Our 2024 picks: Kids' fiction, comics, and more
There have been so many fantastic children's books published in 2024, and this is our chance to share our top picks of the year with you.
This isn't a comprehensive list of award-winning children's titles of 2024, rather here we're showcasing books that have been read and enjoyed by librarians in Wellington over the last twelve months.
We've split the list into books we loved that were published in 2024, and books that were "discovered" and read for the first time by one of our librarians in 2024.
Enjoy!
Our top books published in 2024
Tarns’ pick: Nine girls by Stacy Gregg
Dyslexia-friendly edition, eBook
It's an important read about identity, mythology and is an engaging introduction into racial events in NZ. I found it highly relatable as a child growing up in the 80s, with the story similar to mine (sans the magic eel).
Nine girls won the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year at the 2024 NZ Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.
Librarian's choice: The Raven's Eye runaways by Claire Mabey
The debut novel from a local Wellington author. A wonderful book about books, with an adventure that follows the runaways from city to forest and from secret to secret.
Kath’s pick: Alebrijes by Donna Barba Higuera
Amazing world building and a story that I couldn't put down. Wonderful characters too.
Alebrijes was published in November 2023, but we feel that's close enough to 2024 for this particular list.
Librarian's choice: The Grimmelings by Rachel King
Dyslexia-friendly edition, ebook
Descriptive, spooky, great use of intertwining myths and legends from two places across the globe and set in NZ.
Isabel's pick: School for puppies by Satoshi Kitamura
I love this author, and this book is no exception. The story and illustrations are simple but work great for shared reading and story time. Humorous and cute details are great for preschoolers.
Marija's pick: Cloudspotting for beginners by Gavin Pretor-Pinney
Gorgeous illustrations, made me want to run to lie on the nearest hill and begin my own cloudspotting journey...
Isabel's pick: Grotti by Leonie Lord
This is another example of how humour and cuteness are a successful combination for children's books. I read this one in one of our Preschool Storytimes and adults and children were enchanted by the little monster, Grotti.
Zoe's pick: Let me be Frank : the joy of being yourself by Jessica Urlichs
A gorgeous book that encourages inclusivity and freedom of expression, with the prettiest pictures.
Librarian's choice: Tūhono. a journal of poetry by Wellington children / 2024
The latest edition of our poetry journal for young poets in Wellington. 2024's theme was Tūmanako, or hope. Our young poets all approached the theme in different ways; some wrote about the immediacy and tangibility of hope with their hopes for real-world things while some wrote about the feeling of hope within themselves. There is something special about reading poetry by young poets, who are still exploring for themselves what poetry is.
Our favourite discoveries of 2024
Kath’s pick: Bowerbird blues by Aura Parker
Published April 2023
Gorgeous artwork and a beautiful story. I love the soft colourways of the illustrations in blue.
Librarian's choice: Dazzlehands by Sacha Cotter and Josh Morgan
Published July 2023
Fun, engaging, bright and enticing illustrations and, well, DAZZLEHANDS!!!!
Isabel's pick: George & Tao by Claude K. Dubois
English edition published September 2023
This is a sweet story of two furry friends. Here you will find drama, friendship and a well-deserved happy ending .
Zoe's pick: The night walk by Marie Dorleans
Published 2020
This picture book is simple and evocative, following the adventure of a family as they go on a night walk. The pictures and wording feel immersive, and I think it would make a great read-together kind of book for young children.
Isabel's pick: Inch and Grub : a story about cavemen by Alastair Chisholm
Published 2020
A delirious story that could perfectly represent the madness for consumerism and appearances of our society. Full of funny touches that make it very entertaining to read for adults and children.
Mel's pick: My aunt is a monster by Reimena Yee
Published 2022
This graphic novel is an action-packed adventure that had me gripped from page 1, and the art is stunning!
Petra's pick:
Published 1982
It is a compelling and exciting fantasy adventure, and it's set (some of it anyway) in Aotearoa! A classic battle between good and evil. The book was published 42 years ago, but it is still an excellent read.
Zoe's pick: The tree and the river by Aaron Becker
Published March 2023
This picture book has no words - the story is captured in pictures, following the flow of time as a tree and a river experience changes in their environment. Imaginary villages, towns and cities come and go. In the end, the story leaves the reader with an appreciation of the natural world, and a seed of hope for the future.
Lizzie's pick: One fox : a counting book thriller by Kate Read
Published in 2019
A fun, slow build of suspense with a satisfying pay off.