under their feet and they yelled, “Yes!” Farran cocked his head. “Listen. Can you hear someone?” A hush settled over the children. They gazed up at the stage. He widened his eyes and whispered: “She’s coming.” |
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Gentle Giant: Wetapunga
Annemarie Florian (2017) Meet Wetapunga, longtime resident of Gondwanaland, Planet Earth. Learn about the modest, unassuming lifestyle of this ancient insect - what it eats, where it lives, how it keeps safe and defends itself. Intensely rich illustrations and a measured poetic voice beautifully capture its real-life story. |
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Grandma Meets the All Blacks
Helen McKinlay (2007) When Grandma finds out that the boys are tired of training, she combines her famous zest for life with a hearty helping of her special marmalade and soon has the team back on track for the big test match. After all, all work and no play makes anyone dull and dreary: no one knows that better than Gran. |
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Grandma Meets the Queen
Helen McKinlay (2010) Grandma has been busy over the past few years. So it's about time she had another holiday, and this time she's taken her cat, Scratch, with her to London. Naturally she meets the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, and in no time at all she's helping out at the Palace. |
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Grandma's Kiwi Christmas
Helen McKinlay (2010) Another delightfully zany escapade for Kiwi kids' favourite Grandma. Only five sleeps till Santa and Grandma's a-go-go with mince pies and pantomimes. But with trouble at Santa's house, adventure calls, and our Gran packs her handbag, buttons on her snowsuit and zips off to the North Pole. |
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Hieroglyph
W J Scott (2016) Thirteen year old TC has a secret. No one knows she possesses a supernatural power. Can TC help her Uncle Max, an archaeologist, to unearth enough evidence to prove Ancient Egyptians visited Australia, before he's discredited in the media by those that want the past to stay buried? |
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Invisible Elephants
Shelley Nonana Harris (2018) For many years, Nanny lived with an invisible elephant called ‘Alco Holism’. The elephant would stay up all night and forget to do the shopping. Nanny didn’t know what to do, until one day when she decided to ask for help… In this remarkable book, Shelley Nonanda Harris teaches children never to be afraid of speaking up about any problems in their own lives. |
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Kararea: Fearless Falcon
Annemarie Florian (2018) Kararea have a fierce zest for life. They're fast and agile fliers. They're tenacious and tough. Yet their numbers are declining and they need our help. Fortunately we've begun to take notice. See how this spirited bird hunts for food, and finds places to settle and raise its chicks. Find out about the challenges it faces to survive. |
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Kiwi - the Real Story
Annemarie Florian (2019) Enter the secret world of New Zealand's amazing iconic bird and discover its real story - what it eats, where it lives, how it raises chicks - told here in a dynamic new way for readers of all ages. Spellbinding illustrations dance across the pages, and the lyrical verse ensures a rewarding experience when read aloud, while the fuller accompanying narrative helps to round out the facts. |
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Korora and the Sushi Shop
Linda Jane Keegan (2022) What better place for a penguin to waddle across the road than to a local sushi shop, lured by the smell of delicious seafood? Inspired by the true story of a little blue penguin (korora) who was removed twice (the second time with a friend!) from beneath a sushi store in Wellington, and returned to a nesting box on the waterfront, this is their adventure! |
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Kōwhai Kids
Marion Day (2019) Spring has arrived! The kōwhai girls are ablaze with delight, the boys full of mischief and fun. The birds appear flashing their wings. But wait … Why does kererū annoy tūī? And what do the kōwhai kids want other kids to know? |
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Lada Between Two Worlds
Julia Panfylova (2022) What lives in the cellar? What secrets do the spiders hide? And why is Lada the only one who can hear the owl screaming? Lada has a lot of questions and wishes for a lot of things. She wishes she had a friend. She wishes her papa didn’t have to go and fight in the war. She wishes she knew why her mama left. She wishes for adventures. But on New Year’s Eve a mysterious gift turns her life upside down ... |
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Living with Lions
Shelley Nonana Harris (2017) When Nanny was born, things didn't work the way she was expecting, and she found herself living amongst a family of lions. Sometimes living with the lions can be a bit tricky... especially when you are a little zebra! |
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Nine Lives and Lessons
Garrick Batten (2020) In this a charming tale of a young boy growing up with his cat, Pockley’s nine lives have life lessons for Tim and his future. Thoughtful stories with guidance for grandchildren, and nostalgia for their grandparents – and parents. The three stages of life - kitten skips during childhood, cat steps through boyhood, and feline strides towards manhood - provide something for readers of all ages. |
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Pakupaku Piwakawaka
Marion Day (2023) Pakupaku Pīwakawaka is a child of the god Tane and serves as protector of his forest. As each predator attempts to enter the forest, Pīwakawaka greets them with his distinctive tweet. “Tī-ā-tī-ā-tītā-kāti… Stop!” The intruders must explain themselves, and then it will be determined who will be sent away and who will remain! |
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Penguins Don't Send Postcards
Jeanette Goode (2024) A hand-illustrated picture book loved by children of all ages. It is particularly relevant for reluctant readers as Jeanette has drawn the pictures to tell a slightly different and deeper story. It is a tale of adaptation and survival, made possible with a little help from friends. |
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Pepe & Tute
Marion Day (2019) Pepe, a beautiful forest ringlet butterfly, only lives for four weeks so she lays her eggs and asks Tute the Tui to protect them. She flies away, never to be seen again. But things don’t go to plan. What happens when the eggs hatch? Why is Pepe one of New Zealand’s rarest butterflies? |
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Ram on the Roof
Suzanne Clark (2019) Ram is feeling feisty, he is spoiling for a fight. When he finds another ram he’ll challenge him on sight. He’ll head-butt any rival ram in the neighbourhood. He’s the boss, he’s the champion, he’s the ram of Collingwood! A true story! |
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Skiddies
Marion Day (2018) Benji is a mischievous young lad who lives on a farm. Things keep happening to him. Funny things, silly things, SCARY things! But are they real? |
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Sleighed
W J Scott (2020) Tinsel is the newest apprentice in Santa’s workshop, but this young elf lands himself in strife on his first day! He’s sent to care for the reindeer and instead ends up on a magical adventure. Will the Toy-Inspector allow him back into the workshop? A fun Christmas story for younger readers and those young at heart. |
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Slinky Skink
Patricia Berwick (2024) A story for 5 to 8 year-olds. Skinks like to sunbathe and it is critical for their survival. They are also important because they do a crucial job in the environmental chain. This book teaches children about skinks and why they need to be protected, and in the process teaches recognition and pronunciation of the letter ‘S’. |
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Snapper: The Real Story
Annemarie Florian (2022) Snapper is the most caught fish species in our warm coastal waters. We consider them beautiful, both to view and eat. They’re the fish we love to love. Yet how much do we really know about them and their ocean habitats? And how can we ensure they continue to flourish in the ocean of the future? |
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Spiny Sebastian Starfish
Marion Day (2016) As Sebastian searches for his breakfast, he’s hooked, hauled up onto the boat and whisked away. How does he survive the accident after the freckle-faced fisherman throws him overboard? What happens when he meets the alluring seahorse? Will he ever see his friends Bluey Cod, Lumpy Sea Cucumber and Kahi Kina again? |
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Stranded
Linda Jane Keegan (2023) As the tide goes out, magnificent creatures are left on the beach . . . stranded. As the whales settle helplessly on the sand, humans start to arrive. They carry buckets and spades, wetsuits and white sheets. Can the stranded upokohue be saved? A heartfelt story of loss and coming together, with illustrations by Isobel Joy Te Aho-White. |
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Tails
W J Scott (2017) Last summer the hunters stole Kywah's tail, his magic, and his value as a silvertail. Now they've returned and he's terrified. Especially when he sees Samsa, the very hunter that cut off his tail, and ruined his life. But if he could only escape, he could find help. All he has to do is locate the Wise One and retrieve the Deep Magic. But how can he do that without his tail and his magic? |
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The Kiwi Who Could Only Say Keee, Keee, Keee
Patricia Berwick (2022) A story for 5-7 year olds. All the other kiwis laugh at the one who can't make kiwi sounds like they do, leaving him lonely and sad. But when he meets a lady kiwi one night, while out foraging for food, he tells her of his problem and she shows him how to make the sounds he needs to know. The two kiwis make a nest for their egg and live happily ever after. |
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The Little Brown Frog
Patricia Berwick (2023) The Little Brown Frog is written for 5–9-year-olds about conservation and why it is critical to be kind to all creatures, not just those that appeal to us. Accepting difference is its theme. |
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The Little Feojoa Tree
Marion Day (2017) The little feijoa tree is different from all the other fruit trees in the orchard. She cannot understand why, so she calls on Mother Nature to explain. But can Mother Nature reassure the little tree? Will she ever have fruit of her own? |
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The Monarch Butterfly - New Migrant
Annemarie Florian (2022) This big, beautiful butterfly has won people’s hearts the world over. The way a single specimen teeters on the merest of leaf-ends to place its egg, how the hatchling caterpillar doggedly demolishes its host-plant, how later it quivers and folds itself up inside a glittering jewel-casing that appears by magic before our very eyes . . . And then the emergence of a completely transformed winged creature. |
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The Patchwork Family
Shelley Nonana Harris (2023) What would you do if you found that you were all alone in the world without anyone to share ice creams, or adventures, or hugs with? If you are not sure, let little monster show you how to make a patchwork family. You will never be lonely again! |
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Things in the Sea Are Touching Me!
Linda Jane Keegan (2019) When a small child goes to the seaside with her Mum and Ma, she is unprepared for 'things' floating in the water. Ma explains what each one is and that it is nothing to be afraid of... then gets a big fright herself when Mum grabs her ankle! |
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Time to Sleep
Annemarie Florian (2004) It's time for Kiwi to sleep... Unfortunately, Kiwi's time to sleep doesn't coincide with that of the other creatures in and around his sleeping place... An inspired read-aloud for under-fives. |
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Visitors
W J Scott (2019) Twelve-year-old Brody and his kid brother are sent to stay with their reclusive Aunt Sally. But, they soon discover things are not as they appear, and a strange phenomenon is happening in the small retro town. What mystery is Tucker’s Mountain hiding? Unsure of who or what they can trust, the boys embark on a hunt for answers that reveal more than they bargained for. |
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Willow Wētā
Patricia Berwick (2022) Sam reacts like any little boy as he learns how to act around a wētās. Willow Wētā is curious and not frightened by Sam. She tries to make friends. She scrapes her hind legs to create a tsit, tsit, tsit sound. She puts her legs in the air and goes hiss, hiss, hiss. Eventually she wins Sam around and, by the end of the story, he wants to be a conservationist. |
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Writing Prompts
W J Scott (2017-18) Six short books giving writing prompts and fun things to do to stimulate children's imagination and hone their skills: Halloween Writing Prompts, Christmas Writing Prompts, Fairy Writing Prompts, Magic Writing Prompts, Princess Writing Prompts and Fantasy Writing Prompts. There's something for everyone! |