The booksellers of Unity Books Auckland and Wellington review a handful of children’s books sure to delight and inspire readers of all ages.
AUCKLAND
Reviews by Daniel Deveney, Samantha Diprose and Roger Christensen, booksellers at Unity Books Auckland
Shibu’s Tail by Tess Thomas & illustrated by Kamwei Fong (Age 5+)
As we enter Spring, fresh growth and new beginnings are at the forefront of my mind. Shibu’s Tail subverts the notion of constant growth and improvement by prompting us to consider whether we are OK just as we are. Shibu wears his heart on his mighty expressive tail, he feels a lot of feelings and his tail helps him to express them all… that is until he starts to notice that everyone else seems to keep their feelings to themselves, causing his tail to draw a lot of attention. As Shibu alters his behaviour he finds “life’s highs didn’t feel so high and life’s lows felt even more low”. Adorably illustrated, this double debut is a lovely read for kids and adults, providing a reminder of the joys of being yourself, and an alternative approach to the control that we sometimes feel we must have over ourselves. / Samantha
You’ll have a new appreciation of the colour brown upon reading Briana Loewinsohn’s award-winning, semi-autobiographical graphic novel. Told in the form of notes and diary entries we get to see just how much of a mess life is for Briana as she contends with high school and splitting her time between divorced parents, who, like the ghosts in the title, linger just off the pages of Briana’s life. Set in the 1990s, with references to the movie and music recommendations of the time, Briana’s inner turmoil and sensitivity to everything around her feels timeless and very relatable. / Roger
Giselle Clarkson’s latest is the perfect pocket-sized guide: it will fit in a big-pocketed jacket or in one of those handy compartments in the front of a backpack, ready to pull out when in the field. This deluxe guide comes with internal tape measure, informative size comparison charts, weatherproof cover, interesting facts and signature Clarkson comic illustrations to encourage exploration and help you on your way to becoming the ultimate Observologist. / Roger
How do you survive on a desert island? With stacks of great books, of course. This gorgeously illustrated picture book is a heartfelt love letter to books and bibliophiles everywhere. Each page cleverly transforms books into everything you could possibly need to not only thrive on, but also escape from a desert island. From pitching a tent made of books to setting off on paper sails, it celebrates the limitless possibilities of the imagination. Endless adventures await with the simple turn of a page. The illustrations are so stunning, I still can’t decide on a favourite. / Daniel
This intriguing YA debut asks a compelling question: What happens to our digital footprint when we’re gone? When Tom Burne takes his life, he leaves behind no explanation, only a cryptic message on his phone. By pure chance, Jamie finds the phone and pockets it on instinct. Still struggling with the loss of his father, Jamie is unsure of himself and his choices lately. But the deeper he digs into Tom’s online life, the more he convinces himself that the phone was meant for him. What follows is a gripping mystery and honest exploration of grief in the digital age. This is one of those books that has you internally yelling, “What are you doing?” at the protagonist as you rip through the pages. It’s an emotional roller-coaster that balances its heavy themes with humour, heart, and suspense. / Daniel
And the Unity Books Auckland children’s bestsellers for August–September 2026:
WELLINGTON
Reviews by Eden Denyer and Rachel Pilois, bookseller and manager at Unity Books Wellington
Want to learn to cook an egg, say hello in 100 languages or ride a skateboard? Then this is the book for you! With the stamp of approval and advice from top experts, Baines has written the ultimate encyclopaedia of skills and knowledge. Paired with Avon’s playful and comprehensive illustrations this phenomenal book will keep you coming back to it time-and-time again. Featuring essential skills (treating cuts and mending clothes), whimsical how-tos (doing the Macarena and making shadow puppets), and scholastic knowledge (calculating pi and understanding the periodic table) this book truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re 10, 40 or 90 years old, this book shows us we’re never too young or old to learn something new. / Rachel
A journey through a school has never been so entertaining. When Miss Flytrap asks, “Who knows the way to Mr Grimly’s classroom?” Grace puts her hand up straight away. Does she know the way? Not one bit, it’s her first week at her new school. But what she finds on her journey is more surprising, wild and fantastic than she could have ever imagined. A thrilling adventure through a beautifully illustrated school, this picture book takes getting lost and finding your way to a whole new level. / Rachel
The Victors by Wren James & illustrated by Beth Fuller
This simultaneously slick and crunchy YA graphic novel is full of surprising delights. Now that the demon war is over, two teen soldiers on opposing sides must learn how to adapt to regular life (and tolerate each other as flat-mates!). James’s world building and characterisation is brilliant, and Fuller’s expressive and detailed illustrations breathe so much charm and life into them. This story shines in its explosive action-packed fantasy scenes, but perhaps even more so in its quiet emotional moments. Dirk and especially Medusa (an abrasive changeling shapeshifter with alternative vintage fashion sense whose only real friends are crows) have my entire heart. / Eden
Step aside Wally, there’s a new search-and-find star on the block! When Sophie discovers a map and a hidden door in her bookshelf she is transported into a fantastical land where she (and the reader) must solve puzzles and intricate mazes to help free a bird and return home. The surreal landscapes, pattern designs and bird companions are really evocative of the indie puzzle game Monument Valley, which is a fantastic legacy to aspire to! Artymowska’s illustrations have a wonderfully playful sensibility; with a bright colour palette and funky characters that invite you into her world and encourage you to linger. The puzzles are varied and adequately challenging- hours of fun guaranteed! / Eden
Whoever thought that commerce and the mercantile trade would make for such enthralling reading! Then again, Rodda could make folding laundry an exciting adventure. This series is such phenomenal fodder for the imagination- Deltora’s setting of monsters, magic and mystery is already brilliant, the trading competition adds another layer of depth to play with. It’s interesting to see this place explored from a different perspective and journey to some new corners. Deltora even in peace times still has an air of menace along with its many wonders and danger lurks for Britta around every corner. Though her quest to become the nation’s next great trader has significantly lower stakes than that of her predecessors, it is no less engaging. I was reading this as it started coming out annually from 2014, but new readers will not have to wait for answers as Britta’s entire journey is now available in a gorgeous new anniversary bind-up. / Eden
And the Unity Books Wellington children’s bestsellers for August – September 2026:
1 Pocket Observology: A Field Guide by Giselle Clarkson (Gecko Press, $28)
2 Cass & the Beast by Claire Mabey & Jill Calder (Gecko Press, $30)
3 Is This a Plum? by Dan & Finn Ojari (Puffin, $34)
4 Detective Beans & the Map of Mystery #3 by Li Chen (Penguin, $22)
5 Gruffalo Granny by Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler (Macmillan, $30)
6 Pūkeko Who-Keko? by Toby Morris (Puffin, $22)
7 The New Prophecy #4 Warrior Cats Graphic Novels by Erin Hunter (Adapted by Gibson Twist & Illustrated by Sammy Savos) (Harper Collins, $23)
8 Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter & Morgan Josh (Huia, $22)
9 Edith: The Girl Who Was 100 Years Old by Catharina Valckx (Gecko Press, $20)
10 The Odyssey: A Graphic Novel, Deluxe Edition by Gareth Hinds (Candlewick Press, $40)
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