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 Venice White, Issy Walker and Roger Christensen, booksellers at Unity Books Auckland

This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska (Ages 13+) 

After a tragic event, which she cannot remember, Gisela has found herself trapped in the spirit world where life as a water nymph holds a certain charm and magical benefit. Nymphs and other creatures exist alongside the human world in relatively peaceful harmony but Gisela longs to return, both to her family and also to a life she feels cheated out of. Enlisting the help of an unlikely ally she embarks on a quest to capture the affection of someone (anyone) before it’s too late. This was so much fun to read; a blend of Polish folklore and queer romance with a few gentle twists and turns, plus a nod to The Little Mermaid, as Gisela requires true-love’s-first-kiss in order to return to the mortal world. / Venice

Livia in Rome by Bruno De Luca (Ages 12+)

Livia lives in Scotland, but her heart beats for Rome. When she and her mother fly across the world to help get the family business, an old school Italian bar, back on track, she worries that she might not be local enough for her new position. Her new coworker, Giulio, is perfectly perfect: a very Italian, annoyingly handsome, vespa-riding golden-boy that everyone adores – especially Livia’s grandmother. They spend a summer bickering (and later flirting) and hatching a plan to save the bar. This was such a lovely and refreshing summer read – one of my favourite young adult romances to date. Livia and Giulio were delightful, and I found myself really invested in their story. By the end I knew that two things are certain: there really is nothing better than a summer romance; and the Italians sure know how to French. / Issy

Welcome to the Best Bakery by Yue Zhang (Ages 3+)

My! What big feet you have! The wolf in question may be big, hairy and very scary … but just so happens to also be the proprietor of a van selling mouth-watering treats. A tempting stop-off for our hungry, bread loving bunny. Yue Zhang has cast a delightful ensemble of animal creatures to illuminate this recognisable urban setting in all its whimsical detail. No sinister Red Riding Hood intentions here, this is purely an homage to baked goods, friendship and how a little teamwork can make for a happier outcome. And like bunny and wolf this deserves to be enjoyed with warm cups of tea and a little something just out of the oven. / Roger

Captain Danger and the Stupid Shadow by Victor Engbers (Ages 5+)

Captain Danger lives for danger, it’s in his name after all. He also loves his faithful dog-sidekick, Django. What he doesn’t love is his shadow making a nuisance of itself while he’s trying to hang out the washing, so he hangs his shadow out on the line too. But when the shadow manages to escape Captain Danger must embark on a hair-raising adventure overcoming a volcano, an evil two-headed pink bird and a game of tag with a dragon, all while clad in nothing but his undies (as per the washing debacle). This has all the ingredients for a laugh-out-loud adventure, and the illustrations are a graphic, colourful delight, bringing the outlandish creatures and vibrant places to life. All in all, a charming and fabulously silly tale that’s a complete joy to look at, right down to the end papers. / Elka

Cloth Lullaby: The Woven Life of Louise Bourgeois by Amy Novesky & illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault (Age 5+)

An artist biography that is a piece of beauty in its own right. Bourgeois’ artistic journey was inspired by her family history in tapestry, especially from her mother “not unlike a spider, a repairer of broken things.” The dreamlike watercolour illustrations are stunning and give a real sense of the process of her work, and there is an additional author note at the end to fill in the gaps. To really get the full Bourgeois immersion, pop into Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tāmaki before 17 May to catch an exhibition of six decades of her work. / Roger

And the Unity Books Auckland children’s bestsellers for the year 2025:

WELLINGTON

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

Parvana by Deborah Ellis (Ages 12+)

Based on real life events, this compelling story of courage and resilience is perfect for reluctant readers or those looking for something with a bit more grit. Inspired by a first-hand account shared with Ellis during her humanitarian work in Afghanistan, Parvana takes place under Taliban occupation, where a young girl must disguise herself as a boy in order to support her family. I’d also highly recommend its beautiful animated film adaptation, The Breadwinner. / Eden

Godzilla: Monster Island Summer Camp by Rosie Knight & illustrated by Oliver Ono (Ages 9+)

I feel like this book was tailor-made for me (which obviously means that it’s objectively brilliant and that you and your kids will absolutely love it). Not only is this a fun action romp with an amazing classic manga inspired art-style, elite character design, and a vibrant cast (with fab disability rep!) but baby Godzilla is their roommate and also a cutie!!! 11/10, the most fun I’ve had in ages. / Eden

Survive Aotearoa by Bronwen Wall & illustrated by Kimberley Andrews (Ages 13+)

Featuring 16 true stories of survival from the 1860’s through to the 2010’s and spanning the country from Hokianga to Antarctica, Survive Aotearoa is a heart-wrenching celebration of Kiwi resilience. These stories will fill you with the thrill of adventure and send a shiver down your spine at the harrowing danger these survivors faced. Accompanied by Kimberley Andrews’ stunning illustrations and photographs from the real events, this book is a true triumph for NZ children’s publishing. This is one of my favourite books of 2025 and I think every Kiwi, regardless of age, needs to read it! / Rachel

Fox and the Mystery Letter by Alex G Griffiths (All ages)

Fox is perfectly happy living alone in his cottage in the forest – until one day a mysterious letter arrives. “I know how much you love puzzles,” it reads. “I bet you can’t resist this one…”. So into the forest he goes on a puzzle-filled scavenger hunt to solve this mystery, and to perhaps repair an old friendship along the way. Delightfully illustrated this is a tale about adventure, friendship and admitting when you’re wrong, and it absolutely charmed my socks off! / Rachel

Emiko by Chieri Uegaki (Ages 13+)

Emikoe is my favourite book of 2025! A YA Japanese-Canadian adaptation of Jane Austen’s Emma, this book is perhaps one of my favourite modern retellings of any of Austen’s work. Using Japanese cultural traditions as a parallel to the societal rules from Austen’s time is as genius as it is refreshing and Emiko’s youthful naivety makes her as annoying as she is charming. This splendid book coming out the year we celebrate Austen’s 250th birthday shows not only the longevity of literature but the indelibility of Austen herself; and as a book lover and Austen fan, nothing makes me smile more. / Rachel

And the Unity Books Wellington children’s bestsellers for the year 2025 are:

1 Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic, $30)
2 The Rose Field by Philip Pullman (Penguin, $38)
3 Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan (Huia Publishers, $22)
4 Survive Aotearoa by Bronwen Wall, illustrated Kimberley Andrews (Kennett Brothers, $40)
5 Sleep Little Kiwi Sleep by Deborah Hinde (PictureBook Publishing, $20)
6 Kings of this World by Elizabeth Knox (Allen & Unwin, $30)
7 Anahera: The Mighty Kiwi Mama by Ruth Paul (Puffin, $21)
8 Animalphabet by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Sharon King-Chai (Two Hoots, $20)
9 The Adventures of Mittens by Silvio Bruinsma, illustrated by Phoebe Morris Illustrator (Penguin, $20)
10 Don’t Trust Fish by Neil Sharpson, illustrated by Dan Santat (Penguin, $24)