Some books are a perfect fit for small hands.
Today we’re sharing our gift guide featuring books that are small in size but big in story and imagination.
Click on the covers to go straight to our online shop: or of course, visit your local bookshop. When you order you can add a note if you would like us to gift wrap and add a card/note.
If you’re in New Zealand, make sure to order by 17 December for our Christmas courier delivery, and orders over $100 receive free shipping.
Take a look at some of our other 2023 gift guides
Rachel’s Gift Guide for Close Observers | Shona’s Great Read Alouds Gift Guide |
Sarah’s Gift Guide for Young Animal Lovers
Little books with big heart are the perfect gift to receive I feel. And these small books are full of warmth for this festive time of year.
Look is ideal for little babies to interact with—take a look at the video Sarah and I filmed with baby Skye, a real highlight this year!
George and Tao beautifully captures the adorable animals in its tiny format, The Chicken Thief has very little (i.e. no) words, and Yours Sincerely, Giraffe is the perfect gift for the child who loves writing little letters.
2023 highlight for 3 to 12 months
A go-to gift for every new baby
A dPICTUS 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023.
“A perfect new baby gift.” The Listener, 50 Best Kids Books of 2023
“Young children will be captivated by the faces and objects illustrated in bold colors.” School Library Journal
“Gavin Bishop is a friggin’ New Zealand national treasure.” Betsy Bird, US author and librarian
A concertina board book of big bright faces to place around baby on the floor at tummy time—by multi-award-winning author/illustrator Gavin Bishop.
Reviews of the year for 3+
For children looking for a story about something their own size
“This cozy tale is ideal bedtime fare…a darling ode to friendship.” Kirkus Reviews
“Resist if you are able.” Betsy Bird, US author and librarian
“Exquisite.” ReadPlus Australia
“Irresistibly sweet.” Youth Services Book Review, ⭐
A tiny, delicately illustrated picture book for young children and animal lovers that holds a world of emotion conveying a friendship between an energetic puppy and a new kitten.
Tried & true for 2 to 7 years
For children who love to be the storyteller
The Chicken Thief—a beautiful wordless picture book—challenges assumptions and prejudices, in a great and funny tale of friendship.
“An unusual love story unfolds across visually captivating spreads, with the pictures perfectly capturing every detail of the high drama at the heart of this stunning, wordless story.” The Guardian
“It’s like watching a very good short film, full of drama, jokes and unexpected twists.” The Listener
Guaranteed to please for 6 to 8 years
For early readers with a keen sense of the ridiculous
New York Public Library Top 10, 2017
“This is a rare book: joyful, ingenuous, playfully earnest.” Kirkus Reviews ⭐
“The combination of short narrative, dialogue, letters, and humorous pen-and-ink drawings is a winning one.” Booklist ⭐
“The letters between the characters result in an absurdly funny get-together portrayed in humorous drawings.” Outstanding International Book, USBBY
This international bestseller is an endearing illustrated chapter book about an African giraffe and his little pen pal, a penguin.
The Gecko Press monthly newsletter has all of our latest blog articles, news, competitions and more. Sign up to our mailing list here.
