New Zealand Children's Books for Homeschoolers

This blog is a project to research and document New Zealand Children's living books for homeschooling.

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A list of books I have for sale.

A Canoe in the Mist by Elsie Locke

Runaway Settlers' author, Elsie Locke, takes us back to the 1886 Mount Tarawera Eruption in this gripping historical fiction for children.

Kirsten Edwards

Apr 4, 20235 min read

The Month of the Brittle Star by Eileen L. Soper

From the back flap: "The Month of the Brittle Star is more than just a charming story by a gifted writer. The very words 'brittle star" -...

Kirsten Edwards

Mar 28, 20232 min read

The Tree House (and other poems for children) by James K. Baxter

A collection of poems for children from New Zealand's most well-known poet.

Kirsten Edwards

Mar 16, 20232 min read

Young Jane by Eileen Soper

A young girl from the 1860s discovers friendship and uncovers secrets on her grandfather's sheep farm.

Kirsten Edwards

Mar 14, 20232 min read

Sally Becomes a New Zealander by N. D. Thompson

A young English girl goes to live with relatives in New Zealand.

Kirsten Edwards

Dec 15, 20223 min read

These Islands Edited by Gwenyth Jones

These Islands is the first collection of New Zealand poetry to be chosen especially for girls and boys of about eight and upwards.

Kirsten Edwards

Oct 5, 20222 min read

Hazard Island by Phyl Wardell

A scuba diver goes missing - and the Hammond twins, John and Cathy, with their cousins Richard and Ann Cooper, set out to solve the mystery

Kirsten Edwards

Oct 5, 20222 min read

Druscilla by Clarice England

It tells the story of Druscilla, a little girl from the age of 8 till when she leaves school.

Kirsten Edwards

Aug 28, 20223 min read

Wanganui Adventure by Ken Saunders

The two teenage boys, Howard and Lindsey, are 14 and 16 and they are out on their own canoeing down the river. Everything changes....

Kirsten Edwards

Aug 16, 20223 min read

Scrub Fire by Anne de Roo

Suddenly the campfire burst into flames. The long dry grass fared and the fame leapt into the trees. Bush fire!

Kirsten Edwards

Aug 16, 20222 min read

Why is that Lake so Blue? by Simon Pollard

In this fun-filled, fact-rich book, award-winning science writer Simon Pollard Shares the magic, secrets, mysteries, and marvels of Aotearoa

Kirsten Edwards

May 15, 20222 min read

Tuppenny Brown by Eve Sutton

The story of little Tuppenny Brown and his journey from thief to an honest worker is a great read.

Kirsten Edwards

Mar 6, 20222 min read

Home is the High Country (My Small Animal Friends) by Mona Anderson

Here are six appealing stories about the small creatures, both wild and tame...

Kirsten Edwards

Oct 10, 20212 min read

Surgeon's Boy by Eve Sutton

It is 1840 and Jamie Fenton has accompanied his father, who has emigrated as a ship's doctor, to Sydney.

Kirsten Edwards

Sep 16, 20211 min read

Skip for the Huntaway by Eve Sutton

The book is very short, only 40 pages and Katie's character can be very dramatic at times, but a wonderful story about compassion and persev

Kirsten Edwards

May 12, 20212 min read

Kidnapped by Blackbirders by Eve Sutton

This is a fast-paced and gripping read and will be interesting if you are studying the Polynesian Islands or Australian history.

Kirsten Edwards

Apr 22, 20213 min read

Johnny Sweep by Eve Sutton

I did not have any issues such as language or attitudes, etc. A wonderful story for younger readers.

Kirsten Edwards

Apr 11, 20212 min read

Because of Rosie by Anne de Roo

Once again I am not disappointed by another book by master storyteller Anne de Roo. Nothing is predictable or contrived and the characters h

Kirsten Edwards

Apr 7, 20215 min read

Hidden Valley by Margaret Beames

This is a fast-moving story with many exciting incidents and interesting characters that will delight all 8 to 13-year-olds...

Kirsten Edwards

Mar 15, 20212 min read

The Children In The Bush Series by Ruth Dallas

The children in the Bush are Sophie, Robbie, Helen and Jean, living in the New Zealand bush country about 80 years ago.

Kirsten Edwards

Mar 15, 20214 min read