Introduction

Welcome to the Top 100 New Zealand children's books list, which was created to match similar lists published overseas at the time of the millennium. This list may be downloaded for private use (it's about twelve pages)  and incoming links are welcome. 

A print version has been published by the Children's Literature Foundation of New Zealand in The Inside Story: 2001 Yearbook. Price of the Yearbook is only $2.00. To order copies, email childlitnz@internet.co.nz.

The range of publication dates covered in the list is 1900 to 1999, and the listed order is chronological. Picture books, junior novels and novels for teenagers have been included. The following criteria were taken into account when evaluating and choosing titles:

• Nominations sent in by website visitors as part of the initial Interactive Project.
• Significance of the book at the time of publication, and also its significance in retrospect.
• Opinions of several New Zealand children's literature researchers and critics.
• Awards and honours won in New Zealand and overseas.
• Ongoing popularity with readers (eg. reprints, overseas editions, length of time in print).
• Opinions of the panel of advisers from the Children's Literature Foundation of New Zealand.

NOTE - Please email me with any additions or amendments to the histories of the books. Any person wishing to challenge the inclusion or omission of a title from this list should read the Editor's Commentary.

1) The Cradle Ship by Edith Annie Howes. (London: Cassell, 1916) Reprinted by Cassell, 1936, 1941, 1944, 1946.
"Its subject matter broke new ground in New Zealand junior fiction and the book was translated into several foreign languages." (Gilderdale, A Sea Change)

2) Six Little New Zealanders by Esther Glen. (London: Cassell, 1917) Also London: Cassell, 1928 and 1947; new edition illustrated by Els Noordhof, Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1983.
The sequel was Uncles Three at Kamahi (Auckland: Whitcombe & Tombs, 1926).
"For the first time young New Zealanders could read about themselves as they were, not as adults would have them be." (Ringer, Young Emigrants)

3) Quicksilver by Isabel Maud Peacocke. (London: Ward Lock, 1922)
"No novelist up to this time had provided children with so unforced and immediate recognition of the urban and suburban domestic settings in which most lived …" (Gilderdale, The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature in English, 1991)

4) Rifle and Tomahawk: a Stirring Tale of the Te Kooti Rebellion by Mona Tracy. (Christchurch: Whitcombe & Tombs, 1927) Also new edition illustrated by Alan Gilderdale, Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1983.
"Tracy had carefully researched the period and was much more sympathetic to the Maori cause than most writers of the time." (Gilderdale, The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature in English, 1991)

5) Silver Island: A New Zealand Story by Edith Annie Howes. (Christchurch: Whitcombe & Tombs, 1928). Also new edition illustrated by Alan Gilderdale, Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1983.
"The first of the Robinson Crusoe survival stories which have become such a feature of New Zealand children’s literature." (Gilderdale, Children’s Literature Association Yearbook, 1983)

6) Hilda at School: A New Zealand Story by Phillis Garrard. (London: Blackie, 1929)
First in a series of four books, with the last one published in 1944; also in Tales Out of School: the Adventures of Hilda (Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1984).
"The books … are infused with the vitality of Hilda, a high-spirited, engaging character whose strong will is tempered by disarming honesty." (Gilderdale, The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature in English, 1991)

7) The Book of Wiremu by Stella Morice. Illustrated by Nancy Parker. (Wellington: Progressive Publishing Society, 1944) Also Hamilton: Paul’s Book Arcade, 1946, 1954 and 1958; Auckland: Blackwood & Janet Paul; London: Angus and Robertson, 1966.
Winner of the inaugural Esther Glen Award, 1945.

8) Myths and Legends of Maoriland. (Wellington: A.H. & A.W. Reed, 1946) Reprinted in 1967, 1950 and 1958; 3^rd edition revised and enlarged in 1961; republished as Maori Myths and Legendary Tales (New Holland, 2000 and 2001).
Esther Glen Award, 1946.

9) Drover’s Road by Joyce West. (London: Dent, 1953) Reprinted in 1963 and 1968.
Part of a trilogy.
"Joyce West was the most distinguished of the authors of rural fiction at this time." (Gilderdale, The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature in English, 1991)

10) Falter Tom and the Water Boy by Maurice Duggan. Illustrated by Kenneth Rowell. Also London: Faber, New York: Criterion, Hamilton: Paul’s Book Arcade, 1958. New edition with illustrations by Faith Jaques, Auckland: Longman Paul and London: Kestrel, 1974; new edition illustrated by Gwenda Turner, Auckland: Penguin, 1984. Sound recording published Wellington: Radio New Zealand, Replay Radio, 1991.
First published in the School Journal.
Esther Glen Award, 1959.

11) The Year of the Shining Cuckoo by Joyce West. (Hamilton: Paul’s Book Arcade, 1961) Also London: Dent, and Auckland: Blackwood & Janet Paul, 1963; New York: Roy, 1964; Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1985.
"West was a natural successor to Glen in delineating children growing to maturity with the warm acceptance of their families and communities." (Gilderdale, The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature in English, 1991)

12) Turi, the Story of a Little Boy by Lesley Cameron Powell. Photos by Pius Blank. (Hamilton: Paul’s Book Arcade, 1963; London: Angus & Robertson, 1963) Also Auckland: Longman Paul, 1969, 1972, and 1977.
Esther Glen Award, 1964.

13) The Runaway Settlers by Elsie Locke. Illustrated by Anthony Maitland. (London: Cape; Auckland: Blackwood & Janet Paul, 1965) Also New York: Dutton, 1966; London: Puffin, 1971 and 1977; new edition with illustrations by Gary Hebley, Christchurch: Hazard Press, 1993. Also published in a German edition.
Winner of the inaugural Gaelyn Gordon Award for a Much-Loved Book, 1999.

14) The Boy and the Taniwha by Ron Bacon. Illustrated by Para Matchitt. (Auckland: Collins, 1966)
"… a publishing milestone, presenting Maori legends in a high-quality illustrated format for the first time, with illustrations by renowned Maori artist and carver Para Matchitt." (http://www.vuw.ac.nz/nzbookcouncil/writers/baconron.htm)

15) A Lion in the Meadow by Margaret Mahy. Illustrated by Jenny Williams. (London: Dent, 1969; New York: Watts, 1969) Also Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1972; as A Lion in the Meadow and 5 Other Favourites (London: Dent, 1976); London: Dent, 1986; Woodstock, N.Y.: Overlook Press, 1992; Harmondsworth and New York: Puffin, 1989. Also numerous foreign language editions.
First published in the School Journal.
Esther Glen Award, 1970.

16) The Duck in the Gun by Joy Cowley. Illustrated by Edward Sorel. (New York: Doubleday, 1969) New edition, illustrator Robyn Belton (Auckland: Shortland, 1984) Also Japan: Japan Peace Museum, c1990.
Russell Clark Award, 1985.
Junior Literary Guild Choice.

17) The First Margaret Mahy Story Book by Margaret Mahy. Illustrated by Shirley Hughes. (London: Dent, 1972) Reprinted 1976.
Esther Glen Award, 1973.

18) The Man Whose Mother Was a Pirate by Margaret Mahy. Illustrated by Brian Froud. (London: Dent, 1972) Also New York: Atheneum, 1973; Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1976; new edition with illustrator Margaret Chamberlain, London: Dent, 1985; Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1987 and 1995; numerous foreign language editions.
First published in the School Journal.

19) Again, the Bugles Blow by Ron Bacon. Illustrated by V.J. Livingston. (Auckland: Collins, 1973) Also new edition illustrated by R. Jahnke, Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1984.
"R. L. Bacon has written a sensitive book in which history is the servant rather than the master." (Gilderdale, A Sea Change)

20) My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes by Eve Sutton. Illustrated by Lynley Dodd. (London: Hamish Hamilton ,1973) Also New York: Parents Magazine Press, 1974, reprinted 1975; London: Puffin, 1978; Flinders Park, SA: Keystone Picture Books; Barnstaple, Devon: Spindlewood, 1984; Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1984; Harlow: Longman, 1999.
Esther Glen Award, 1975.

21) Crayfishing With Grandmother by Jill Bagnall. Illustrated by Barbara Strathdee; Maori text by Hapi Potae. (Auckland: Collins, 1973)
"One of the first books to be published in both English and Maori …" (Gilderdale, A Sea Change)

22) The Witch in the Cherry Tree by Margaret Mahy. Illustrated by Jenny Williams. (London: Dent, 1974; New York: Parents’ Magazine Press, 1974) Also Auckland: Waiatarua Publishing, 1984; London: Puffin, 1987; London and Auckland: Puffin, 1995.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

23) The House on the Cliffs by Ruth Dallas. Illustrated by Gavin Rowe. (London: Methuen, 1975; Wellington: Hicks Smith, 1975) Also London: Methuen Children’s Books, Auckland: Methuen, 1981.
"This moving story presents a variety of interesting characters in a crisp thoughtful narrative." (Fitzgibbon, Beneath Southern Skies)
"It is the longest book that Ruth Dallas has written and comes nearer to her poetry than any of the others…" (Gilderdale, A Sea Change)

24) The House of the People by Ron Bacon. Illustrated by R.F. Jahnke. (Auckland: Collins, 1977) Also Auckland: Waiatarua Publishing, 1983; Gt. Brit.: Child’s Play (International), 1986; New York: Child’s Play (International), 1990.
Winner of the inaugural Russell Clark Award, 1978.

25) The Lighthouse Keeper’s Lunch by Ronda Armitage. Illustrated by David Armitage. (London: Andre Deutsch, 1977) Also Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1980; Harlow: Oliver & Boyd, 1989; London: Scholastic, 1994.
First in a very popular series of five titles.
Esther Glen Award, 1978.

26) Traveller by Anne de Roo. (London: Heinemann, 1979) Also London: Puffin, 1983; also a Japanese edition.
"Anne de Roo’s best novel…" (Hebley, Off the Shelf)

27) Take the Long Path by Joan de Hamel. Illustrated by Gareth Floyd. (Guilford: Lutterworth Press, 1978) Also Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1980.
Esther Glen Award, 1979.
"De Hamel’s skill in interweaving a powerful setting with strongly-developed characters and theme make this novel the richest of those published in the 1970s." (Hebley, The Power of Place)

28) The Great Piratical Rumbustification & the Librarian and the Robbers by Margaret Mahy. Illustrated by Quentin Blake. (London: Dent, 1978) Also Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1981 and 1984; New York: Beech Tree Paperback Books, 1993; Boston: David R. Godine, 2000; first title also Oxford, Windrush, 1990; numerous foreign language editions.

29) Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee. (Wellington and New York: Oxford University Press, 1979) Also Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1981; Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1982; Auckland: Puffin, 1997.
"This book … lifts itself into a higher level by the craft of the experienced writer who dramatises the action to set a fast pace." (Fitzgibbon, Beneath Southern Skies)
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

30) The Silent One by Joy Cowley. Illustrated by Sherryl Jordan. (Christchurch: Whitcoulls, 1981) Also New York: Kopf, 1981; London: Methuen, 1982; Christchurch: Whitcoulls, 1984; Tokyo: Kagyusha, 1984; Ringwood, Vic.: Puffin, 1986; Auckland: Puffin, 2000. Also numerous foreign language editions, and produced as a movie, videorecording and sound recording.
New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year, 1982. 

31) The Kuia and the Spider by Patricia Grace. Illustrated by Robyn Kahukiwa. (Auckland: Longman Paul: Wellington: Kidsaurus 2, 1981; Auckland: Penguin, 1981) Also Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1982.
Maori version: Te Kuia me te Pungawerewere. Translated by Syd Melbourne. (Auckland: Puffin, 1982)
New Zealand Picture Book of the Year, 1982.
Highly commended, Russell Clark Award, 1982.

32) Bidibidi by Gavin Bishop. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1982) Also Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1991; basis for a TVNZ 13-part series, 1990.
Prizewinner in Noma Concours, Japan.

33) Who Sank the Boat? by Pamela Allen. (Melbourne: Nelson, 1982; London: Hamilton, 1982) Also New York: Coward-McCann, 1983; New York and Ringwood, Vic: Puffin, 1988; New York: Putnam & Grosset, 1996; Harlow: Longman, 1998; London: Puffin, 2000.
Australian Picture Book of the Year, 1983.
IBBY Honour Diploma, 1984.
Gaelyn Gordon Award for a Much-Loved Book, 2001.

34) The Haunting by Margaret Mahy. (London: Dent, 1982); New York: Auckland: Scholastic, c1982; London: Methuen Children’s, 1984; London: Mammoth, 1989; New York: Atheneum, 1982; Bath: Chivers, 1989; London: Puffin, 1992 and 2000. Also numerous foreign language editions.
Esther Glen Award, 1983.
Carnegie Medal, 1983.
School Library Journal Best Books citation.

35) Mr Fox by Gavin Bishop. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1982) Also London: Piccolo, 1986; Auckland: Scholastic NZ, 1999.
New Zealand Children’s Picture Book of the Year, 1983.
Grand Prix winner, Noma Concours, Japan, 1984.

36) The Halfmen of O by Maurice Gee. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1982) Also Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1984; Auckland: Puffin, 1997; also foreign language editions.
Other titles in the trilogy: The Priests of Ferris (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1984) and Motherstone (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1985).
New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year, 1983.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

37) Night Race to Kawau by Tessa Duder. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1982) Also Auckland: Puffin, 1985 and 1991; Harmondsworth: Puffin, 1985.
Shortlisted for the Government Printer Award, 1983.
"The arrival of Night Race to Kawau into the world of New Zealand’s children’s books was a significant event. Here was a novel written with such power and authority, such authenticity and credibility that it ranked as one of the finest first novels by a New Zealand writer." (Fitzgibbon, Beneath Southern Skies)

38) Bertie and the Bear by Pamela Allen. (Melbourne: Nelson, 1983; London: Hamilton, 1983; Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1983). Also New York: Coward-McCann, 1984; Melbourne: Nelson, 1985, Puffin, 1989.
Australian Picture Book of the Year, 1984.

39) Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd. (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1983 [reprinted 1989, 1999]; London: Spindlewood, 1983; Flinders Park, SA: Keystone Picture Books, 1983; Flinders Park: Era, 1983) Also London: Puffin, 1985; New York: Gareth Stevens, 1985; Flinders Park, SA: Era, 1988; Barnstaple: Spindlewood, 1989; London: Puffin, 2000; also as sound recordings and the basis for a stage show.
New Zealand Picture Book of the Year, 1984.
First title in a extensive series (14 titles so far) about Hairy Maclary and his friends, with most titles winning awards. The most recent award winner was Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1999) which won the NZ Post Children’s Choice Award, 2000. Just published is Scarface Claw (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 2001).

40) The Tree Witches by Glenda Turner. (Harmondsworth: Kestrel (Penguin), 1983) Also Alibaba Verlag, 1983 (German).
Russell Clark Award, 1984.
Shortlisted for Best Picture Book of the Year, Australia, 1985.

41) Jacky nobody by Anne de Roo. (Auckland: Methuen, 1983) Also London: Methuen Children’s Books, 1985; Revised edition, Russell: Russell Centennial Trust Board, Te Whare Taonga o Kororareka/Russell Museum, 1999; also as Vem Ar Du, Jacky? (Stockholm: Raben & Sjog, 1988).
New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year, 1984.

42) The Poetry Girl by Beverley Dunlop. (Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1983) Also Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1989; Wahlstroms, 1987 (Swedish); Auckland: New House, 1994.
"This is a compelling, original and authentic novel." (Fitzgibbon, Beneath Southern Skies)

43) The Changeover: A Supernatural Romance by Margaret Mahy. (London: Dent, 1984) Also New York: Atheneum, 1984; London: Methuen Teens, 1987; G.K. Hall: 1988; Bath: Chivers, 1988; Macmillan Education, 1989; London: Mandarin, 1990; London: Penguin, 1993 and 1995; New York: Puffin, 1994; numerous foreign language editions.
Esther Glen Award, 1985.
Carnegie Medal, 1985.
IBBY Honour Book Award.
ALA Best Books for Young Adults List.
Horn Book Fanfare List.

44) Visitors by Caroline Macdonald. (Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1984) Reprinted 1988. Also Melbourne: Nelson, 1985, Puffin, 1987 (reprinted 1990); also a Danish edition.
New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year, 1985.

45) The Fish of Our Fathers by Ron Bacon. Illustrated by Robert Jahnke. (Auckland: Waiatarua, 1984) Reprinted 1986. Also New York: Child’s Play (International), 1990.
New Zealand Picture Book of the Year, 1985.

46) Hemi’s Pet by Joan de Hamel. Illustrated by Christine Ross. (Auckland: Reed Methuen, 1985; North Ryde, NSW: Angus & Robertson, 1985) Also Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1987; Picture Puffin, 1988; Capetown: Leo, 1989 (in 5 African language editions); Auckland: Puffin 1990.
Also published in Maori as Mokai a Hemi (Auckland: Reed Children’s Books, 1993).
Shortlisted for the Government Printer Awards.
A.W. Reed Memorial Award, 1985.

47) New Zealand ABC by Gwenda Turner. (Christchurch: Whitcoulls, 1985) Also Auckland: Puffin, 1986. Also published as a frieze.
Shortlisted for the AIM Awards.
"Gwenda has captivated small children and their grown-ups with her wonderfully detailed colourful drawings of so many aspects of the familiar and undeniably New Zealand world of the very young." (What’s The Story: Newsletter of the Children’s Literature Foundation of New Zealand Inc., 1no.3, May 2001)

48) A Lion in the Night by Pamela Allen. (Melbourne: Nelson, 1985; London: Hamilton, 1985) Also Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1985 (reprinted 1990); New York: Coward-McCann, 1985; New York: Putnam, 1986; Ringwood: Puffin, 1988.
Russell Clark Award, 1986.

49) The Guardian of the Land by Joanna Orwin. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1985) Also Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1990.
New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year, 1986.

50) Jellybean by Tessa Duder. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1985) Also New York: Viking Kestrel, 1986; Harmondworth: Puffin, 1987; also Clavis, 1987 (Dutch ed).
Shortlisted for the Government Printer Awards, 1986.
Shortlisted for the Wattie Award, 1996.
ALA Best Books List, 1986
"…a beautifully crafted small novel." (Hebley, The Power of Place)

51) Taniwha by Robyn Kahukiwa. (Auckland: Puffin, 1986 [reprinted 2000])
Maori edition as Taniwha (Auckland: Viking Kestrel, 1986).
New Zealand Picture Book of the Year, 1987.
Russell Clark Award, 1987.

52) The Keeper by Barry Faville. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1986) Also Auckland: Puffin, 1988; also several foreign language editions.
New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year, 1987.

53) The Tricksters by Margaret Mahy. (London: Dent, 1986) Also New York: M.K. McElderry Books, c1986; London and Auckland: Penguin, 1988; Oxford: Windrush, 1988; Harlow: Longman, 1992; New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1999; London: Collins Flamingo, 2001; also several foreign language editions.
"There is nothing in New Zealand children’s fiction that draws more powerfully than The Tricksters on a sense of place to release its marvellous story, and to shape character and theme in its original treatment of the concepts of creativity, truth and illusion." (Hebley, The Power of Place)
ALA Best Books for Young Adults.
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year.
Horn Book Fanfare List.

54) Just an Ordinary Kid by Lisa Vasil. (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1987) Also Auckland and Ringwood, Vic: Penguin, 1988. Also as a sound recording.
"Just an Ordinary Kid is a minor classic." (Fitzgibbon, Beneath Southern Skies)

55) Memory by Margaret Mahy. (London: Dent, 1987) Also Oxford: Windrush, 1988; London and Auckland: Penguin, 1989; Basingstoke: Macmillan, 1990; London: Puffin, 1995; New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1999; also as a sound recording and in several foreign language editions.
Shortlisted for the Esther Glen Award, 1988.
Observer Teenage Fiction Award, 1987.
Runner-up for Carnegie Medal, 1988.
Boston Globe/Horn Book Award, 1988.
ALA Best Books for Young Adults.

56) Alex by Tessa Duder. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1987) Also Auckland: Penguin, 1989; Harmondworth: Puffin, 1989; Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1989; New York: Bantam Starfire, 1991; film tie-in edition: Auckland: Penguin, 1992; Auckland: Puffin, 1998; included in The Alex Quartet (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1992); also several foreign language editions; also produced as a movie.
Esther Glen Award, 1988.
New Zealand Children’s Book of the Year, 1988.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.
Other award-winning titles in the quartet: Alex in Winter (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1989), Alessandra: Alex in Rome (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1991), Songs for Alex (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1992).

57) Possum Perkins by William Taylor. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1987 and 1993); also as Paradise Lane (New York: Scholastic, 1987) and London: Auckland: Hutchinson, 1987; London: Beaver Books, 1989; also several foreign language editions.
Shortlisted for the Esther Glen Award, 1988.

58) My Brown Bear Barney by Dorothy Butler. Illustrator Elizabeth Fuller. (Auckland: Reed Methuen, 1988) Also Sydney: Angus and Robertson, 1988; London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1989; New York: Greenwillow, 1989; Auckland: Little Mammoth, 1990; Sevenoaks: Picture Knight, 1991; Auckland: Reed Children’s Books, 1994.
First in a series; the other titles are: My Brown Bear Barney at School (Auckland: Reed Children’s Books, 1994) and My Brown Bear Barney in Trouble (Auckland: Little Mammoth, 1993).

59) Annie and Moon by Miriam Smith and Lesley Moyes. (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1988, reprinted 2000) Also Auckland: Puffin, 1990.
Aim Picture Book of the Year, 1990.
Shortlisted for Russell Clark Award, 1989.

60) The Mangrove Summer by Jack Lasenby. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1988) Also Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1990.
Esther Glen Award, 1989.
Shortlisted for the AIM Book of the Year Award, 1990.

61) Biddy Alone by Wanda Cowley. Illustrated by Susan Opie. (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1988)
The sequel is Biddy and the Night Birds (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1994).
"Wanda Cowley is such a fine writer that it is a pity her output is so small. Very much a New Zealand writer, she captures the feeling of what it is like to live in these islands." (Fitzgibbon, Beneath Southern Skies)

62) Grandpa’s Slippers by Joy Watson. Illustrated by Wendy Hodder. (Auckland: Scholastic, 1989) Also published in overseas editions. Published in Maori as Nga Paenaena o Papa Koroua (Auckland: Scholastic NZ, 1993).
Shortlisted for the AIM Picture Book Award, 1990.
Gaelyn Gordon Award for a Much-Loved Book, 2000.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

63) Chen Li and the River Spirit by Anthony Holcroft. Illustrator Lyn Kriegler. (Auckland and London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1990).
Paul A Witty Short Story Award, 1991 (International Reading Association)
"Holcroft’s achievement lies in his ability to tether the archtypal firmly to the landscape of New Zealand, and marks a significant development of indigenous fantasy writing for children." (Gilderdale, The Oxford History of New Zealand Literature, 1991)

64) Tangaroa’s Gift : Te Koha a Tangaroa by Mere Whaanga-Schollum. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1990).
Parallel text in Maori and English.
Shortlisted for the AIM Picture Book Award, the Esther Glen Award, and the Russell Clark Award, 1991.

65) Grandma McGarvey by Jenny Hessell. Illustrated by Trevor Pye. (Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1990) Also Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1992.
First in a very popular series about Grandma McGarvey with four more titles available.

66) Agnes the Sheep by William Taylor. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1990) Also New York: Scholastic, 1990; London: Andre Deutsch, 1995; London: Scholastic, 1997; published in Italy as O Che Beela Eridita.
Esther Glen Award, 1991
Premio Andersen Award, 1998 (Italy)
Noted by the American Library Association and the New York Public Library.

67) Rocco by Sherryl Jordan. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1990) Also as A Time of Darkness, New York: Scholastic, 1990; London: Andre Deutsch, 1992; Denmark: Forlaget Klim, 1992.
AIM Book of the Year, 1991.

68) The Wednesday Wizard by Sherryl Jordan. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1991) Also New York: Scholastic, 1993; London: Andre Deutsch, 1993; London: Hippo, 1994.
Shortlisted for the AIM Book of the Year Award and the Esther Glen Award, 1992.
First in a popular series; other titles were: Denzil’s Dilemma (Auckland: Scholastic NZ, 1992) and Denzil’s Great Bear Burglary (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1997). 

69) Prudence M. Muggeridge, Damp Rat by Gaelyn Gordon. (Auckland: Collins, 1991; Sydney: Angus & Robertson, 1991) Also Bluegum, 1992.
Shortlisted for the AIM Book of the Year Award, 1992.
"A splendidly satiric novel for a wide range of children from the upper primary school." (Fitzgibbon, Beneath Southern Skies)

70) Bow Down, Shadrach by Joy Cowley. (Auckland: Hodder & Stoughton, 1991) Also Auckland: Puffin, 1992 and 2000.
First in a popular trilogy; the other titles are: Gladly, Here I Come (Auckland: Penguin, 1994) and Shadrach Girl (Auckland: Penguin, 2000)
AIM Book of the Year, 1992.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

71) Duckat by Gaelyn Gordon. Illustrated by Chris Gaskin. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1992) Also New York: Scholastic Hardcover, 1992; London: Andre Deutsch, Scholastic, 1992.
"Any child of about five onwards will treasure this book." (Fitzgibbon, Beneath Southern Skies)

72) The Little Yellow Digger by Betty Gilderdale. Illustrated by Alan Gilderdale. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1992) Reprinted 1993 and 2001.
Followed by a sequel, The Little Yellow Digger at the Zoo (Auckland: Scholastic New Zealand, 1998).
Shortlisted for the AIM Picture Book Award, 1993.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

73) Deepwater Black by Ken Catran. (Auckland: HarperCollins, 1992) Also London: Hodder Children’s Books, 1995; Sydney: Hodder Headline, 1996.
First in a trilogy; the other titles are: Deepwater Landing (Auckland: HarperCollins, 1993) and Deepwater Angels (Auckland: HarperCollins, 1994); the three titles published as Deepwater Black: the Complete Story (London: Hodder Children’s Books, 1997); formed the basis of an American television series.
"His teenage science fiction is unrivalled in New Zealand." (Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature)

74) Underrunners by Margaret Mahy. (London: Hamilton, 1992) Also New York: Viking, 1992; Bath: Chivers, 1992; London: Puffin, 1994; also foreign language editions.
AIM Junior Fiction Award, 1993.
Esther Glen Award, 1993.
Goodman Fielder Wattie Award for Junior Fiction.
Horn Book Fanfare List.
Booklist Editor’s Choice.
Blue Ribbon Book, Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.

75) The Juniper Game by Sherryl Jordan. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1991; New York: Scholastic, 1991) Also London: Scholastic, 1992; Andre Deutsch, 1992; Denmark: Forlaget Klim, 1992; Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1994.
Shortlisted for the AIM Book of the Year and Esther Glen Awards, 1992.

76) See Ya, Simon by David Hill. (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1992) Also London: Viking, 1993; New York: Dutton Children’s Books, 1994; London: Puffin, 1995.
"Shortlisted in New Zealand and runner-up for two awards in the UK, it won the 1994 Times Educational Supplement Award for Special Needs." (Oxford Companion to New Zealand Literature)
Also won the Silver Feather Award in Germany and the CBC Children’s Book Award in the USA.
Shortlisted for the AIM Senior Fiction and the Esther Glen Awards, 1993.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

77) Slide the Corner by Fleur Beale. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1993) Reprinted 1996 and 2000.
"In the past Fleur Beale has been an unsung hero of young people’s writing … Fleur Beale is a significant writer." (Trevor Agnew, Magpies, New Zealand section, 16no1, March 2001)
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

78) Winter of Fire by Sherryl Jordan. (New York: Scholastic, 1992) Also Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1993 and 1994.
Short-listed for the AIM Senior Fiction Award, 1994.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

89) A Dolphin in the Bay by Diana Noonan. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1993) Also Norwood, SA: Omnibus Books, 1993.
AIM Junior Fiction Award, 1994.
Shortlisted for the Esther Glen Award, 1994.

80) Sasscat to Win by Paula Boock. (Dunedin: McIndoe, 1993) Also South Melbourne: Hyland House, 1995.
Esther Glen Award, 1994.

81) The Best-Loved Bear by Diana Noonan. Illustrated by Elizabeth Fuller. (Auckland: Ashton Scholastic, 1994) Reprinted 1995 and 1996.
AIM Picture Book Award, 1995.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

82) The Fat Man by Maurice Gee. (Auckland: Viking, 1994) Also New York: Simon & Schuster, 1997; New York: Aladdin Paperbacks, 1999; Auckland: Puffin, 2000.
AIM Junior Fiction Award, 1995.
AIM Book of the Year, 1995.
Esther Glen Award, 1995.

83) The Blue Lawn by William Taylor. (Auckland: HarperCollins, 1994) Simultaneously published in the USA; also Los Angeles: Alyson Books, 1999.
AIM Senior Fiction Award, 1995.
Shortlisted for the Esther Glen Award, 1995.

84) Take It Easy by David Hill. (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1995)
AIM Junior Fiction Honour Award, 1996.
Shortlisted for the AIM Junior Fiction and the Esther Glen Awards, 1996.
CBC Distinguished Book Award.

85) The Waterfall by Jack Lasenby (Dunedin: Longacre Press, 1995)
AIM Junior Fiction Award, 1996.
Second title in the Seddon Street Gang series; the other titles were: Dead Man’s Head (Dunedin: McIndoe, 1994); reprinted Dunedin: Longacre Press, 1997, and The Battle of Pook Island (Dunedin: Longacre Press, 1996). The latter won the NZ Post Junior Fiction Award, 1997.

86) Crossroads by Janice Marriott. (Auckland: Reed, 1995) Also Norwood, SA: Omnibus Books, 1995.
AIM Senior Fiction Award, 1996.
AIM Book of the Year, 1996.
Esther Glen Award, 1996.

87) Mechanical Harry by Bob Kerr. (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1996)
NZ Post Children’s Choice Award, 1997.
Shortlisted for the NZ Post Picture Book Award, 1997.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.
The sequel is Mechanical Harry and the Flying Bicycle (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1999).

88) The Bantam and the Soldier by Jennifer Beck. Illustrated by Robyn Belton. (Auckland: Scholastic New Zealand, 1996)
NZ Post Picture Book Award, 1997.
NZ Post Book of the Year, 1997.
Shortlisted for Russell Clark Award, 1997.

89) Sanctuary by Kate de Goldi. (Auckland: Penguin, 1996) Also Ringwood, Vic., Puffin, 1996.
NZ Post Senior Fiction Award, 1997.
Esther Glen Award, 1997.

90) The Shearwater Bell by Margaret Beames. (Auckland: Scholastic NZ, 1997)
Shortlisted for the NZ Post Junior Fiction Award, 1998.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

91) Dare, Truth or Promise by Paula Boock. (Dunedin: Longacre Press, 1997) Also London: Livewire, 1998; Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1999.
NZ Post Senior Fiction Award, 1997.
NZ Post Book of the Year, 1997.

92) Alphabet Apartments by Lesley Moyes. (Wellington: Mallinson Rendel, 1997)
NZ Post Picture Book Award, 1998.
NZ Post Children’s Choice Award, 1998.
Shortlisted for Russell Clark Award, 1998.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

93) Fat, Four-Eyed and Useless by David Hill. (Auckland: Scholastic NZ, 1997)
Esther Glen Award, 1998.
Shortlisted for the NZ Post Junior Fiction Award, 1998.
Listed in The Kiwi Kids’ Top 100.

94) Because We Were the Travellers by Jack Lasenby. (Dunedin: Longacre, 1997) Also South Melbourne: Hyland House, 1997.
First in a series; other titles were: Taur (Dunedin: Longacre, 1998) which won the NZ Post Senior Fiction Award, 1999, and The Shaman and the Droll (Dunedin: Longacre, 1999).
NZ Post Senior Fiction Honour Book, 1998.
Shortlisted for the Esther Glen Award, 1998.

95) I Am Not Esther by Fleur Beale. (Dunedin: Longacre Press, 1998)
NZ Post Senior Fiction Honour Book, 1999.
W.A. Young Readers Book Awards, 2001.

96) A Summery Saturday Morning by Margaret Mahy. Illustrated by Selina Young. (Auckland: Penguin, 1998) Also New York: Viking, 1998; London: Hamilton, 1998.
NZ Post Picture Book Award, 1999.
NZ Post Book of the Year, 1999.

97) The Tiggie Tompson Show by Tessa Duder. (Auckland: Puffin, 1999)
NZ Post Senior Fiction Award, 2000.
First in a series; the second title is Tiggie Tompson: All At Sea (Auckland: Puffin, 2001)

98) The House That Jack Built by Gavin Bishop. (Auckland: Scholastic New Zealand, 1999)
NZ Post Picture Book Award, 2000.
NZ Post Book of the Year, 2000.

99) The Raging Quiet by Sherryl Jordan. (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1999) Also London: Simon & Schuster, 2000; Leicester: Spectrum, 2000.
ALA 10 Best Books for Young Adults, 2000.

100) 2MUCH4U by Vince Ford. (Auckland: Scholastic, 1999)
Tom Fitzgibbon Award, 1998.
NZ Post Junior Fiction Award, 2000.
NZ Post Best First Book, 2000.