Best books on the shelf for young and old

Anytime is a great time of the year to be snuggled up on the sofa with a good book!
Here are our picks for a good read.  

Rere Takitahi/Flying Solo, Edited by JCL Purchase & AJ Woolf, RRP $49.99, Olearia Press 

There are many issues that solo parents face in New Zealand, including fathers with minimal visiting rights who feel peripheral to their children’s lives and struggle to maintain close relationships, neglected youngsters parented by devoted grandparents or kindly neighbours or even raised by each other, children who spend their lives being shuttled between estranged parents in a never-ending game of pass the parcel. Rere Takitahi/Flying Solo is an anthology of collected writings addressing these issues and many more that solo parents and differently structured families in Aotearoa New Zealand face. This book will resonate with readers who have experienced any of these challenges.

Where is Hairy Maclary?, RRP $19.99, Penguin Random House NZ

Much loved Kiwi author, Lynley Dodd is back with her classic humour and gorgeous, characterful illustrations in her latest book, Where is Hairy Maclary? This entertaining lift-the-flap book is the ideal tool for teaching littlies object permanence, honing their fine-motor skills and encouraging a life-long love of reading. From page to page, Hairy Maclary's gang is hidden behind a variety of objects for little fingers to move aside, until, at last, Hairy Maclary's hiding place is discovered! 

The Proud Pūteketeke, Peter Millett, RRP $21, Picture Puffin Paperbacks

The Proud Pūteketeke is a fabulously funny tale of a puking ugly duckling created by best-selling comedy author Peter Millet, and the multi-talented Fifi Colston, inspired by the real-life story of how the pūteketeke came back from the brink of extinction to find international fame as Aotearoa New Zealand's Bird of the Century. Every copy of this book sold raises funds to support pūteketeke conservation projects. For ages 2-7.

The Flying Teddy, June Dooney, RRP $25, CopyPress

If you’re looking for a read-along book for young readers aged 3-6, you’ll love this enchanting book by Kiwi author, June Dooney. The Flying Teddy is a timeless classic children’s story in the genre of Winnie the Pooh but with a Kiwi flavour. Bored with life in Penelope’s bedroom, Tommy Teddy decides to go on a flying adventure. He soon discovers that wasn’t a wise decision… 

The Doll Box, RRP $29.99, EK Books

What makes a strong role model for girls? Author Deborah Kelly found the answer in her own heritage, in the pages of history, and in the inspiring individuals who despite adversity, discovered their own courage and resilience. With this inspiration, Deborah Kelly has written a children's book called The Doll Box which is a poignant story about a child finding her own inner strength, courage and resilience by drawing character from the generations of women that came before her. It underscores the belief that sharing family stories can foster a sense of belonging, and provide strength to face life's adversities.

The Dog Who Danced on the Moon, John Boyne, RRP $21, Picture Puffin Paperback

Jeremy dreams of journeying through space, but nobody believes in him… Nobody, that is, but Maxwell, his incredible dancing dog who encourages him to reach for the stars. The pair embark on an out-of-this-world adventure – but when they are faced with an incoming comet catastrophe, it takes bravery, daring and a little bit of dancing to save the day. Heartwarming and inspirational with a touch of magic, this read-aloud rhyming picture-book story encourages children to follow their dreams. Ages 0-5.

Let's Cook, RRP $50, Penguin Random House

The apple really doesn’t fall far from the tree in the case of Jamie Oliver and his son Buddy, who has just released his first cookbook, Let’s Cook, at the age of 13. This family-friendly cookbook features over 60 exciting recipes that are fun to make, delicious to tuck into and written with beginners in mind. Let's Cook is a fantastic tool for building kitchen confidence through flavour-packed food that the whole family can enjoy. Suitable for ages 0-5.