Children's books to encourage understanding, kindness and inclusion.
These recommended reads are great tools for instilling empathy and helping kids to understand different perspectives and learn about their feelings.
Stepping Up David Hill
An affirming, empathy-building medical drama from beloved author David Hill. This powerfully told novel sensitively explores disability, identity and resilience in the wake of a teen's life-changing mountain accident.
Recommended reading age: 10 - 14 years old
Wonder R J Palacio
Born with a facial difference that has prevented him from going to a mainstream school until now, this wonderful tale charts the journey of Auggie as he navigates his first year at school. An upbeat, life-affirming story that deserves to be read and one that reminds us all to choose to be kind instead of cruel.
Recommended reading age: 9 - 11 years old
Brown Bird Jane Arthur
A gorgeous middle-grade novel set in a provincial town in Aotearoa, about a lonely girl with crippling social anxiety, who always feels like an outsider. This is a gentle, warm-hearted novel about leaving the comfort of your shell and making friends.
Recommended reading age: 8 - 12 years old
The Umbrella Niki Foreman, Binny Talib
Not everyone finds their place under the same umbrella. So what happens when you want to fit, but can’t? From an author and parent with intimate experience of neurodivergence The Umbrella is a story of one child’s journey to find their place in the world.
Out 3 March, 2026.
Recommended reading age: 2 - 7 years old
My Elephant Is Blue Melinda Szymanik, Vasanti Unka
Warm, empathetic, hopeful and often funny, with the ability to be read on different levels, My Elephant is Blue is the perfect story to help children explore and understand the experience of living under the weight of a big sadness.
Recommended reading age: 2 - 7 years old
Hairy Maclary and Friends How Do I Feel? Lynley Dodd
This very special first concepts board book is designed to help babies and toddlers learn the words to express how they are feeling with Lynley Dodd’s delightful and funny animal characters leading the way.
Recommended reading age: 0 - 3 years old
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They've closed the final Percy Jackson book. Now what?
Easter is coming up, and once the novelty of chocolate wears off, older kids still need something to sink their teeth into.
Cath, our Penguin NZ Children's Publisher on what makes STEPPING UP by David Hill a very special book
The summer holidays are the perfect time to encourage kids to learn something new and explore their interests!
Take this quiz to find out what type of mullet you are, in honour of Nick Sharratt’s book, Mullets.
In their own words, read real reviews of Protector of Beyond by Shara Curlett!
This is Jack and the Beanstalk like you’ve never seen it before! An exciting action-packed graphic adventure story set in the world of Jack in the Beanstalk. From award-winning author Sofie Laguna and monster-illustrator extraordinaire, Marc McBride.
Looking for your next fantasy read? Explore some of our favourite new and upcoming releases...
Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.