The holiday season is just around the corner and we wanted to share a few recommendations to keep you entertained over the festive season.
If it’s travelling to see family, sitting on a beach or simply getting away and having some me time, there’s nothing quite like a good book to accompany you over the holidays.
A is for Aotearoa by Diane Newcombe and Melissa Anderson Scott
A great book for the kids these Christmas holidays is the lift-the flap treasure hunt book A is for Aotearoa. This book is the perfect travel companion to keep the little ones entertained in the car or on the plane, or at home with the family! A is for Aotearoa takes you on a journey around New Zealand as you solve the clues to which New Zealand town is being described. It’s fun, interactive and will probably teach the adults a thing or two about New Zealand geography as well! Plus, the hand-drawn illustrations are absolutely beautiful.
City House, Country House by John Walsh and Patrick Reynolds
This has been described as the perfect book to hunker down on the couch or deckchair after Christmas lunch when you’re feeling full of festive food and ready to have some serious chill time. City House, Country House explores 40 of New Zealand’s most outstanding residential projects ranging from the intensely suburban to the spectacular remote, and is the perfect way to lose an hour surrounded by stunning architecture.
Road to Ruin: The Global Elite’s Secret Plan for the Next Financial Crisis By James Rickards
If you’re more one for eye-opening nonfiction books then Financial Analyst Jack Rickards’ new book Road to Ruin: The Global Elite’s Secret Plan for the Next Financial Crisis might be the book for you to indulge in over the holidays. The author’s unique insights and impeccable credentials enhances his convincing arguments around the global governments preparing for the next global financial crisis. Not one for the beach-side casual reader!
Relaxing in a nice shady spot under a tree or sitting at the beach taking in the summer sun - Nutshell by Ian McEwan might be the book for you. A beautiful story told from a most unlikely perspective - an unborn child. He's at once omniscient and completely naïve, relying on the mother that carries him yet torn by his feelings towards her behaviour. The prose is beautiful too, McEwan is a truly wonderful writer.
Cricket with Kane Williamson by Kane Williamson
A brilliant guide to cricket basics from one of New Zealand’s premier players. Pitched for the general reader, this book offers so many insights into the game and how to understand it and hone your skills. There’s a lot of very interesting content from Kane and more psychological aspects of the game like leadership and mental toughness as well. What better advantage is there for the upcoming backyard cricket season?
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to build greater awareness and understanding of dyslexia and the different ways people experience reading. Author R. A. Spratt shares some of the techniques she uses to make her books more accessible for dyslexic readers, along with practical reading and writing tips drawn from her own experience.
The Dashwood sisters return to the big screen in a new Sense and Sensibility adaptation starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.
This is Jack and the Beanstalk like you’ve never seen it before! An exciting action-packed graphic adventure story set in the world of Jack in the Beanstalk. From award-winning author Sofie Laguna and monster-illustrator extraordinaire, Marc McBride.
Your unique spark determines which Fiercer will choose you, and which Gard you will belong to!
Margot McGovern’s Our Dark Unravelling is the must-read YA horror thriller for 2026.
Magical creatures, perilous trials and one unbelievable adventure await in Protector of Beyond, the first book in a gripping new fantasy book series from exciting new voice Shara Curlett.
Fall in love with Penguin’s selection of the best romance fiction. Explore our diverse list of new favourite reads, from YA favourites to Australian classics.
Looking for a good book to accompany your holiday? Whether you’re sitting poolside, on a snowy escape or relaxing at home, find our 10 best choices here.
At the end of a busy day, many of us like to sit down with a good book or in front of the television to relax. Both offer the chance to enjoy a great story, but they engage us in their own ways.
From a smouldering slow-burn to fiery heat at first bite, we’ve paired some of our best spicy books with our most delicious dishes.