foreign rights 2019
About Gecko Press Gecko Press, founded in 2005, is a New Zealand-based independent publisher of curiously good children’s books from around the world. We choose books that are excellent in story, illustration and design, with a strong ‘heart factor’. We publish 15–19 titles each year. Of these, two or three are books original to Gecko Press, the others are translations. Our current list stands at over 120 titles, ranging from board books through to pre-teen novels. Creative NZ provides subsidies for the translation of New Zealand literature into foreign languages with the NZ Translation Grant Scheme. Find more information at publishers.org.nz
©David Elliot from Oink
Song of the River Joy Cowley illustrated by Kimberly Andrews In this quintessential Joy Cowley story, Cam follows the river’s journey from its source in the mountains all the way to the sea. RIGHTS SOLD Simplified Chinese (Beijing United Publishing Co.) All other rights available excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 2–5 242 x 250 mm 32 pages Published 2019 Joy Cowley is one of New Zealand’s best-loved writers for children and adults, with an international reputation. She has won a multitude of awards and honours for her best-selling books. See centre page for more rights available. Kimberly Andrews is a trained biologist and geologist who grew up in the Canadian Rockies. Her book Puffin the Architect won the 2019 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and YA Russell Clark Illustration Award. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand.
The river leads him through forest, farms and towns to the salty wind of the sea. The dramatic landscapes are packed with detail to discover in the world of the river. With graceful, rhyming poetry, Cowley articulates the connectedness of nature...Andrews renders the rush and earnestness of the boy’s journey through striated light, city smoke, and the broad, blue sea. Publishers Weekly(US) Sentences...build and accrete like that rivulet taking readers on the journey. A lovely homage to nature. Kirkus Reviews (US) An absolute treasure and brilliant read-aloud. Magpie Magazine (AUS)
Harsu & the Werestoat Barbara Else A time-travelling adventure by the author of The Travelling Restaurant. Except for five godlet-drops that run in his blood, Harsu is human. His mother is Daama, the forty-first daughter of the fifty-ninth daughter of one of the Wind God’s nine thousand or so children. His father was human too, a warrior–physician. But now he’s gone and Harsu inherited only a cloak edged with copper coins, a clay tablet and an old war-steed. WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
This is all he has to survive what lies beyond the Gate of Time and Place.
NOVEL
REVIEWS OF HARSU AND THE WERESTOAT
Age 8–12 198 x 129 mm 240 pages Published 2019
Else has built a fantastical world, rich in detail and imagination. —NZ Book Lovers
Barbara Else is one of New Zealand’s most successful writers, well known for her sharp humour. She is a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to literature, and has worked as a university tutor, editor and freelance writer. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand.
Rights also available for: Tales of Fontania series
A powerful fantasy for readers aged ten to twelve. Armadillo Magazine (UK) A really original story which is part fairy tale and part time-travel adventure. —Books for Topics (UK)
REVIEWS OF TALES OF FONTANIA SERIES Something that you just can’t tear yourself away from! Guardian (UK) She’s incredibly funny…this is a classic fantasy adventure story. —Kate De Goldi A heaping plateful of adventure, spiced to perfection with dangers, deft humor and silly bits. Starred review, Kirkus Reviews (US)
The Mapmakers’ Race Eirlys Hunter Five children have 28 days to find a route through the wilderness in this exciting mountain-race adventure for middle readers. Sal, Joe, Francie and Humphrey misplace their famous mapmaker mother as they begin the Great Race to map a rail route through an uncharted wilderness. Their father didn’t return from his last expedition and now their money is gone. This race is their last chance.
WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding UK, NZ and Australia
NOVEL Age 8–12 198 x 130 mm 248 pages Published 2018 Eirlys Hunter teaches children’s writing at the IIML at Victoria University in Wellington. She has written six previous children’s books as well as a novel and short stories for adults. IBBY Honour Book Finalist NZ Book Awards for Children 2019
There’ll be bears, bees, bats, river crossings, cliff falls, impossible weather—but worst of all, they’re racing five teams of adults who do not play by the rules. This rip-roaring adventure ... is classic read-aloud fare ... A winner. —NZ Listener Top 50 Books for Kids A scrumptious adventure with danger, pathos, a hilarious mix of villains and a crucial deadline. —Barbara Else Full of danger, excitement and adventure with wonderfully memorable characters. —Ricardo Bookshop (UK) An utter delight. —Kate De Goldi Already feels like a timeless adventure ... a thrilling tale full of derring-do and heart. —Booktrust (UK)
Oink David Elliot A comical story about a very busy bath.
RIGHTS SOLD South Korea (Media Changbi), Spanish (Editorial Océano de México) All other rights available excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 1+ 180 x 240 mm 32 pages Published 2018 David Elliot is one of New Zealand’s leading author / illustrators of children’s books. He has won many awards including the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year Award and the Russell Clark Award for Illustration at the 2017 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults for Snark. White Raven selection Finalist NZ Book Awards for Children 2019
Pig is having a lovely bath. In come Horse, Cow, Sheep... They are very noisy! Pig finds a way to make them go away. Oink! The delicacy and subtlety of the art only adds to the frisky humor. —New York Times Told only in animal dialect and sound effects, but with brilliant visual details, this story will become a bathtime favorite. —Starred review, Kirkus Reviews (US) Pencil-and-wash pictures in muted tones evoke a sense of calm, while splashes of bright color provide a contrast to the tranquil atmosphere. —Starred review, Publishers Weekly (US)
Cook’s Cook
The Cook Who Cooked for Captain Cook Gavin Bishop WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK
The 1768 journey of James Cook’s Endeavour to the South Pacific told through the eyes of the ship’s cook. In 1768 James Cook set sail for the South Pacific on HMS Endeavour. Among the 94 crew on this famous voyage was the ship’s cook, John Thompson.
Age 5–10 245 x 295 mm 40 pages Published 2018
Thompson tells the story of shipboard life and exotic places, and makes a friend of the famous botanist Joseph Banks. He shares his recipes—Pease Porridge, Shark Steaks, Albatross Stew. He has only one hand, but it’s enough to stir the porridge.
Gavin Bishop ONZM, Tainui, Ngati Awa, has published over 70 books internationally, translated into 12 languages. In 2018, he was awarded the Sir Kingi Ihaka Award. He has written for television and stage, as well as libretti for two children’s ballets for the Royal New Zealand Ballet. His awards include New Zealand Children’s Picture Book of the Year in 2000 and 2018.
In an age of explorers, here’s how a resourceful cook fed a shipful of hungry sailors on their grand adventure.
Finalist NZ Book Awards for Children 2019 Rights also available for: The House that Jack Built
The Inkberg Enigma Jonathan King A graphic-novel mystery adventure for eight- to twelveyear-olds in which a girl and boy uncover the secret that has corrupted a town.
WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
GRAPHIC NOVEL Age 8–12 270 x 205 mm 128 pages Published 2020 Jonathan King is a prominent filmmaker whose debut feature Black Sheep remains one of New Zealand’s biggestselling feature films. Its international awards include the Audience Award at the Gérardmer Fantastic Film Festival, the Silver Raven at the Brussels Fantastic Film Festival and the Sir Julius Vogel Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. King co-wrote, produced and directed a film adaptation of New Zealand children’s classic Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee, starring Sam Neill, which has been released worldwide. King’s comics have featured online and in anthologies. This is his first children’s book.
Miro and Artemisia live in a sleepy fishing town nestled in the shadow of an ancient castle. Miro collects rare books; Misa is a budding photographer. The day they meet, they uncover a secret. Miro and Misa start to investigate, and their questions put them on the wrong side of the local fishermen and lead them to the mysterious heart of this small town, where the ocean stirs up unusual and dangerous creatures. The Inkberg Journal is an exciting adventure with a strong filmic narrative. Jonathan King’s ligne claire drawing style nods to the Belgian and French classics alongside a modern storytelling sensibility drawn from his background in film.
Have You Seen Elephant? David Barrow An absurd and heart-warming picture book from a brilliant storyteller with perfect comic timing. Younger audiences will be screaming ‘There it is!’ from the get-go. —Starred review, Kirkus Reviews (US)
RIGHTS SOLD Taiwan (The Eastern Company), China (Cheerful Century), South Korea (Marubol), the Netherlands (Gottmer), Slovenia, (Zabola Zala) Frisian (Afûk) All other rights available excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 3–5 276 x 225 mm 32 pages Published in 2015 David Barrow graduated from the Cambridge School of Art with a Masters in Children’s Book Illustration. He lives in England with his wife and son.
Shortlisted, Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2016 Longlisted, Klaus Flugge Prize 2016 Winner, Sebastian Walker Award for Most Promising llustrator 2015 Winner, Silver Pencil in the Netherlands 2018
The Longest Breakfast Jenny Bornholdt illustrated by Sarah Wilkins A fun story full of comings and goings with a lovely baby at the centre. WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 3–5 210 x 250 mm 36 pages Published 2017
The baby wants breakfast so Malcolm gets out of bed to get started. Then in comes Toby. And Una and Toto, then Alice—they’re hungry too. And Conrad from next door and his sister Ruby! Everyone has a request for breakfast. But who is taking notice of the baby? Ripe for many read-alouds. —Magpies Magazine (AUS)
Jenny Bornholdt is an acclaimed poet. In 2005–06 she was the NZ Poet Laureate, and received the 2003 Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Sarah Wilkins has worked as an illustrator in Australia, New Zealand and France. She won the 2003 LIANZA Russell Clark Award for Illustration. She currently lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Finalist NZ Book Awards for Children 2018
Rights also available for: RIGHTS SOLD South Korea (Charlie Book), Germany (Thiele), Taiwan (Bookman Books), Mexico (Ediciones Castillo), Taiwan (Bookman), Mainland China (TB Publishing), Turkey (Can Cocuk). All other rights available excluding World English
That’s Not a Hippopotamus! Juliette MacIver illustrated by Sarah Davis
RIGHTS SOLD Mainland China (TB Publishing) All other rights available excluding World English
Winner, Best Picture Book NZ Book Awards for Children 2017
A class trip to the zoo descends into a chaotic hunt for the missing hippopotamus. Teacher, zookeeper and all the children join the search. A fantastic romp to read aloud but it would also be wonderful to share so the nuances in the illustrations can be fully appreciated. —Magpies Magazine (AUS) Buoyant fun for the very young. —Kirkus Reviews (US)
PICTURE BOOK Age 3–6 250 x 260 mm 32 pages Published 2016 Juliette MacIver is a picturebook writer and mother of four, who lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Her popular books are regularly shortlisted for book awards. Sarah Davis lives in Sydney, Australia. She has illustrated more than 30 picture books and is one of New Zealand and Australia’s leading illustrators with a wide portfolio of award-winning books in both countries. She has won and been shortlisted for numerous awards.
Joy Cowley Shortlisted, Hans Christian Andersen Award 2018
Joy Cowley (NZ), made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2018 Honours List, was shortlisted for the 2018 Hans Christian Andersen Award. She is one of New Zealand’s best-loved and internationally renowned writers for children. Joy Cowley has been highly acclaimed throughout her career, winning the Prime Minister’s Award for Literary Achievement in Fiction in 2010 and the University of Alabama’s Maryann Manning Award for Outstanding Literacy Scholar in 2011.
Rights available
Snake and Lizard Joy Cowley illustrated by Gavin Bishop
Winner, Book of the Year NZ Children’s Book Awards 2008
A much-loved, timeless classic. Two very different creatures learn about the give-andtake of friendship in this warm and funny story set in the desert. Snake is elegant and calm, and a little self-centred; Lizard is exuberant and irrepressible. RIGHTS SOLD Australia (Text), Germany (Jacoby & Stuart), South Korea (Whale Story), Taiwan (CPL), Japan (Alice-Kan), Mainland China (King-in Culture), the Philippines and North America (Kane Miller), Norway (Cappelen Damm), the Netherlands (Gottmer), Turkish (Kuraldisi Yayinlari), Lithuanian (Vsj leidykla Odile) All other rights available excluding World English
CHAPTER BOOK Age 6–8 198 x 146 mm 128 pages Published 2007 Gavin Bishop ONZM, Tainui, Ngati Awa, has published over 70 books internationally, translated into 12 languages. In 2018, he was awarded the Sir Kingi Ihaka Award. His other awards include New Zealand Children’s Picture Book of the Year in 2000 and 2018.
With its wisdom, acceptance and good humour, Snake and Lizard captures the essence of friendship.
NZ Post Children’s Book of the Year 2008 White Raven Storylines NZ Notable Book List 2008 LIANZA Merit Award 2008 Starred review, US School Library Journal North Dakota Library Association Flicker Tale Children’s Choice Book Award 2011 Top 10 Best Children’s Books, China Times 15,000+ copies sold in New Zealand
15,000+ sold in NZ
Friends Snake and Lizard Joy Cowley illustrated by Gavin Bishop The beguiling pair introduced in Snake and Lizard now share a burrow and are business partners, too!
Helper and Helper Joy Cowley illustrated by Gavin Bishop New stories with the bestselling Snake and Lizard. ...what quirky, credible characters these two are. —Book Council
RIGHTS SOLD Norway (Cappelen Damm), Taiwan (CPL), South Korea (Whale Story), Mainland China (TB Publishing), Turkish (Kuraldisi Yayinlari), Lithuanian (Vsj leidykla Odile) All other rights available excluding World English
RIGHTS SOLD Chinese (TB Publishing), Turkish (Kuraldisi Yayinlari) All other rights available excluding World English
CHAPTER BOOK
Age 6–8 198 x 146 mm 128 pages Published 2017
Age 6–8 198 x 146 mm 144 pages Published 2009 Finalist, NZ Post Children’s Book Awards 2010 Top 50 Children’s Books 2009, The Listener Children’s Choice winner, NZ Post Children’s Book Awards 2010 Storylines NZ Notable Book List 2010 Finalist, LIANZA Book Awards 2010 Top 10 Best Children’s Books, China Times
CHAPTER BOOK
Finalist, NZ Post Children’s Book Awards 2017 Storylines NZ Notable List 2018
Joy Cowley
The Fierce Little Woman and the Wicked Pirate
The hilarious ‘Wild West’ stories collected into a single, bumper volume.
Joy Cowley illustrated by Sarah Davis
Stories of the Wild West Gang
Wherever the wild West gang goes, adventure is not far behind—and it’s the sort of adventure you don’t want your parents to know about. Packed with picnics and pandemonium, mud and mayhem. They are rollicking reads. John McIntyre, The Children’s Bookshop Funny, really funny... Highly recommended. Kate de Goldi RIGHTS SOLD France (Bayard), Taiwan (Linking) All other rights available excluding World English
NOVEL Age 8–11 234 x 156 mm 368 pages Published 2011
An absolutely delightful picture book, this is a story to be read again and again. And again. (Be warned!) NSW Association for Gifted and Talented Children WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 4–6 230 x 240 mm 32 pages Published 2010 Sarah Davis lives in Sydney, Australia. She has illustrated more than 30 picture books and is one of New Zealand and Australia’s leading illustrators with a wide portfolio of award-winning books in both countries. She has won and been shortlisted for numerous awards. Finalist, LIANZA Russell Clark Award for Illustration 2011
The Bakehouse Joy Cowley Bert wants nothing more than to be old enough to fight in the war. Little does he know that the secrets and danger of war don’t always stay at the front line. A well-written, gripping novel with intense emotional involvement in a well-drawn historical background. Magpies Magazine (AUS) WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
Speed of Light Joy Cowley A strange old woman is blown in to an affluent but dysfunctional family, and when things go very wrong, her influence is suspect. Sometimes when you finish a book you close it and walk away. Others you hold in your lap, reluctant to let the feelings and emotions it created in you die down. So it was for me with Speed of Light. Around the Bookshops
Age 9–12 198 x 129 mm 140 pages Published 2015
RIGHTS SOLD South Korea (Gaesunamu), Taiwan (Linking) All other rights available excluding World English
Storylines Notable Book 2016
NOVEL
NOVEL
Age 11–18 198 x 129 mm 208 pages Published 2014
Winner, Junior Fiction NZ Children’s Book Awards 2014
The Road to Ratenburg
Dunger
Joy Cowley illustrated by Gavin Bishop
Joy Cowley
Forced to make a new home, Spinnaker Rat’s family set out for the fabled and glorious city of Ratenburg. A piece of quality fiction that will stand the test of time and will make a great addition to any library. In Need of a Read (UK) RIGHTS SOLD Mainland China (TB Publishing) All other rights available excluding World English
NOVEL Age 8–10 198 x 128 mm 200 pages Published 2016 Storylines NZ Notable Book 2017
A fast-paced, accessible junior novel from beloved New Zealand writer Joy Cowley. Spirited, warm, intelligent and has sensible and mature messages to impart. The Bookbag (UK) RIGHTS SOLD South Korea (Gaesunamu), Mainland China (TB Publishing), Turkey (Uyurgezer Kitap). All other rights available excluding World English NOVEL Age 8–12 198 x 129 mm 156 pages Published 2014 LIANZA Book Awards 2013 Storylines NZ Notable Book 2014
Zeustian Logic
If I Was a Banana
Sabrina Malcolm
Alexandra Tylee illustrated by Kieran Rynhart
A big-hearted novel about the aftermath of tragedy, with a fresh and funny take on ubiquitous boyhood obsessions of Greek myth, astronomy and computer gaming. WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding UK, NZ and Australia
NOVEL Age 9–12 198 x 129 mm 240 pages Published 2017 Sabrina Malcolm is a writer, illustrator and graphic designer with a background in botany and geology, based in Wellington, New Zealand. 15 Best Books for Kids 2017, The Spinoff
A book that celebrates imagination and possibility: the ordinary becomes extraordinary through the eyes of a curious child. RIGHTS SOLD Mainland China (TB Publishing) All other rights available excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 3–5 260 x 210 mm 32 pages Published 2016 Alexandra Tylee is the owner and chef at Pipi restaurant in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand and author of two cookbooks. This is her first book for children. Kieran Rynhart is an illustrator based in Wellington, New Zealand. He has animated and illustrated an eclectic mix of books, music videos and commissions. He was selected as one of Luerzer’s Archive best 200 illustrators for 2010/2011. Finalist, NZ Children’s Book Awards for Illustration 2017
Toucan Can!
How to Be Famous
Juliette MacIver illustrated by Sarah Davis
Michal Shalev
A mad-cap, wacky frolic with Toucan as he demonstrates all the things he can do! Told entirely in rhyme, this is a crazy and wild but ultimately adorable book that gets faster as it goes along, like a stomping flamenco spinning round and round in a circle ... Simply put, this is a brilliant book I defy any child not to enjoy. The Book Bag (UK) WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
A tongue-in-cheek story about an irrepressible pigeon whose one-eyed take on the world bewilders the other animals at the zoo. Deadpan humour that will appeal to adults and children alike. This ‘pride goeth before a fall’ story will provide many laughs and plenty to talk about. —School Library Journal (US) RIGHTS SOLD China (Foreign Language Teaching & Research). All other rights available excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK PICTURE BOOK Age 3–6 298 x 240 mm 32 pages Published 2013 Juliette MacIver and Sarah Davies are an award-winning author/illustrator pair who have collaborated on many books, including That’s Not A Hippopotamus.
Age 3–6 230 x 240 mm 32 pages Published 2016 Michal Shalev graduated from the Cambridge School of Art with a Masters in Children’s Book Illustration. She lives in Israel. How to Be Famous is her first picture book.
Tales of Fontania Barbara Else
The Travelling Restaurant An edge-of-your-seat tale of treachery, courage and magic.
RIGHTS SOLD France (Bayard), Belgium (Dutch, Lannoo Uitgeverij), Turkey (Kirimizi Kedi Yayinevi)
NOVEL Age 8–12 198 x 129 mm 304 pages Published 2011 Barbara Else is one of New Zealand’s most successful writers, well known for her sharp humour. She is a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to literature, and has worked as a university tutor, editor and freelance writer. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand. IBBY NZ Honour Award for Writing 2012 White Raven 2012 Honour Award, NZ Post Children’s Book Awards 2012 Storylines Notable Book 2012 Winner, LIANZA Esther Glen Award 2012
On the mysterious sailing ship the Travelling Restaurant, twelve-year-old Jasper Ludlow—by all accounts an ordinary boy—embarks on an adventure across Old Ocean and Lake Riversea. A heaping plateful of adventure, spiced to perfection with dangers, deft humor and silly bits. —Starred review, Kirkus Reviews (US)
The Queen and the Nobody Boy RIGHTS SOLD Turkey (Kirimizi), Excluding World English Storylines Notable Book 2013 Honour Award, NZ Post Children’s Book Awards 2013
The Volume of Possible Endings RIGHTS SOLD Turkey (Kirimizi), Excluding World English Storylines Notable Book 2015 Shortlisted LIANZA Esther Glen Award 2015
The Knot Impossible RIGHTS SOLD Turkey (Kirimizi), Excluding World English Storylines Notable Book 2016
Winner, Best Picture Book NZ Children’s Book Awards 2013
A Book is a Book Jenny Bornholdt illustrated by Sarah Wilkins ‘Told’ from a child’s view, this book captures the magic of books felt by all voracious readers, and is a perfect gift for book-lovers of all ages. Perfect for a child on a lap or as a stocking stuffer for older bibliophiles. Kirkus Reviews (US) RIGHTS SOLD South Korea (Charlie Book), Germany (Thiele), Taiwan (Bookman Books), Mexico (Ediciones Castillo), Taiwan (Bookman), Mainland China (TB Publishing), Turkey (Can Cocuk). All other rights available excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 4+ 180 x 120 mm 40 pages Published 2013 Jenny Bornholdt is an acclaimed poet. In 2005–06 she was the New Zealand Poet Laureate, and received the 2003 Arts Foundation of New Zealand Laureate Award. She lives in Wellington, New Zealand. Sarah Wilkins has worked as an illustrator in Australia, New Zealand and France. She won the 2003 LIANZA Russell Clark Award for Illustration. She lives in Wellington, NZ.
Mister Whistler Margaret Mahy illustrated by Gavin Bishop A hilarious, lively book by the luminaries of New Zealand children’s writing and illustration. Mister Whistler loses his train ticket at the station, but thanks to some zany dance moves he might still make the train… Distinctive and full of sly humour … The kind of picture book that families fall in love with. Starred review, Publishers Weekly (US) RIGHTS SOLD Taiwan (Bookman Books). All other rights available excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 4–6 260 x 270mm 40 pages Published 2012 Margaret Mahy is one of the world’s most acclaimed writers for children. She received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006. Gavin Bishop ONZM, Tainui, Ngati Awa, has published over 70 books internationally, translated into 12 languages. His awards include the Sir Kingi Ihaka Award 2018 and the New Zealand Children’s Picture Book of the Year in 2000 and 2018. Winner, Best Picture Book, New Zealand Children’s Book Awards 2013
The House that Jack Built Gavin Bishop A Gecko Press revival of an award-winning modern New Zealand classic, which uses a familiar nursery rhyme to tell the story of Aotearoa New Zealand in the early 19th century. WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
PICTURE BOOK Age 4–6 245 x 295 mm 40 pages Published 2012 Gavin Bishop ONZM, Tainui, Ngati Awa, has written and illustrated several award-winning children’s books. He has won the LIANZA Russell Clark Award for Illustration four times. Gavin lives in Christchurch, New Zealand. New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year 2000 Spectrum Print Award for Best Use of Illustration 2000 Notable Book of the Year, New Zealand Children’s Book Foundation 2000
Uncle Trev and His Whistling Bull Jack Lasenby A hilarious novel full of tall tales, set in 1930s New Zealand. Full of the mild anarchy of childhood ... the humour is wonderfully daft. The Telegraph (UK) Wonder and amazement in every tale. Parents in Touch (UK) WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding UK, NZ and Australia
NOVEL Age 9–11 196 x 129 mm 208 pages Published 2012 Jack Lasenby was born in 1931, in Waharoa, Waikato, New Zealand. He has won many awards for his work. In 2003 he received the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal for his contribution to children’s literature in New Zealand.
Dappled Annie and the Tigrish
Organ Music
Mary McCallum illustrated by Annie Hayward
A chilling tale of danger, ghosts and secret experiments hidden deep in the forest.
A beautifully written novel about nature, siblings, bravery, and a touch of something magical. Annie is charged with saving the things she cares about. Her brother Robbie becomes the only person who can help her. Him and the tigrish. [An] exceptional debut novel for middle graders. —Starred review, Kirkus Reviews (US) WORLD RIGHTS AVAILABLE Excluding World English
NOVEL Age 8–10 198 x 129 mm 176 pages Includes four full-colour plates Published 2014 Mary McCallum is a fiction writer. Her novel The Blue won the Readers’ Choice Award at the Montana New Zealand Book Awards in 2008. This is her first work for children. Annie Hayward’s artwork is included in many New Zealand and international collections.
Margaret Mahy
A short, sharp, original story, blending themes of bioethics with a tale of the unexpected ... Recommended. The Book Bag (UK) RIGHTS SOLD South Korea (BookInMyLife) All other rights available excluding World English
NOVEL Age 10–12 198 x 129 mm 96 pages Published 2010 Margaret Mahy is one of the world’s most acclaimed writers for children. She received the Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2006. She lived in Governor’s Bay, New Zealand, until her death in 2012. White Raven 2011
Contact Details Publisher, Gecko Press Julia Marshall Email: julia@geckopress.com Phone: +64 (0)4 801 9333 Postal address: PO Box 9335, Wellington 6141, New Zealand Street address: Level 1, 9A Holland Street, Wellington 6011, New Zealand geckopress.com
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