Books and activities for the kids these school holidays
We're always looking for ways to keep kids occupied in the school holidays! These are some fabulous books (and activity sheets) by local authors that are sure to entertain.
Ring Ting Tūī
A beautiful counting picture book bursting with troublesome tūī, perfect to read aloud!
Colour in these sheets from the melodious counting picture book!
Lulu and the Dance Detective Series
If you ever thought detectives can't be divas, you need to meet Lulu and her fabulous mystery-solving dance troupe! This illustrated chapter series, now with 4 books, is ideal for dance-mad emerging and confident readers. See them all here.
Try these activity sheets as well!
Take Me To Your Leader
Nine Girls
A page-turning adventure from Stacy Gregg, one of Aotearoa’s most internationally successful and locally awarded writers. A story about growing up in a time of social unrest in early 1980s New Zealand, Nine Girls is a page-turning adventure woven with suspense. Read an extract here.
Discover the best crime books to gift this Christmas. From chilling thrillers to clever mysteries, these six page-turners will keep readers hooked.
As summer arrives, so does the joy of good food, great company, and time outdoors. To help you make the most of it, we’re giving away Eat Wild by Sophie Merkens (RRP $55) and an Ironclad 28cm Olive Leaf Satin Enamel Legacy Pan (RRP $250).
Check out the most anticipated YA books hitting shelves in 2026.
Everything you need to know about the Jack Reacher books. Learn about Lee and Andrew Child, figure out which order to read them and quiz your Reacher knowledge.
In the mood for some romance this holiday season? Reach for one (or more) of these 21 Christmas romance books.
Preparation is key before bringing your kitten home. I recommend doing this preparation at least a couple of weeks before you get your kitten.
Take this quiz to find out what type of mullet you are, in honour of Nick Sharratt’s book, Mullets.
The shortlist for the 2025 Booker Prize has been announced, with four Penguin Random House titles named this year.
Here’s what you need to know about Dan Brown’s Robert Langdon series – including which order to read the books!
Becky, our Penguin NZ Director, shares 5 ways to use 5 edible weeds she found in her garden with the help of Andrew Crowe's Edible Weeds Handbook!
It’s official: the internet has dubbed Conrad Fisher a ‘black cat boyfriend’. Here are a few other black cat book boyfriends to keep you swooning.
Kōrerotia te reo this Māori Language Week 2025 with our selection of Māori Language books.