Whitcoulls reveals 2024 Kids’ Top 50 books list

AUCKLAND, Today: As Term 3 holidays approach in Aotearoa New Zealand, Whitcoulls is unveiling its much-anticipated 2024 Kids’ Top 50 Books list on Friday, September 27, at 5:00am.

Whitcoulls Book Manager, Joan Mackenzie, shares, “This year, 36% of books on the Top 50 are from New Zealand writers, and 24% are new to the List. Such is our Kiwi kids’ love of reading, many of the voting papers arrived complete with ringing endorsements; some even included lovingly detailed illustrations to support their favourite book.”

This year’s Top 50 highlights the diverse reading habits of young Kiwis, who love homegrown stories and popular series, while also embracing fresh reads. Mackenzie adds that Whitcoulls always celebrates when lesser-known titles make the cut, often becoming future favourites.

“This year, 36% of books on the Top 50 are from New Zealand writers, and 24% are new to the List.” – Joan Mackenzie

Once again, Lynley Dodd’s Hairy Maclary takes the top spot, with Harry Potter in second place, and Dav Pilkey’s Dog Man in third. Classic stories like The Gruffalo (#8), The Wonky Donkey (#11), and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt (#17) continue to delight readers of all ages.

James Russell shines in the list, with three of his series making the Top 50: Dragon Defenders (#16), Children of the Rush (#18), and Dragon Brothers (#31). Other Kiwi authors include Kat Quin with Kuwi’s First Egg (#4), Betty and Alan Gilderdale’s The Little Yellow Digger (#7), and Craig Phillips’ Aroha’s Way (#13).

“There’s a fantastic selection for all ages – from picture books for little ones to more advanced reads for independent readers. We’re thrilled to see new titles like Mia and Leo Go Wild (#14), Detective Beans (#23), and Piki te Ora (#26),” says Mackenzie.

The 2024 Top 50 list gives parents and caregivers confidence when picking out books, knowing that young readers across the country already adore them. The full list will be published online at www.whitcoulls.co.nz on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 5:00am.