This book is a collection of science fiction and fantasy short stories for children by New Zealand authors. Suggested level: primary, intermediate.

Wonderful selection of funny and touching stories written by top New Zealand authors, such as Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley, Kate de Goldi, David Hill and many other stars of children's literature. It's perfect for children from 5 to 105, with its focus on fun, good writing, cheekiness and word play. These fifteen stories will make you laugh, giggle, snigger and snort. it's the ideal collection of children's stories for dipping into, devouring all in one go, or going back to time after time. Other writers included are Fleur Beale, James Norcliffe, Barbara Else, Jack Lasenby, Jane Buxton, Roger Hall, Janice Marriott and Pat Quinn. Previously published in Random House New Zealand's much-loved anthologies edited by Jo Noble and Barbara Else and illustrated by David Elliot and Philip Webb, these stories remind you how good writing for children can be.

Following on from the success of MISCHIEF and MAYHEM, CLAWS AND JAWS, WEIRD and WONDERFUL comes this collection of stories based around history. Writers include old favourites such as David Hill, Pauline Cartwright, Sandy Mackay and James Norcliffe as well as some exciting newcomers. As with previous anthologies, Philip Webb is the illustrator and his lively and humorous illustrations are the perfect complement to Barbara Else's fantastic selection of stories. 'The stories in here treat history in some very different ways. Whether they are true or invented, I chose them because I think they are gripping. They are lively - or touching - or heart-rending, side-splitting, mind-bending. They'll make you gasp and shudder, gasp and laugh, or gasp and cry.'

Following on from the success of 30 Weird and Wonderful Stories for NZ Children, comes this collection of stories about animals. Writers include Jane Buxton, Jack Lasenby and David Hill. As with 30 Weird and Wonderful Stories for NZ Children, Philip Webb is the illustrator and his lively and humorous illustrations are the perfect complement to Barbara Else's fantastic selection of stories. Philip Webb is a well-known New Zealand children's illustrator. In 2001 he won the Honour Award in the Picture Book category of the NZ Post Children's Book Awards for Dragor, written by Pat Quinn. Barbara Else is a successful writer of adult fiction and she has edited Another 30 NZ Stories for Children and 30 Weird and Wonderful Stories for NZ Children .

School fairs, birthdays, rodeo, picnics, musicians and the country show - 30 stories about NZ children showing what they're made of at home, at school, in parades and anywhere! Roll up and join the fun! This collection is all about children having a go at something or being involved in a celebration or unusual event. Often, there is a twist in the tale. There are pieces about being on stage: poor Jacob and his jitters, lively Ophelia, keen Balu. There is a story about a wedding, and one about a baby party. There are stories about circuses (fleas! elephants!), and tales about magic - a mysterious dancing partner. There are new writers and lots of old favourites. Another excellent anthology from Barbara Else, alongside Philip Webb's cute and whacky illustrations.

Friends - everyone's got them, even if they don't always get along with them all the time! Friendship is a universal theme for Kiwi kids and this year's collection of 30 stories covers a range of situations: being the new kid at school, competition between friends, learning to get along with people who are different, and finding friends in unexpected places. Contributors include popular names such as David Hill, John Parker, Emma Neale and Val Bird, as well as some new writers, each with their own entertaining story to tell. As with all the popular titles in this series, the stories are accompanied by Philip Webb's enchanting illustrations.