News and Events

New The House that Jack Built teacher notes

House That Jack Built 7 Gecko Press

Free comprehensive teacher notes for Years 1 to 10 available for download.

These teacher notes are based on the new Aotearoa New Zealand Histories curriculum being implemented in 2023 and written by Defyd Williams, who was part of the Ministry of Education reference group for the curriculum.

Two Gecko Press family events 5–6 November

The Grizzled Grist_boy in footprint

Come along to this year’s Verb Readers & Writers Festival in Wellington and enjoy two Gecko Press family events on 5–6 November.

Listen to author Juliette MacIver read her book The Grizzled Grist Does Not Exist, and create a glorious mess inspired by Free Kid to Good Home, read in both English and Japanese.

Two Gecko Press books selected for White Ravens Award 2022

Bumblebee Grumblebee_cockatoo with sock on head

This year, the White Ravens contain a selection of 200 notable children’s and young adult books from 53 countries published in 37 languages. Bumblebee Grumblebee and Duck’s Backyard have both been selected.

Talking about Bumblebee Grumblebee, the judge said “Board books for the very young can sometimes feel a bit dull to adults. But not when David Elliot puts his hand to creating one.”

Simon the Rabbit activities

In the kitchen with Simon

Join Simon the Rabbit in these cheeky activities!

Starting with the international bestselling picture book Poo Bum, and now an animated series screening worldwide, the Simon series stars a cheeky rabbit who always gets what he wants.

The following activity sheets are downloadable. Please print out as many as you like.

Inclusivity and diversity highlighted in Asian Festival of Children’s Content 2022

wolf looking at the feet of a very large creature

The Asian Festival of Children’s Content based in Singapore runs from 26-29 May. This year’s festival theme is Lit Up! It includes sessions on inclusivity and diversity, mental wellness, the role of stories and books as a coping mechanism.
Gecko Press publisher Julia Marshall is chairing a session on translating change—one story at a time and will also be in the session on humour in children’s books.

Eva Lindström awarded 2022 ALMA

Eva Lindström ALMA

Eva Lindström has been awarded the 2022 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA). Lindström writes stories that shift between the everyday and the existential, combining shrewd humour with absurd mystery.

Highlight reviews from around the world

Inside the Suitcase

As we look ahead with anticipation to the books we will be publishing next year, we’re also reflecting on what readers from around the world had to say about our books in 2021. Highlights include a New York Times gift guide selection, two Times Children’s Books of the Week in the UK, Kirkus Reviews starred… Read more »