Gecko Press Blog

Welcome to a combobulation of articles from our favourite thinkers, stories from behind the scenes, lists of good books, Gecko Press news and things that amuse us from time to time.

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Your child’s brain on books

Have you ever wondered what’s going on inside your child’s brain as you’re reading to them? For the first time, scientists are now able to see the way stories grow children’s brains. Their research shows that while sharing picture books seems straightforward, it’s engaging your child’s brain in deep ways. 

A Curiously Good opportunity: Publishing and marketing role with Gecko Press

Gecko Press is seeking a publishing allrounder with a focus on marketing for our central Wellington office. We are looking for someone with initiative, confidence and a deep interest in children’s books; a quick worker who thrives on getting things done.

Book list: In defence of children’s books

Towards the end of 2019, researchers using data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study released findings that showed reading to babies has significant impacts on their learning and development.

This isn’t news to us at Gecko Press. And luckily there is a whole genre of books celebrating children’s books, so we’ve collected a few of our favourites.

Book list: Books we’ve loved this year

As you’d expect, the Gecko Press office is full of booklovers. This year, we’ve been enjoying our own books, but we’ve also come across many books we loved. So we have a few recommendations for you. Julia A book I loved: Some Kids I Taught and What They Taught Me by Kate Clanchy This book… Read more »

Christmas picks: Gift books for all ages

Did you know Gecko Press has gift books that would be suitable for people of all ages? Read on for details…

Christmas picks: Chapter books and novels

After the picks for Babies and Toddlers and the one for Preschoolers, here is a selection of chapter books and novels.

Why we are publishing Tell Me

Sexuality, bodies and puberty are delicate subjects. Many find them embarrassing, awkward or even too controversial to talk about, let alone with their children.

Christmas picks for preschoolers

The Visitor, The 2018 New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Children’s Books

Here we are in the month before Christmas!

Need recommendations? Here is our selection of books for preschoolers… You can also contact us for tailored advice.

Christmas picks for babies & toddlers

Here we are in the month before Christmas!

Need recommendations? Let’s start with a selection of books for babies and toddlers… next week you’ll get a selection of our best books for preschoolers! You can also contact us for tailored advice.

October competition winner: Scary books

For Halloween, our readers told us about some of their favourite spooky, scary books. And we got some bonus scary stories too! Kathryn likes Nick Sharratt’s What’s in the Witch’s Kitchen?  Sonia’s favourite was the classic The Witches by Roald Dahl. Kate tells us that Sammy’s favourite is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice… Read more »

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