Recommended reads for Reading Level Primary / Intermediate
Down the Back of the Chair by Margaret Mahy — Book number 046278
A magical chair hides treasures beyond imagination, helping a struggling family find unexpected happiness and surprises.
The Silent One by Joy Cowley — Book number 051021
A lonely boy forms a special bond with a rare, mysterious white turtle in a remote island village.
Carpet of Dreams by Tessa Duder — Book number 054375
A girl follows a magical carpet on an enchanting journey that teaches her courage, friendship, and hope.
Jellybean by Tessa Duder — Book number 054413
A spirited young girl navigates family struggles and personal growth with warmth, resilience, and a bit of mischief.
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr — Book number 055644
A Jewish family flees Nazi Germany, facing hardships, hope, and resilience through a child’s eyes.
Friends, Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley — Book number 058915
Two unlikely animal friends navigate misunderstandings, loyalty, and laughter in a series of charming short stories.
Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley — Book number 058980
Snake and Lizard form an endearing friendship, learning life lessons through humorous and heartwarming adventures.
The Word Witch by Margaret Mahy — Book number 059164
A delightful collection of poems and stories celebrating the magic of words, imagination, and childhood adventures.
Wake Up, Bear by Lynley Dodd — Book number 066083
Bear tries to sleep through winter, but noisy friends make hibernation impossible in this charming bedtime story.
The Witch in the Cherry Tree by Margaret Mahy — Book number 066089
A cheeky witch tries to steal freshly baked cakes, but a clever boy thwarts her mischief with wit.
Stories of the Wild West Gang by Joy Cowley — Book number 067768
A lively family creates hilarious chaos and unforgettable adventures on their farm in rural New Zealand.
Hairy Maclary’s Rumpus at the Vet by Lynley Dodd — Book number 069681
Hairy Maclary causes a hilarious commotion at the vet’s office with a cast of mischievous animal friends.
Fly Pie by Joy Cowley — Book number 071616
Two boys’ plan to catch flies for a pie spirals into an unexpected, hilarious disaster.
A Lion in the Meadow by Margaret Mahy — Book number 074914
A boy’s imaginary lion becomes real, blurring the lines between make-believe and reality in a heartwarming tale.
The Three-Legged Cat by Margaret Mahy — Book number 075862
Tom the cat dreams of exploring the world and finds adventure much closer to home than expected.
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen — Book number 078576
A family embarks on a rhythmic, brave adventure through grass, rivers, and caves to find a bear.
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr — Book number 085644
A friendly, unexpected tiger visits a girl’s home, devouring everything in a whimsical, beloved classic tale.
The Tuatara and the Skink by Yvonne Morrison — Book number 087725
Two native reptiles clash over territory but learn to coexist in this entertaining New Zealand animal fable.
Wacko Kakapo by Yvonne Morrison — Book number 087731
A quirky kakapo’s humorous adventures showcase New Zealand’s unique wildlife and the importance of acceptance and individuality.
Slinky Malinki Catflaps by Lynley Dodd — Book number 088315
Slinky Malinki sneaks through catflaps at night, causing mischief until he’s finally caught red-pawed.
Hairy Maclary’s Bone by Lynley Dodd — Book number 089294
Hairy Maclary proudly parades his prized bone, cleverly fending off envious dogs along the way.
Slinky Malinki, Earlybird by Lynley Dodd — Book number 095391
Slinky Malinki’s early morning adventures lead him into delightful mischief while everyone else still sleeps.
Hairy Maclary’s Caterwaul Caper by Lynley Dodd — Book number 095555
Hairy Maclary and friends join forces in a noisy rescue mission for a yowling cat in trouble.
Dreams of Warriors by Susan Brocker — Book number 099580
A young girl’s dream of riding alongside warriors teaches her courage, compassion, and resilience in wartime New Zealand.
Dogfight (Flying Furballs #1) by Donovan Bixley — Book number 101902
Furry pilots battle dastardly enemies in a hilarious, action-packed aerial adventure with plenty of feline fun.
Helper and Helper, Snake and Lizard by Joy Cowley — Book number 101998
Snake and Lizard’s friendship deepens through funny, heartfelt tales about teamwork, trust, and understanding differences.
A Friend in Paradise by Des Hunt — Book number 120042
A boy’s wildlife rescue mission leads to danger and discovery in a hidden paradise facing destruction.
Gumboot Stomp by Samantha Laugensen — Book number 128921
Joyful rhymes and muddy fun celebrate New Zealand’s love for gumboots and outdoor adventures.
The Beast of Buckingham Palace by David Walliams — Book number 133413
In a future London, a lonely prince faces monstrous beasts and dark conspiracies to save his kingdom.
Little Red Riding Hood: Not Quite by Yvonne Morrison — Book number 135502
A hilarious Kiwi twist on a classic fairy tale with unexpected characters and laugh-out-loud surprises.
Skink Gully by Des Hunt — Book number 135510
A boy’s holiday uncovers secrets about wildlife conservation, friendship, and confronting unscrupulous developers.
Into the Wild (Wolf Girl #1) by Anh Do — Book number 135527
Separated from her family, a brave girl survives in the wild with a pack of loyal dogs.
Whale Pot Bay by Des Hunt — Book number 136169
A boy’s efforts to save stranded whales reveal hidden tensions and environmental challenges in his coastal community.
A Winter’s Day in 1939 by Melinda Szymanik — Book number 136178
A Polish boy’s wartime journey of survival and hope unfolds amid displacement and hardship during World War II.
The Haystack by Jack Lasenby — Book number 136626
A mischievous gang of boys build a giant haystack and find unexpected trouble in the New Zealand countryside.
Tui Street Tales by Anne Kayes — Book number 136917
Children living on Tui Street discover magical mysteries and extraordinary adventures hidden within their ordinary suburban lives.
Brave Bess and the ANZAC Horses by Susan Brocker — Book number 137605
The true story of a courageous New Zealand war horse that served valiantly during World War I.
Take to the Skies (Skydragon #1) by Anh Do — Book number 137674
A girl discovers she has dragon powers and must fight to protect her secret and save her family.
The Ugly Hatchling by Yvonne Morrison — Book number 138859
A heartwarming Kiwi twist on the classic ugly duckling story, celebrating uniqueness and finding where you belong.
Dashing Dog by Margaret Mahy — Book number 138860
A runaway dog causes delightful chaos during a wild, playful chase around town.
Boogie Bear by David Walliams — Book number 139251
A lonely polar bear finds friendship and acceptance in a strange new land after drifting far from home.
Stuck in Poo, What to Do? by Samantha Laugensen — Book number 140436
A hilarious, messy adventure where teamwork and quick thinking rescue a stuck friend from a sticky situation.
The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1) by Tui T. Sutherland — Book number 140706
Young dragons destined to end a war seek freedom and friendship in a world of prophecy and betrayal.
Sharing with Wolf by Melinda Szymanik — Book number 141282
A little girl teaches a scary wolf an important lesson about kindness, sharing, and unlikely friendships.
The Memory Thief by Leonie Agnew — Book number 141390
A mysterious boy steals memories to survive, but his latest target changes everything in this haunting fantasy.
The Wolf in the Wardrobe by Susan Brocker — Book number 141401
A boy rescues an injured wolf, discovering courage, loyalty, and the healing power of friendship.
Grandpa’s Great Escape by David Walliams — Book number 141499
A boy teams up with his adventurous grandpa for a daring escape from a sinister retirement home.
Mog and the Vee Ee Tee by Judith Kerr — Book number 141532
Mog the cat’s simple vet visit spirals into hilarious chaos and unexpected adventure.
From Nerd to Ninja (Ninja Kid #1) by Anh Do — Book number 142357
A nerdy boy wakes up on his tenth birthday to discover he’s secretly a ninja superhero.
Deadly Feathers by Des Hunt — Book number 142622
A boy’s quest to protect endangered birds turns dangerous as he faces poachers and dark secrets in the bush.