Gecko Press 2020 Catalogue

One good book can spark a lifetime of reading

978-1-776573-01-1

Gecko Press is an independent, international publisher of curiously good children s̕ books Gecko Press translates and publishes a small number of books by some of the best writers and illustrators in the world—books of good heart and strong character, excellent in story, illustration and design.

We choose stories we hope children and parents will want to read hundreds of times, for ages 0 to 14 (sometimes infinity), from countries all around the world. We use high-quality paper, sewn bindings, and sustainably sourced products.

Choosing books is an adventure, and we wish you the joy of picking the perfect book!

Julia Marshall, Publisher

» Cover image © Antje Damm from The Wolf and the Fly » Image © Anna Fiske from How Do You Make a Baby?

Boardbooks 0–3 yrs

The wolf is feeling a bit peckish today so he eats the ...

2020

Antje Damm The Wolf and the Fly A delightful guessing, memory, observation and naming game in which one toy after another disappears—temporarily—into the mouth of the hungry little wolf.

170 x 170 mm | 20pp | Boardbook 978-1-776572-80-9 NZ 17.99 AU 14.99 UK 7.99

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» Image © Antje Damm from The Wolf and the Fly

Boardbooks 0–3 yrs

Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement 2020

2020

Gavin Bishop He Mihi This beautiful boardbook for every New Zealand baby introduces ideas of self and whānau within the shape of a simple mihi.

Kō tōku ao tēnei, this is my world.

210 x 210 mm | 20pp | Boardbook 978-1-776573-02-8 NZ 19.99 AU 19.99 UK 8 .99

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» Image © Gavin Bishop from He Mihi

Sir Kingi Ihaka award for lifetime contribution to Māori art and culture

Boardbooks 0–3 yrs

‘For best results, tackle at full throttle’ The Age

2020

Leo Timmers Who’s Driving?

A book for drivers of all ages, Who’s Driving? is a Gecko Press backlist favourite, now in boardbook.

170 x 250 mm | 30pp | Boardbook 978-1-776571-66 NZ 17.99 AU 14.99 UK 7.99 Mā Wai e Taraiwa Te reo Māori edition BB 978-1-776573-06-6 | 30pp | NZ 19.99 AU 19.99 Who’s Driving? PB 978-0-958272-0-25 210 x 290 mm | 32pp | NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99

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» Image © Leo Timmers from Who’s Driving?

Boardbooks 0–3 yrs

‘A wonderful interactive little book’ Axel Scheffler JÖrg Mühle Tickle My Ears Just irresistible. Who doesn’t want a book that teaches a child how to put someone–one’s self, obviously–to bed? School Library Journal Chosen by Booktrust 978-1-776570-76-8

Bathtime for Little Rabbit The book speaks perfect baby. The Bookbag Funny, sweet, reassuring and empowering ... perfection. Playing by the Book 978-1-776571-37-6

Poor Little Rabbit!

Besides being fun, this gem is also a way to show toddlers how to put empathy into action. New York Times 978-1-776571-77-2 All boardbooks | 170 x 170 mm | 20pp NZ 14.99 AU 12.99 UK 6.99

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» Image © Jörg Mühle from Tickle My Ears

Boardbooks 0–3 yrs

‘Clever and raucous fun’ Starred review, Publishers Weekly

Soledad Bravi The Noisy Book With over 100 pages, this failproof boardbook is full of bright, bold illustrations and lots of noises—perfect to share with a baby or toddler.

139 x 139 mm | 116pp | Boardbook 978-1-877467-52-3 NZ 24.99 AU 19.99 UK 9.99 Hoihoi Turituri Te reo Māori edition 978-1-776572-62-5 | NZ 24.99 AU 24.99 Noisy Dominoes Card game 52 cards 2 levels 978-1-776571-01-7 | NZ 24.99 AU 24.99 UK 10.99

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» Image © Soledad Bravi from The Noisy Book

Boardbooks 0–3 yrs

‘Spring into action with this little board book with big energy’ Foreword Magazine

Tatsuhide Matsuoka Jump!

The creatures gaze solemnly at readers, but then each leaps: BOING! ... Children will be begging for this one again and again.

School Library Journal 170 x 170 mm | 36pp | Boardbook 978-1-776572-31-1 NZ 17.99 AU 14.99 UK 7.99

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» Image © Tatsuhide Matsuoka from Jump!

Boardbooks 0–3 yrs

‘Hits its mark perfectly, delivering a just-scary-enough jolt to surprise and delight’ Starred review, Publishers Weekly

Bénédicte Guettier I am the Wolf … and Here I Come!

Watch the wolf put on his trousers, his T-shirt, his socks … But what is his plan once he’s dressed? Careful, he might bite!

140 x 140 mm | 26pp | Boardbook 978-1-877579-42-4 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99

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» Image © Bénédicte Guettier from I Am the Wolf ... and Here I Come!

Picture books 0–3 yrs

‘A stunning, deceptively simple picture dictionary for babies’ Gleebooks Bookshop Most Astonishingly Unconventional Children’s Books 2019

Janik Coat Aleph A modern, beautiful first book of words and pictures—big, simple images with instant appeal, perfect for sharing with babies.

250 x 260 mm | 128pp | HB 978-1-776572-05-2 NZ 34.99 AU 29.99 UK 12.99

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» Image © Janik Coat from Aleph

Picture books 2–5 yrs

My mama always wants to play ...

Clippity-clop, Mama trot!

2020

Annemarie van Haeringen My Mama A cheeky baby elephant describes his mother while we follow another story in the illustrations—familiar and funny for both parents and children.

280 x 235 mm | 32pp | HB 978-1-776572-67-0 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99 PB 978-1-776572-68-7 | NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99

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» Image © Annemarie van Haeringen from My Mama

Picture books 2–5 yrs

You don’t find a beautiful sock like this every day!

2020

Catharina Valckx Lisette’s Green Sock Valckx’s droll caricatures, executed in watercolor, are brimming with personality.

Starred review, School Library Journal

Utterly simple and springtime fresh.

Starred review, Booklist 230 x 210 mm | 40pp | HB 978-1-776572-83-0 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99 PB 978-1-776572-84-7 | NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99

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» Image © Catharina Valckx from Lisette’s Green Sock

Picture books 2–5 yrs

As I sit on the branch of a grey gum tree, there’s nobody here but the moon and me

2020

James K. Baxter & Kieran Rynhart Seagull Seagull James K. Baxter is one of New Zealand’s preeminent poets. Seagull Seagull is a new gift edition of his playful and funny children’s poems which have become an essential part of growing up in New Zealand.

234 x 190 mm | 32pp | HB 978-1-776572-81-6 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Kieran Rynhart from Seagull Seagull

Picture books 2–5 yrs

‘Likely to stop even non-bookish kids in their tracks’ Best Picture Books for Children, The Guardian

Stephanie Blake Poo Bum Once there was a little rabbit who could only say one thing ...

Poo Bum is loved by children and parents worldwide. This is the book that turned Simon the mischievous rabbit into an international bestseller, now with an animated TV series.

275 x 210 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-877467-97-4 NZ 18.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 Paraweta Te reo Māori edition PB 978-1-776572-18-2 | NZ 18.99 AU 18.99 Poo Bum Memory Card game 72 cards 2 levels 978-1-776571-00-0 | NZ 24.99 AU 24.99 UK 10.99

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» Image © Stephanie Blake from Poo Bum

Picture books 2–5 yrs

‘Embrace your inner four-year-old, grab a copy of these books and be silly, be rude, have fun!’

Rhino Reads Now an international TV series SIMON

Stephanie Blake Simon series Simon bumps up against the daily challenges of childhood and growing up in this much-loved series.

Nits PB 978-1-776572-24-3 | HB 978-1-776572-23-6 I Want Spaghetti PB 978-1-927271-92-6 | HB 978-1-927271-91-9 Stupid Baby PB 978-1-877579-32-5 I Can’t Sleep! PB 978-1-776571-64-2 | HB 978-1-776571-63-5 I’m the Biggest PB 978-1-776572-02-1 | HB 978-1-776572-13-7 I Don’t Want to Go to School PB 978-1-877579-08-0 Super Rabbit PB 978-1-877579-57-8 All picture books 275 x 210 mm | 32pp PB NZ 18.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 | HB NZ 29.99 AU 24.99 UK 10.99

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» Image © Stephanie Blake from I Want Spaghetti

Picture books 2–5 yrs

‘Every page contains stories just waiting to be found’ Magpies Ole KÖnnecke The Big Book of Words and Pictures The rare wordbook that can actually spur ideas and conversation and the spontaneous telling of stories. New York Times 340 x 260 mm | 20pp | Boardbook 978-1-877467-87-5 NZ 29.99 AU 24.99 UK 12.99

The Big Book of Animals of the World This is one to pore over—visually appealing, intellectually satisfying, and fun to boot.

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews 340 x 260 mm | 20pp | Boardbook 978-1-776570-12-6 NZ 29.99 AU 24.99 UK 12.99

Sports Are Fantastic Fun! Witty, detailed illustrations and dryly humorous ‘commentary’. Booktrust 310 x 255 mm | 64pp | HB 978-1-776572-01-4 NZ 34.99 AU 29.99 UK 12.99

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» Image © Ole Könnecke from The Big Book of Words and Pictures

Picture books 2–5 yrs

‘Full of drama, jokes and unexpected twists’ New Zealand Listener

Béatrice Rodriguez The Chicken Thief When a fox steals a chicken from her friends, they set out to rescue her.

240 x 190 mm | 64pp | HB 978-1-877467-31-8 NZ 24.99 AU 22.99 UK 8.99

Ronan Badel The Lazy Friend A triumph of loyalty and courage. Bookrapt 150 x 260 mm | 32pp | HB 978-1-927271-41-4 NZ 24.99 AU 22.99 UK 8.99

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» Image © Béatrice Rodriguez from The Chicken Thief

Picture books 2–5 yrs

‘An explosion of color, light and life’ New York Times A New York Times Best Illustrated Book

Antje Damm The Visitor Gorgeous in pictures and words, this is a terrific read-aloud selection and a great story to spark conversation. Starred review, School Library Journal 247 x 190 mm | 32pp PB 978-1-776571-89-5 | NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99 HB 978-1-776571-88-8 | NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 10.99

Waiting for Goliath An elegantly understated portrait of patience.

Starred review, Publishers Weekly

Readers will be transfixed by the diorama, watching how shadows cast by the grasses change, as first hours and then seasons go by.

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews 247 x 190 mm | 32pp PB 978-1-776571-42-0 | NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 HB 978-1-776571-41-3 | NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 10.99

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» Image © Antje Damm from The Visitor

Picture books 2–5 yrs

‘A storybook and memory game in one’ Manawatū Standard

Satoru Onishi Who’s Hiding?

Who’s Hiding? is a book for anyone to read aloud over and over—simple on the surface with deeper levels on each re-reading: humour, emotion, colour, shapes, animals ...

238 x 207 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-877467-13-4 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 Ko Wai e Huna Ana? Te reo Māori edition PB 978-1-927271-47-6 | NZ 19.99 AU 19.99

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» Image © Satoru Onishi from Who’s Hiding?

Picture books 2–5 yrs

‘This amusingly absurd story will have kids coming back again and again’ School Library Journal

David Barrow Have You Seen Elephant?

Children will delight in details ... Younger audiences will be screaming ‘There it is!’

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

Chosen for Bookstart Winner, Sebastian Walker Award Shortlist, Waterstones Children’s Book Award 276 x 250 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-776570-09-6 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 HB 978-1-776570-08-9 | NZD29.99

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» Image © David Barrow from Have You Seen Elephant?

Picture books 2–5 yrs A New York Times Best Illustrated Book

‘Perfect for oral language, sharing stories and using imagination’ Books Trailers for Kids and YA

Leo Timmers Monkey on the Run Marvelous wheeled contraptions ... eccentric details. Starred review, Publishers Weekly 275 x 210mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-776572-51-9 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99 HB 978-1-776572-23-6 | NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

Gus’s Garage One animal’s clutter is another pig’s livelihood in this buoyant, rhyming tale. New York Times 245 x 265 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-776570-93-5 NZ 19.99 AU 15.99 UK 6.99 HB 978-1-776570-92-8 | NZ 29.99

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» Image © Leo Timmers from Monkey on the Run

Picture books 2–5 yrs

‘The delicacy and subtlety of the art only adds to the frisky humor’ New York Times White Raven selection

David Elliot Oink Ah, Oink. You are genuinely funny and refreshing.

Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast

The soft pencil-and-watercolor drawings are masterful in their simple details.

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews 180 x 240 mm | 32pp | HB 978-1-776572-14-4 NZ 24.99 AU 22.99 UK 8.99

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» Image © David Elliot from Oink

Picture books 2–5 yrs

Two friends share three mushrooms … who will get the extra one?

JÖrg Mühle Two for Me, One for You A delightful look at sharing and the problems that can result. School Library Journal A fine sense of comic pacing ... cozy domesticity in the forest. Kirkus Reviews 265 x 190 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-776572-40-3 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99 HB 978-1-776571-77-2 | NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Jörg Mühle from Two for Me, One for You

Picture books 4–7 yrs

The child kept a candle burning in the window so her father could find his way home

2020

Anna Höglund The Stone Giant A story of cunning, courage and survival, in which a girl sets out to save her father from the giant who turns people to stone.

200 x 160 mm | 44pp | HB 978-1-776572-73-1 NZ 27.99 AU 24.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Anna Höglund from The Stone Giant

Picture books 4–7 yrs

Olga has been working at the kiosk for so long she’s stuck inside

2020

Anete Melece Kiosk A wonderful, subversive portrait of a woman who does not fit in, Kiosk shows how people who are stuck can find a way to get free.

280 x 210 mm | 40pp | HB 978-1-776572-99-1 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Anete Melece from Kiosk

Picture books 4–7 yrs

One day, a sofa is delivered unexpectedly to Bjorn’s cave

2020

Delphine Perret A Bear Named Bjorn Bjorn lives in a cave. The walls are very smooth. The floor is pretty comfortable. And right in front is a rough-barked tree, perfect for scratching his back. Every day brings something new. And when the day is done, Bjorn can’t wait to start again tomorrow.

210 x 150 mm | 64pp | HB 978-1-776572-69-4 NZ 24.99 AU 24.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Delphine Perret from A Bear Named Bjorn

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘Just the kind of up-beat exposure grannies need’ Awfully Big Reviews

Most Astonishingly Unconventional Children’s Books 2017, 2019

Eric Veillé Encyclopedia of Grannies A completely bonkers, gleefully silly guide to grandmothers of all stripes. Travis Jonker Truly a book for any age ... simultaneously silly and sincere, and a perfect tribute to grandmothers around the world. The Big Issue 270 x 195 mm | 32pp | HB 978-1-776571-43-4 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

My Pictures after the Storm A mischievous take on cause and effect.

Starred review, Publishers Weekly

This may be the funniest book of the year.

School Library Journal

Sophisticated silliness. Guardian 298 x 240 mm | 38pp | HB 978-1-776571-04-8 NZ 22.99 AU 19.99 UK 7.99

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» Image © Eric Veillé from Encyclopedia of Grannies

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘Catches at the heart’ Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

Eva Lindström My Dog Mouse A walk with Mouse: an old, slow dog with ears as thin as pancakes.

230 x 190 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-776571-49-9 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 HB 978-1-776571-48-2 | NZ 29.99 AU 26.99 UK 11.99

Everyone Walks Away A beautiful, multi-layered book about exclusion—and belonging.

Eloquent yet playful with an emotionally charged message, and audiences will root for Frank as he takes a risk, sharing pieces of himself. Foreword Reviews 230 x 190 mm | 32pp | HB 978-1-776571-86-4 NZ 29.99 AU 26.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Eva Lindström from My Dog Mouse

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘Will be passed down generations—timeless, joyous and heavy with memories’ NZ Book Lovers

Joy Cowley & Giselle Clarkson The Gobbledegook Book A Joy Cowley Anthology Joy Cowley’s favourite stories, poems and nonsense rhymes collected in a hardback gift volume for the family to treasure.

290 x 240 mm | 88pp | HB 978-1-776572-58-8 NZ 39.99 AU 34.99 UK 19.99

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» Image © Giselle Clarkson from The Gobbledegook Book

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘Graceful, rhyming poetry ... striated light, city smoke, and the broad, blue sea’ Publishers Weekly

Joy Cowley & Kimberly Andrews Song of the River Cowley’s beautiful, melodic story—brimming with atmosphere and descriptive power—is exquisitely brought to life. Lancashire Post 242 x 250 mm | 32pp | HB 978-1-877579-12-7 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

Joy Cowley & Sarah Davis The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate Best Children’s Books of 2010 NZ Listener 230 x 140 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-877467-40-0 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99

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» Image © Kimberly Andrews from Song of the River

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘A delectable adventure’ Kirkus Reviews

Gavin Bishop Cook’s Cook The Cook who Cooked for Captain Cook 245 x 295 mm | 40pp | HB 978-1-776572-04-5 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

The House that Jack Built A familiar nursery rhyme tells the story of the colonisation of Aotearoa New Zealand.

245 x 295 mm | 40pp | PB 978-1-877467-61-5 NZ 24.99 AU 24.99 Koinei te Whare nā Haki i Hanga Te reo Māori PB 978-1-877467-79-0 | NZ 19.99 AU 19.99

Mister Whistler Written by Margaret Mahy Absentminded Mister Whistler always has a song in his head and a dance in his feet.

260 x 270 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-877467-92-9 NZ 19.99 AU 15.99 HB 978-1-877467-91-2 | NZ 29.99 AU 29.99

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» Image © Gavin Bishop from Cook’s Cook

Picture books 4–7 yrs

Are you lost? Come in!

Shhh … Be as quiet as you can, and very, very careful …

Clotilde Perrin The House of Madame M A large-format lift-the-flaps visit to the haunted house of Madame M—enjoy the thrill of uncovering what lurks in the wardrobe, behind the door, under the furniture …

330 x 270 mm | 10pp 25 flaps and interactive tabs HB 978-1-776572-74-8 | NZ 37.99 AU 34.99 UK 16.99

Inside the Villains Lift the flaps on the most famous fairytale villains: the giant, the wolf and the witch.

Splendid introductions, chock-full of villainous revelations and insights.

Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

A supersized hardback, filled with layer upon layer of meticulous detail. Guardian 400 x 270 mm | 12pp flaps and pulltabs HB 978-1-776571-98-7 | NZ 35.99 AU 29.99 UK 16.99

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» Image © Clotilde Perrin from The House of Madame M

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘This magical totem of a book bursts with beauty, absurdity, generosity and the surprise of the natural world’ New York Times

Kitty Crowther Stories of the Night An original, pleasing bedtime book that has the feel of a classic. Starred review, Kirkus Reviews Quirky, quietly beautiful, and a wonderful demonstration of the power of stories.

Red Reading Hub 190 x 160 mm | 64pp | HB 978-1-776571-97-0 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Kitty Crowther from Stories of the Night

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘Warm, poignant and witty’ Anthony Browne Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

Wolf Erlbruch Duck, Death and the Tulip I can’t think of another book that tackles so huge a subject with such simple, heartbreaking eloquence. Meg Rosoff, Financial Times 298 x 240 mm | 38pp PB 978-1-877467-17-2 | NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 HB 978-1-877467-14-1 | NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 10.99

The King and the Sea Written by Heinz Janisch 21 ultra-short, thoughtful, and humorous stories of a little king in a big world.

201 x 240 mm | 48pp | PB 978-1-927271-80-3 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99

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» Image © Wolf Erlbruch from Duck, Death and the Tulip

Picture books 4–7 yrs

Blexbolex Seasons A bright and curiously astute picture book about the cycles of nature and life.

Melbourne Sunday Age

A thought-provoking book that encourages repeated browsing. New Zealand Herald 268 x 202 mm | 176pp | HB 978-1-877467-62-2 NZ 34.99 AU 29.99 UK 12.99

The Holidays A surreal, challenging, engaging beauty of a book. Children’s Books Ireland Each scene picked out in a glorious moire of stunning colour and subtle magical movement.

It’s a true treat for the eyes. Ready It, Daddy!

215 x 155 mm | 128pp | HB 978-1-776571-93-2 NZ 34.99 AU 29.99 UK 16.99

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» Image © Blexbolex from Seasons

Picture books 4–7 yrs

Perfect read-alouds

Mario Ramos I Am So Strong The wolf’s comeuppance is deeply satisfying; the only disappointment is that the book is over so soon. Better read it again. Publishers Weekly 242 x 170 mm | 32pp | PB 978-0-958272-05-6 NZ 17.99 AU 14.99

I Am So Handsome Here comes the incorrigible wolf.

‘I shine, I dazzle, I gleam and I glitter.

I light up the woods with my presence.

I am most marvellous.’

275 x 195 mm | 32pp | PB 978-0-958272-09-4 NZ 17.99 AU 14.99

I Am So Clever The big bad wolf is back, all dressed up in Grandma’s nightie—but it’s not having quite the effect he was hoping for.

260 x 200 mm | 48pp | PB 978-1-776572-49-6 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99 HB 978-1-776572-48-9 | NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Mario Ramos from I Am So Strong

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘I got ’im by his trotter, Miss!’

‘That’s not a hippopotamus!’

New Zealand Book Award winner 2017

Juliette MacIver & Sarah Davis That’s Not a Hippopotamus!

Good-natured, funny, and a fabulous readaloud to groups of kids.

Best Books of 2016, School Library Journal 250 x 260 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-927271-97-1 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 HB 978-1-927271-96-4 | NZ 29.99

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» Image © Sarah Davis from That's Not a Hippopotamus!

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘Good friends and a how-to manual on knitting warm hearts’ Kirkus Reviews

Ulrika Kestere Otto Goes North Far up in the north is a blueberry-blue house with a grass roof, where Lisa and Nils live. One day, a tourist arrives ...

280 x 215 mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-776572-42-7 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99 HB 978-1-776572-41-0 | NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Ulrika Kestere from Otto Goes North

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘Colors brighten as Cornelia’s world expands ... a mysterious, magical day’ Shelf Awareness

Nora Brech Cornelia and the Jungle Machine An imaginative fantasy that gives readers plenty of room to roam. Kirkus Reviews A landscape of the imagination ... opens the door to infinite adventures.

Wandering bookseller 310 x 225 mm | 40pp | HB 978-1-776572-59-5 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Nora Brech from Cornelia and the Jungle Machine

Picture books 4–7 yrs

‘Beautifully offbeat ... with an uplifting message about friendship, diversity, understanding and loyalty’ Lancashire Post

Grégoire Solotareff Wolfy Friendship, bullying, fear, differences, tolerance, racial issues and understanding …

The true depth of this book is discovered ... in the conversations you hold with your child after it’s finished. Kiwi Families 308 x 220mm | 32pp | PB 978-1-776571-57-4 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99 HB 978-1-776571-56-7 | NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99

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» Image © Grégoire Solotareff from Wolfy

Picture books 4–7 yrs

Books about things that matter: peace, poverty, happiness

Jutta Bauer Selma What makes Selma happy? To eat a little grass, play with her children, exercise, eat some more grass ...

125 x 170 mm | 52pp | HB 978-1-776572-12-0 NZ 15.99 AU 14.99 UK 7.99

Sarah V & Claude Dubois The Old Man Should be shared far and wide across all age ranges, to increase our understanding and empathy Picture Books Blogger 150 x 210 mm | 64pp | HB 978-1-776571-91-8 NZ 24.99 AU 19.99 UK 10.99

Isabel Martins & Bernardo Carvalho Don’t Cross the Line!

A multifaceted gem—a book that can be read many different ways, multiple times, and is bound to appeal to a vast number of people, young and old. Reading Is Our Thing 260 x 220 mm | 40pp | HB 978-1-776570-74-4 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99 PB 978-1-776571-84-0 | UK 6.99 78

» Image © Jutta Bauer from Selma

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

‘ Sweet and salty—umami for the emerging reader’ Horn Book

Rose Lagercrantz & Eva Eriksson My Happy Life series This acclaimed series of illustrated chapter books for beginning readers begins when Dani starts school. There she meets Ella, who becomes her best friend in the world.

At school and at home, Dani faces real-life ups and downs. Full of fun and happiness, each stand-alone book is warm-hearted and true to how life really is.

Series 5–7 yrs

My Happy Life 978-1-877467-80-6 | 136pp My Heart Is Laughing 978-1-877579-51-6 | 120pp When I Am Happiest 978-1-927271-89-6 | 128pp Life According to Dani 978-1-776570-71-3 | 108pp See You When I See You 978-1-776571-30-7 | 152pp Where Dani Goes, Happy Follows 978-1-776572-26-7 | 196pp All’s Happy that Ends Happy 978-1-776572-93-9 | 224pp

2020

All books PB 210 x148 mm | Ebooks available NZ 19.99 AU 15.99 UK 7.99 80

» Image © Eva Eriksson from All’s Happy that Ends Happy

My Happy Life New York Times notable book

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

Esther did the digging, I wrote the poems, and Esther’s little brother, Puttie, cried

2020

Ulf Nilsson & Eva Eriksson All the Dear Little Animals A funny illustrated chapter book about three children who decide someone must bury all the world’s poor dead animals.

204 x 144 mm | 64pp | PB 978-1-776572-82-3 NZ 17.99 AU 15.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © Eva Eriksson from All the Dear Little Animals

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

He spread his toes and flapped his arms—for a moment he thought he’d turned into a bird

2020

Bei Lynn Bibbit Jumps A charming illustrated chapter book about a frog who knows how to enjoy life. Bibbit Jumps is full of rhythm and resonance, from one of Taiwan’s up-andcoming author–illustrators.

204 x 144 mm | 72pp | PB 978-1-776572-78-6 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © Bei Lynn from Bibbit Jumps

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

‘Frida Nilsson is our new Astrid Lindgren’ M Magasin (Sweden)

2020

Frida Nilsson Hattie A funny, lively illustrated chapter book about a street-smart country girl in her first year of school.

Frida Nilsson: August Prize, German Youth Literature Prize, Astrid Lindgren Prize and selection by the Hay Festival as one of the best emerging writers in Europe under 39.

Illustrated by Stina Wirsén 204 x 144 mm | 160pp | PB 978-1-776572-71-7 NZ 18.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © Stina Wirsén from Hattie

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

It’s hard to imagine someone you’ve never seen ...

New York Public Library top 10 children’s books 2017

Megumi Iwasa & Jun Takabatake Yours Sincerely, Giraffe The combination of short narrative, dialogue, letters, and humorous pen-and-ink drawings is a winning one. Starred review, Booklist 204 x 144 mm | 104pp | PB 978-1-927271-87-2 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

Dear Professor Whale Delightfully silly. Kirkus Reviews The story is creative and delightful, full of humor and heart. Manhattan Book Review 204 x 144 mm | 104pp | PB 978-1-927272-07-6 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

Series 5–7 yrs 88

» Image © Jun Takabatake from Yours Sincerely, Giraffe

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Chapter books 5–9 yrs

‘ Gentle adventures, droll humor and delicious cakes at every turn’ Starred review, Shelf Awareness

Ulf Nilsson & Gitte Spee Detective Gordon Gordon is no ordinary detective. Not only is he a toad but he makes his first appearance sound asleep at his desk, face-down on an important document. The Source IBBY award for translation 2016 Best Books of 2015, Horn Book Top 10 Crime Fiction for Youth, Booklist Best Books of 2016, School Library Journal New York Public Library Notable Book 2015 The First Case UK 978-1-776572-52-6 ANZ 978-1-927271-50-6 A Complicated Case UK 978-1-776572-64-9 ANZ 978-1-776570-65-2 A Case in Any Case 978-1-776571-09-3 Series 6–9 yrs

A Case for Buffy 978-1-776571-79-6 All books PB 210 x 148 mm | UK PB 204 x 144 mm NZ 19.99 AU 15.99 UK 6.99 | Ebooks available

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» Image © Gitte Spee from A Complicated Case

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

‘In the tradition of Aesop’s Fables but much funnier and more unexpected’ Kate De Goldi, Radio New Zealand New Zealand Book Award winner 2010

Joy Cowley & Gavin Bishop Snake and Lizard Everyone fell in love with this foolish, argumentative pair when their first book won the NZ Post Book of the Year award. And they continue to entrance us. Children’s Bookshop 198 x 146 mm | 102pp | PB 978-0-958278-73-7 NZ 19.99 UK 7.99 | Ebook available

Helper and Helper For kids who like animal stories like Frog and Toad ... or the Little Bear stories.

Starred review, Youth Services Book Review 198 x 146 mm | 128pp | PB 978-1-776571-05-5 NZ 22.99 AU 19.99 UK 7.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © Gavin Bishop from Snake and Lizard

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

‘Touching, realistic, gently humorous’ Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

Ulf Stark The Runaways Gottfried Junior has thought of everything.

His lies are so good that when he decides to tell the truth, no one believes him.

Illustrated by Kitty Crowther 204 x 144 mm | 136pp | PB 978-1-776572-33-5 NZ 19.99 AU 18.99 UK 7.99 | Ebook available

Can You Whistle, Johanna?

A small treasure, which should seriously have a place in any home and school library.

Children of Books

Illustrated by Anna Höglund 210 x 138 mm | 64pp | PB 0-958259-82-8 NZ 15.99 AU 14.99

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» Image © Kitty Crowther from The Runaways

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

‘Such a Gecko Press book: gorgeous, surprising, filled with kindness’ The Spinoff

Catharina Valckx Bruno: Some of the More Interesting Days in My Life So Far I want more books like this! School Library Journal Illustrated by Nicolas Hubesch 224 x 180 mm | 88pp | PB 978-1-776571-25-3 NZ 24.99 AU 19.99 UK 8.99 HB 978-1-776571-24-6 | NZ 34.99

Zanzibar This quirky little gem of a book, with its delightful language, humour and simple childlike illustrations, is guaranteed to engage young readers. Readings Bookshop 204 x 144 mm | 64pp | PB 978-1-776572-56-4 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © Nicolas Hubesch from Bruno

Chapter books 5–9 yrs

‘Good behavior will only get you eaten in this thrilling tale’ New York Public Library, Best Books for Kids 2018

Bertrand Santini The Yark Gapaillard’s detailed black-ink illustrations perfectly encapsulate the story’s blend of horror and humor and call to mind Maurice Sendak’s Wild Things. Booklist Illustrated by Laurent Gapaillard 204 x 144 mm | 80pp | PB 978-1-776571-72-7 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © Laurent Gapaillard from The Yark

Novels 8–12 yrs

Haven’t you always thought there’s something weird about this town, Miro?

2020

Jonathan King The Inkberg Enigma Funny, exciting, charming, mysterious, and just the right amount of genuinely scary.

Dylan Horrocks

A graphic-novel mystery adventure in which a girl and boy uncover the secret that has corrupted their seaside town.

255 x 192 mm | 128 pp | PB 978-1-77657-266-3 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 12.99

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» Image © Jonathan King from The Inkberg Enigma

Novels 8–12 yrs

‘An adventure story of such quality and originality, pace and punch’ Bookwagon

IBBY Honour List 2020

Eirlys Hunter The Mapmakers’ Race Already feels like a timeless adventure. Booktrust One of the most poised, stylish children’s books I’ve read in a long time. Kate De Goldi Shortlisted, New Zealand Children’s Book Awards 2019 Storylines Notable Book 2019

Illustrated by Kirsten Slade 198 x 128 mm | 240pp | PB 978-1-776572-03-8 NZ 19.99 AU 19.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

» Image © Kirsten Slade from The Mapmakers’ Race

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Novels 8–12 yrs

‘A heaping plateful of adventure, spiced to perfection with dangers, deft humor and silly bits’ Starred review, Kirkus Reviews

Barbara Else The Tales of Fontania series Edge-of-your-seat tales of treachery, courage and magic.

The Travelling Restaurant 978-1-877467-77-6 The Queen and the Nobody Boy 978-1-877579-23-3 The Volume of Impossible Endings 978-1-927271-37-7 The Knot Impossible 978-1-776570-04-1 All books 198 x 129 mm | Ebooks available NZ 24.99 AU 19.99 UK 6.99

Harsu and the Werestoat A gripping, marvellous book. Poetry Box Humour, character, drama and morality in a tale of good versus evil.

Children’s Bookshop Kilbirnie

A fairytale, time-travelling adventure for middle readers.

198 x 129 mm | 196pp | PB 978-1-776572-19-9 NZ 19.99 AU 17.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © Sam Broad from The Travelling Restaurant

Novels 8–12 yrs

New Zealand Book Award winner 2014

Joy Cowley Dunger An honest, believable, funny, perceptive, superbly written Kiwi tale. Bookrapt 198 x 129 mm | 156pp | PB 978-1-877579-46-2 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

The Road to Ratenburg Illustrated by Gavin Bishop Hilarious, inventive, funny and poignant.

Kate De Goldi, Radio NZ

The best type of junior fiction and my favourite book this year. Children’s Bookshop Kilbirnie 198 x 128 mm | 200pp | PB 978-1-776570-75-1 NZ 19.99 AU 16.99 UK 7.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © Giselle Clarkson from The Gobbledegook Book

Joy Cowley is New Zealand’s leading children’s writer, whose many international accolades include the Hans Christian Andersen Award shortlist 2018

Novels 8–12 yrs

‘A wild adventure with a huge heart ... a beautiful book singing with hope and justice’ Sarah Driver, author of The Huntress

Frida Nilsson The Ice Sea Pirates No one but Siri dares to face treacherous sailors, hungry wolves and the arctic winter to save her little sister from the dreaded Captain Whitehead and his ice sea pirates.

Illustrated by David Barrow 198 x 129 mm | 360pp | PB 978-1-776572-00-7 NZ 19.99 AU 19.99 UK 6.99 | Ebook available

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» Image © David Barrow from The Ice Sea Pirates

Non-fiction 3–7 yrs

Every child is different.

There’s only one like you.

It’s a miracle and it’s so perfect that you are you.

2020

Anna Fiske How Do You Make a Baby?

A funny, forthright non-fiction picture book about how babies are made and different ways to be a family, How Do You Make a Baby? sparks with intelligence and humour.

285 x 210 mm | 80pp | HB 978-1-776572-85-4 NZ 32.99 AU 29.99 UK 12.99

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» Image © Anna Fiske from How Do You Make a Baby?

Non-fiction 8–12 yrs

If Pipi was a cake—if she absolutely had to be—she would be a very tall sponge with about six layers ...

2020

Alexandra Tylee & Giselle Clarkson Pipi Children’s Cookbook A beautiful illustrated cookbook from the much-loved Pipi Café that celebrates imagination and pleasure in cooking. Fresh, playful, healthy recipes alongside tips on foraging, decorating and kitchen basics.

250 x 216 mm | 128pp | PB 978-1-776572-98-4 NZ 34.99 AU 32.99 UK 14.99

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» Image © Giselle Clarkson from Pipi Children’s Cookbook

Non-fiction 8–12 yrs

Books that answer the questions children ask

Katharina von der Gathen & Anke Kuhl Tell Me Everything children really want to know about sex, bodies and emotions. A vertical Q&A format with frank, funny cartoons and straight answers.

This is a friendly, funny guide for every family.

180 x 140 mm | 216pp | HB 978-1-776572-32-8 NZ 29.99 AU 27.99 UK 11.99 2021

Do Animals Fall in Love?

A classic nature encyclopedia format illustrated with Anke Kuhl’s witty comics about a topic that has fascinated children for generations.

250 x 188 mm | 144pp | HB 978-1-776572-91-5 NZ 34.99 AU 32.99 UK 14.99

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» Image © Anke Kuhl from Tell Me

Non-fiction 8–12 yrs

2020

Peter Goes Timeline Science & Technology A visual introduction to our planet and society told through our greatest inventions and the technology that has changed the world.

978-1-776573-00-4

Timeline Here is a glowing sucker octopus, with its limbs spread out, pumpkin-colored, looking like a just-exploded Roman candle in the night sky.

Wall Street Journal 978-1-776570-69-0

Rivers Peter Goes weaves nature, myth, history and popular culture into a compelling story of the world’s major rivers, seas and oceans.

978-1-776572-16-8 All books HB | 370 x 270 mm | 80pp NZ 39.99 AU 34.99 UK 16.99

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» Image © Peter Goes from Timeline

Non-fiction 8–12 yrs

Aleksandra & Daniel Mizieliński H.O.U.S.E. 35 extraordinary houses designed by the most prominent architects of the world.

200 x 200 mm | 156pp | HB 978-1-877467-66-0 NZ 39.99 AU 34.99 UK 14.99

D.E.S.I.G.N. The history of design in a nutshell!

Written by Ewa Solarz 200 x 200 mm | 168pp | HB 978-1-877467-83-7 NZ 39.99 AU 34.99 UK 14.99

Impossible Inventions Ideas that Shouldn’t Work Written by Małgorzata Mycielska A funky and fascinating collection of inventions.

248 x 200 mm | 128pp | HB 978-1-776571-70-3 NZ 34.99 AU 29.99 UK 14.99

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» Image © Aleksandra & Daniel Mizieliński from H.O.U.S.E.

Non-fiction 8–12 yrs

‘A feast of fact and fiction’ The Guardian

Damien Laverdunt & Hélène Rajcak Small and Tall Tales of Extinct Animals Cartoons, mythology and science about why animals became extinct.

320 x 250 mm | 80pp | HB 978-1-877467-90-5 NZ 34.99 AU 29.99 UK 14.99

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» Image © Hélène Rajcak from Small and Tall Tales of Extinct Animals

Gecko Press worldwide Gecko Press books are sold throughout the world, and marketed directly into North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, in print and digital editions.

In each market we employ a specialist book publicist to promote our books through traditional and new media, conferences and festivals.

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Post PO Box 9335 Wellington 6141 New Zealand

Courier Level 1, 9 Holland St Wellington 6011 New Zealand

+64 (0)4 801 9333 | info@geckopress.com | geckopress.com United Kingdom Bounce! Sales & Marketing +44 (0)20 7138 3650 sales@bouncemarketing.co.uk bouncemarketing.co.uk Distribution Grantham Book Services orders@gbs.tbs-ltd.co.uk United States Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. Toll-free 800 328 4929 info@lernerbooks.com lernerbooks.com

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New Zealand and Australia Walker Books Australia +61 (2) 9517 9577 walkerbooks.com.au New Zealand: Arotahi Agency Sales matthew.simpson@harpercollins.co.nz Marketing sandra.noakes@harpercollins.co.nz Australia: Walker Books Australia Sales leone.hodgson@walkerbooks.com.au Marketing steve.spargo@walkerbooks.com.au Distribution Harper Entertainment Distribution Services orders@harpercollins.com.au

» Image © Giselle Clarkson from Pipi Children’s Cookbook

Books for babies & toddlers 0–3 years

Picture books for preschoolers 2–5 years

6 2

38 10

4

18

8

8

8

10

12

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14

10

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16

28

28

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24–27

20

42

Eight picture books, a card game and a te reo Māori edition

40

see website

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34

36

32

32

see website 28

Picture books 4–7 years

Picture books 4–7 years

30

44

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62

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70

50

50 30

52

52

22

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68

68

68

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see website 64 64

60

60

48

76

72 78

66

56 66

78

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56 54

74

58 38

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46

78

58 58

Illustrated chapter books for emerging readers 5–8 years

Novels for avid readers 8–12 years & non-fiction

80

80

80

80

80

100

106

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103

80

80

88

88

96

104

104

104

104

104

96

48

82

84

98

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108

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112

118

118

116

120

92

92

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94

86

90

90

90

90

106

110

118

114

116

114

116

One good book can spark a lifetime of reading

978-1-776573-01-1