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 Elka Aitchison and Roger Christensen, booksellers at Unity Books Auckland

The Sad Ghost Club: Find Your Kindred Spirits by Liz Meddings (Age 12+) 

This graphic novel series is dedicated to anyone who feels like the world is out to get them and is looking for “kindred spirits”. The ghost metaphors are plentiful and the simple illustrations of everyday situations and fabulously dry text creates a serious(ly) cute representation of the subtleties of anxiety. Our ghostly charge is Sam and there is much to recognise as he fumbles through his daily turmoil, while also appreciating how differently mental health affects us all. There are currently four volumes in the series as well as a guide to getting through tough days. Join the Sad Ghost Club now for some instant good feelings. / Roger Christensen

Bearmouth by Liz Hyder (Ages 13+)

A dark and dystopian tale, this feels like a deep dive into a Dickensian social commentary, where the boys and men are being exploited in the grimy, claustrophobic confines of the Bearmouth mine. We are immersed in the world of Newt, our protagonist, who has grown up in the mine since they were four. Hyder renders a harsh, gritty setting for a novel that centres on the friendship and camaraderie between a group of men and boys who know little of the daylight above them or why they are even there, until a new arrival to the mine begins to question their situation. This is a truly thought provoking and atmospheric fable of hope in dark times. / RC

Milo the Knight by Grégoire Laforce and illustrated by Charlotte Parent (Ages 4+)

With his steed, a harnessed snail, Milo scrupulously protects his colony from dragons (okay, no one’s seen one in 10,000 years but Milo takes his knighthood seriously). This charming fable is set in a medieval-themed insect world, with castles, jesters and knights, all clad in colourful, patterned outfits. The drawings are completely breathtaking, I gasped when I opened the book for the first time. They’re inspired by old manuscripts with gothic lettering and plants creeping around the edges of each page. Nestled within the greenery is a little insect troubadour, our narrator. Milo upholds his duty while envying the court jesters’ ability to dance and play, until a rainstorm rusts his armour and he realises maybe his vigilance and hard exterior was prohibiting him from experiencing life and all its jewel toned, coloured pencil wonder. A spectacular little picture book about the power of vulnerability, an insect colony, and a fearsome dragon. / Elka Aitchison

The Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken (Age 8+)

An alternate Victorian England full of wicked governesses, wretched orphanages, spirited girls, and secret passages – what more could you want from a middle-grade read? The timid Sylvia is sent to live with her cousin, Bonnie, at Willoughby Hall. When Bonnie’s parents go on a sea voyage, the ghastly Miss Slighcarp arrives, and the girls are sunk in despair. A series of ill-fated events sends them walking all the way to London – a two-month journey. It’s a vivid adventure filled with moors, icy landscapes, and wolves prowling the countryside. Aiken’s writing is a love letter to Victorian or Dickensian literature, with deliciously old-fashioned names and characters who are either sweet as pie or as wicked as possible. Who better to illustrate the cover of this moody tale than Edward Gorey? His illustration sets off the book perfectly. An all-you-can-eat feast for kids whose imaginations run wild. / EA

Bear & Bird: The Cave and Other Stories by Jarvis (Age 5+)

Bear and Bird are a modern take on the classic odd couple duo, like Frog and Toad. It’s gently philosophical but mostly a witty, light-hearted book with gorgeously playful, colourful illustrations. Their friendship is full of fun, but also includes moments of tension, such as misunderstandings, secrets and white lies. Each of the four stories focuses on a challenge the two tackle together or a minor conflict they need to resolve. The illustrations are filled with delightful and funny details – like book covers, notes, and signs. Every picture brings the scene to life, and every expression and mannerism adds another layer to the characters’ personalities. A lovely read, particularly for kids who are emotionally aware and love a happy ending. Also, a great stepping stone from picture books to chapter books. / EA

And the Unity Books Auckland children’s bestsellers from February – April 2025:

WELLINGTON

Reviews by ​​Rachel Pilois and Eden Denyer, booksellers at Unity Books Wellington.

Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri and illustrated by Matt Rockefeller (Ages 3+)

A beautiful palindromic picture-book following a young boy’s journey through grief. Judicious in when and when not to use words to communicate the story, this vibrantly illustrated tale packs a huge punch. Drawn Onward guides the reader through the depths of loss and gives comfort when hope and answers seem impossible. / Eden Denyer

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Ages 15+)

An incredibly worthwhile addition to the Hunger Games cannon. Believe the hype on this one, it really is that good. Even though you ultimately know how it will end (not well), you can’t help rooting for these brilliant characters to topple the odds. Collins reinforces and builds on the themes of the original trilogy to devastating effect as we follow Haymitch through his games, and we glean some fascinating further insights into old faces and the machinations of this cruel world. Well crafted, utterly engrossing and extremely timely. / ED

Detective Stanley & the Mystery at the Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe and illustrated by Erica Harrison (Ages 5+)

Detective Stanley’s first day of retirement goes awry when a plea for help solving a robbery at the museum is delivered to him at breakfast. He may want to eat his pancakes, but he’ll help solve the case first. Written and illustrated by two talented Kiwis, this junior fiction graphic novel is so charming I was surprised to find out it was their debut children’s book! Bursting with vibrant illustrations, this book evokes the fictional detectives of Holmes and Poirot, while also paying homage to the artist Piet Mondrian. Filled with clues, and the occasional red herring, can you solve the mystery alongside our brilliant dog detective? / Rachel Pilois

Tegan and Sarah: Junior High by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin, illustrated by Tillie Walden (Ages 10+)

A semi-fictional account chronicling the young lives of iconic indie-pop duo Tegan and Sara, illustrated by possibly my favourite graphic novelist Tillie Walden! Are you kidding??! This is everything I hoped it would be – a perfect marriage of artists and a cracker of a series. Tegan and Sara are a joy to follow: distinct and well developed, encompassing all the contradictions of youth. A twin herself, Walden captures the turbulent feelings of adolescence so perfectly as our titular heroines juggle the challenges of a new school, friends, first crushes and their relationships with each-other. Sensitive, clever and funny, this will go down a treat with the Raina Telgemeier crowd. / ED

The Fossil Keeper’s Treasure by Amy Atwater and illustrated by Natalia Cardozo (Ages 5+)

Written by celebrated palaeontologist Amy Atwater and illustrated by award winning artist Nat Cardozo, this phenomenal book truly brings natural history to life.  Boasting embossed fossils on every spread, I’ve genuinely spent minutes mesmerized by the tactile elements on the page. Comprising of short segments of easy-to-understand information, this is a great book for young dinosaur lovers. A testament to how fossils are as precious as gold – because of what they tell us about the past, this interactive book is a keepsake for the whole family to treasure. / RP

And the Unity Books Wellington children’s bestsellers for February – April 2025.

1 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic, $30)
2 Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan (Huia, $22)
3 Sleep Little Kiwi Sleep by Deborah Hinde (PictureBook Publishing, $20)
4 Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones (HarperCollins, $20)
5 The Book of Bill by Alex Hirsch (Disney Publishing, $55)
6 A Lot of Silly: A Book of Rhymes & Nonsense by Joy Cowley, illustrated by David Barrow (Gecko Press, $35)
7 The Adventures of Mittens by Silvio Bruinsma, illustrated by Phoebe Morris (Puffin, $20)
8 A Court of Thorns & Roses by Sarah J Maas (Bloomsbury, $25)
9 Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sharon King-Chai (Two Hoots, $20)
10 A Lion in the Meadow by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jenny Williams (Hachette, $22)