The Sapling’s best reads of 2024

Goodnight Bellybutton by Lucie Brunellièr
This is a household favourite, and like the Very Hungry Caterpillar, a page turner. The simple text is brilliant for multilingual families as it can be easily translated—although it has made me realise the word for ‘calves’ may not exist in our language (Hazaragi). A simple concept done right. Nida Fiazi

Look – A Tummy Time Book by Gavin Bishop
A neat little book that can be used in a multitude of ways: read it like a standard book, open it up entirely for a thrilling tummy time experience (flip it over for a fresh accordion of images) or use it as a prop for imaginative play. Our little one’s older cousin spread the pages out and wrapped it around himself to build his very own ‘house’. Nida Fiazi

Press Here by Hervé Tullet
An older title, but new to my little one! This is a fun book that will grow with your children. At first, they’ll be captivated by the simple yet effective illustrations (primary coloured circles on stark white pages) but as they develop, so will their ability to interact with the text, making each reading experience that much more enriching. Press Here is included in Annelies Judson’s recommendations for interactive books here.  Nida Fiazi

A Mother is a House by Aurore Petit
Take all my money Gecko Press. This quirky, vivid, contemporary little book tugged at all my heartstrings. What a beautiful way of finding the magic in the mundane and honouring the forever shapeshifting superhumans that are mothers. This sweet tribute would be the perfect gift for new mums and their bubs. Nida Fiazi

Chugga Tugga Tugboat by Sally Sutton and Sarah Wilkins
My son adores machinery and I adore Sarah Wilkins’ illustrations, so we were both happy reading this one for every bedtime for a big chunk of the year. He enjoyed the predictable repetition of ‘Toot Toot Toot!’ and I enjoyed the subtle depiction of a mum balancing her own needs, those of her child and work! Reviewed by Annelies Judson here. Harriet Elworthy

Dazzlehands by Josh Morgan and Sacha Cotter
As a fresh import from Huia Publishers to The Sapling, I make no apologies for the absolute bias in my pick. Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan may have been published in 2023, but this year it took on a life beyond the page. As Annelies Judson said in her review ‘I just want to keep saying [the refrain] over and over for the pure mellifluous joy of it’, so it’s no surprise this infectious story was turned into not one but two epic dance parties: the first a disco at Auckland Writers Festival and the second a full scale production by the Royal New Zealand Ballet. To round the year out, Dazzlehands was shortlisted for two awards at the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. While they didn’t take home an award, Sacha and Josh were hands-down the best dressed there. This creative duo never just delivers a book; they bring an original soundtrack, dance moves, and new fashion trends with each publication. I can’t wait to see what rockin’ story they have in store for us next! Claudia Palmer

Mr Lepron’s Mystery Soup by Giovanni Zoboli and Mariachiara di Georgio
Mr Lepron is an industrious rabbit with a great soup recipe. When he turns his passion into a wildly successful business, he loses the joy he once found in the process, and must rediscover why simple pleasures are the most fulfilling. The illustrations are truly beautiful—dreamy and lush with a vintage quality. I particularly enjoyed the quietly anti-capitalist message here too—bigger is not always better, and riches do not equal happiness. This is a slightly longer picture book and would be perfect for children aged 4+, but I think kids and adults of any age will enjoy the wonderful depictions of Mr Lepron and his extensive bunny family. Alexandra Adank

Over or Under by Pip Harry and Hilary Jean Tapper
This is a beautiful new picture book about navigating the surf at the beach. Maisie is learning when to jump and when to dive, and how it can be scary to be dumped by a wave. With her Dad’s help she overcomes her fears and learns how to duck the big ones! This is totally relatable for kiwi kids hitting the beach this summer. I love Hilary’s illustrations—she really captures the way children move, and the feeling of gritty sand, heat and salt spray in the summertime. Alexandra Adank

Paku Manu Ariki Whakatakapōkai by Michaela Keeble and Tokerau Brown
This was the surprise winner of the picture book category at the NZCYA awards (though I’d like to claim prophesying glory, as I picked it). It’s funny and, even better, has lines to amuse readers of all ages—my five year old, ten year old and twelve year old and I all find plenty to giggle at as we read it aloud. Tokerua Brown’s vibrant illustrations have a sense of movement and action that capture the young and enough detail to tell a fuller story for adults (and absorb increasingly politically aware pre-teens as well). I think this book captures a particular sensibility of Aotearoa right now and I’ve heard kids and parents alike quoting lines from it (‘I am seven years old, but I’m nearly eight and a half’ … ‘I feel sorry for my mum, she’s only Pākehā’). A book that makes me smile just to think of it. Read Maraea Henare’s review. Harriet Elworthy

The Butterfly Fluttered By and Ten Nosey Weka by Kate Preece
Kate Preece lives on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. From her home in the Chatham Islands she has written two picture books this year and they are my most favourite. I love that Kate’s books are connected to such a special ocean-dwelling whenua and that they are celebrating ta rē Moriori, giving the resurging language a platform. Ten Nosey Weka was the first to land—a basic words and numbers book in ta rē Moriori and te reo Māori, followed by The Butterfly Fluttered By—an insects galore book with beautiful illustrations by Pippa Ensor. Read Carly Thomas’ interview with Kate Preece. Carly Thomas

The Cafe at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please
Mikey Please is an animator best known for his work on Robin Robin. This is his first picture book—a darkly comic, quirky fairytale about Rene, a determined chef, opening a cafe with the help of Glumfoot, a practical little goblin. A tale about overcoming difficulties, adapting to unexpected circumstances, and working as a team! With many dubious culinary delights sprinkled throughout. The pictures are gloriously gothic, perfect for kids into monsters and fairytales— fans of Jon Klassen and Mac Barnett will enjoy. Highlights: the food! and Glumfoot’s clever menu alterations. Alexandra Adank

Tiny Jenny by Briony May Smith
We get excited at Telling Tales when a new Briony May Smith book arrives! I have been enjoying her latest with my four year old. Tiny Jenny is a wingless fairy, born to a family of wrens, and wont to cause havoc around the forest. When she realises that she is different from the other woodland creatures, she sets out to find her family—only to discover that fairies can be mean and like to bully the creatures she has grown up with. She has to stand up for what is right and discovers that family is who you love, not just who you look like. Highlights: Tiny Jenny’s plucky attitude, and the gorgeously rendered forest creatures. Alexandra Adank

Brown Bird by Jane Arthur
I loved this sweet, heartfelt tale of growing up and facing your fears. Rebecca is a shy, bespectacled protagonist who notices everything but says very little. ‘Is my voice this quiet because my mind is so loud?’ When Chester—an annoyance but potentially a friend—helps to push her well out of her comfort zone, Rebecca realises she is braver than she thought.  A wonderful read. Read Rachael King’s interview with Jane Arthur. Denika Mead

Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
Impossible Creatures is set in an engaging world filled with fantastical creatures. Christopher and Mel go on a perilous journey, meeting everything from sphinxes to kraken. Some creatures are more helpful than others to the young adventurers! I love how the book opens with stunning illustrations and fascinating descriptions of the mythical animals. I referred back to them whenever a new one was introduced to explore the details about each creature. Denika Mead

Nine Girls by Stacy Gregg
Nine Girls by Stacy Gregg is set to become a modern New Zealand classic. It addresses important issues in a clever and funny way, showing its middle grade audience respect for their curiosity and growing independence. Children and adults are loving this book. Many can see themselves and their whānau represented or are discovering aspects of New Zealand life and history they knew little about. It is a book that makes you think, laugh, and cry. Read Cassie Hart’s review and Belinda Whyte’s interview with Stacy Gregg. Belinda Whyte

The Grimmelings by Rachael King
Full of adventure, The Grimmelings draws on Scottish mythology and has a sinister side that will entice readers to continue reading late into the night. Most chapters begin with an interesting, unique word and its definition: ‘Cragast: unable to go forward or back; a difficult decision with no positive outcome’, which was such a fun addition to the story. Read Cassie Hart’s review. Denika Mead

The Raven’s Eye Runaways by Claire Mabey
This immersive, beautifully crafted world was a delight to sink into mid-year. Set in a world where books are only for the Scholar class, with main characters who participate in the creation of books but aren’t allowed to read, The Raven’s Eye Runaway is perfect for fans of books by the late Sherryl Jordan. Bookbinding apprentice Getwin and runaway Lea have a well-rendered, complex relationship, and work together to demystify the secrets of their crafts, while the evil Stationer’s Guild work against them. There’s another book in the trilogy coming next year, and I can’t wait. Read Thalia Kehoe Rowden’s interview with Claire. Sarah Forster

Tyger by SF Said
Winner of the British Book Award 2023, Tyger by SF Said is an emotive read about bravery and finding your identity. It is set in a world where the British Empire never ended, slavery has not been abolished, and many people live in fear. Amid the chaos they have grown up in, Adam and his friend Zadie find a mythical creature—a tyger. The pages are beautifully illustrated by Dave McKean, which brings the story to life. Read Rachael King’s interview with SF Said. Denika Mead

Gracehopper by Mandy Hager
There’s a scene at the start of Gracehopper that makes you sit up and pay attention. That attention is rewarded as you read on, as we learn about the relationship between Grace and Charlie Darwin, who is a Little Person. Charlie and Grace were best friends at primary school, but haven’t seen each other for five years when he reemerges in an unexpected way. It’s classic Mandy Hager, heartfelt and beautifully written. Recommended for older teens. Read Elizabeth Heritage’s review of Gracehopper. Sarah Forster

The Edge of Light: A New Dawning by A. M. Dixon
A New Dawning is set in a dystopian Christchurch, cut off from the rest of the world and overcast by the ‘covers’, a drastic measure to protect its citizens from the harsh results of the climate crisis. Despite its unfamiliar world, this book feels immensely authentic and believable with comforting characters and relationships. A fascinating story that left you wanting more, I found it hard to put down. I need to get my hands on the next two books to discover what happens next! Read a Sampling from the book. Belinda Whyte

Tsunami by Ned Wenlock
I’m not often a graphic novel reader, but Tsunami managed to grab hold of me and wouldn’t let me go until I finished it in one session. A disturbing yet gripping book, it is a masterpiece of visual storytelling. This book will leave you wondering long after it’s over—I had to recruit friends and family to read it so I had people to discuss it with. Ned knows how to craft a story, seemingly simple, but reverberating with a strong message about growing up and difference. Read Eddie Monotone’s review here and his interview with Ned Wenlock here.  Belinda Whyte

Tonight, I Burn by Katherine J Adams
The first book in Katherine J Adams’ fantasy trilogy, Tonight, I Burn, is a spellbinding tale of intrigue, deceit, romance, and magic. An example of the emerging ‘new adult’ genre, this book holds its own against international counterparts with similar features. I loved the slow burn of this story, each chapter gently unfolding more of the fascinating world. I was hooked! I can’t wait for the sequel, Tonight, I Bleed, coming out in April next year. Read Venice White’s review.  Belinda Whyte