Teacher Essentials, Issue 5, 2026 – Scholastic New Zealand

801. NEW! Science: 500 Questions and Answers

Packed full of fascinating information and incredible infographics, this book covers topics from the human body to the furthest reaches of outer space. 96-pp. hardcover.

$24.99 TE $22.00

806. NEW! AI-Smart Pack for Kids

This carefully curated collection will introduce young readers to the world of AI—what it is, how it works, and how it shapes the world around them.

4 books, 32-128pp. $89.96 TE $59.00

802. NEW! Invented by Animals: Meet the Creatures Who Inspired Our Everyday Technology

Every animal—and their invention—is a marvel in this unique non-fiction blend of science, technology and wildlife that will change the way children look at the natural world. 80 pp. $22.99 TE $19.00

804. NEW! Screen Smart Children: A Guide to Helping Kids Thrive in a World That Never Switches Off Whether you’re a parent or teacher, this is your guide to raising capable, compassionate and tech-wise kids in a hyperconnected age.

805. NEW! The Amazing Generation

This book invites kids to step back from their screens and discover how capable, confident and adventurous they can be in the real world.

pp. $30.00 TE $27.00

807. NEW! Fake News and How to Spot It

Help children learn to spot scams and misinformation with this fun, comprehensive guide.

pp.

TE $15.00

808. Humble Bumble 2-Pack The Queen Bee delivers a lesson in humility and Humble Bumble discovers ‘kotahitanga’ and the benefits of working together. 32 pp each.

$43.98 TE $16.00

811. The Great Kiwi Bedtime Book 2-Pack

A book that children will want to have read to them again and again. Each 24 pp.

$39.98 TE $25.00

809.

The Big Boil-Up 2-Pack

A joyful celebration of kai, connection and whanau. From hunting and gathering to simmering and sharing, this is a heartwarming story of tradition, family and aroha. 2 books, each 32 pp.

$43.98 TE $16.00

810. Pipi Dance 2-Pack

Wriggle and shuffle with Mumma and Bubs as they do a happy pipi dance to gather kai from the moana!

2 books, each 32 pp.

$43.98 TE $18.00

812. Taniwha

A variety of tales from Aotearoa, from the guardians who accompanied waka voyages to present day inhabitants of the whenua and moana. 64-pp hardcover.

$40.00 TE $35.00

814. This Land: Maui and Tane 2-Pack

The world released a fever which was to change humankind forever. It is a world where new tribes have been created, with abilities beyond their understanding. Each 88 pp.

$49.98 TE $15.00

815. Ngā Atua - Māori Gods

An introduction to the major gods and the arenas of life for which each god is responsible. 32 pp.

$22.99 TE $19.00

813. Mother of the Nation: Whina Cooper and the Long Walk for Justice 2-Pack

The true story of one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most exceptional leaders and a courageous wahine toa, who united thousands of Māori and Pakeha to address injustices, and whose mana and determination continue to inspire us today. 2 books, each 32-pp hardcover.

$50.00 TE $29.00

816. Maui and Other Māori Legends

A beautiful collection of artist Peter Gossage’s memorable retellings of Māori oral myths in one stunning volume! 208-pp hardcover.

$40.00 TE $32.00

818. My Kiwi Kete

Three favourite Kiwi stories, contained in a jute gift kete. 3 mini books, 32-36 pp.

$24.99 TE $16.00

821. Tangaroa’s Gift

820. The Grandmothers of Pikitea Street

Ngā Kuia o te Tiriti o Pikitea

Māori, Ethiopian, Samoan, NZ European and Chinese grandmothers share traditional stories and recipes with their grandkids as they get ready for bed.

32 pp.

$22.99 TE $18.00

Tangaroa’s gift to Paua causes much jealousy among the other sea creatures.

32 pp.

$21.99 TE $10.00

824. Nanny Mihi’s Harvest Te Hauhake a Nanny Mihi

A charming story that explains Matariki and Maramataka harvest ideas.

32 pp.

$21.00 TE $18.00

825. Nanny Mihi’s Medicine Ngā Rongoā a Nanny Mihi

Nanny takes the kids around her forest and garden, showing them plants that can make them feel better.

32 pp.

$21.00 TE $18.00

827. First hundred words in Māori

Bursting with vivid and entertaining illustrations for beginner learners of Māori.

34 pp.

$20.00 TE $18.00

819. My Nature Stories / Aku Paki Taiao

A must-have collection of three favourite New Zealand wildlife and habitat stories. 6 mini books, each 24 pp. $29.99 TE $16.00

822. Ngā Taonga e Waru mā Te Wheke Māori language edition of The Eight Gifts of Te Wheke

36 pp.

$20.00 TE $15.00

823. The Legend of the Seven Whales of Ngai Tahu Matawhaiti

Share the ancient legend of how the islands east of Wairoa came to be.

32 pp.

$21.99 TE $10.00

826. NEW! Moana Te Kohinga Kiriata Moana is destined to follow in her father’s footsteps and take over as chief of Motunui one day. But when danger threatens her island she sets sail on an adventure to save her people. Will Moana be able to unlock the mystery of the sea and discover her true destiny?

72-pp hardcover.

$18.99 TE $9.50

828. Edmonds Taku Puka

Tohutao Tuatahi

A te reo Māori edition of a New Zealand classic cookbook. 112 pp. spiral bound $27.99 TE $21.00

829. Emojis Te Reo Stickers 216 stickers. $7.99

SYMPHONY OF NEW STORIES!

830. NEW!

Keith Goes Glam Keith’s plan for revenge on Queenie backfires!

24 pp. $21.99

832. NEW! Story Rug

831. NEW! Millie and the Frame of Wonder

With the clever use of a frame to find the glimmers in Millie’s day, this inspiring picture book celebrates the power of perspective and optimism.

32-pp hardcover

$29.99 TE $16.00

Class 203 are creating a rag rug, intertwined with the stories of the scraps used to create it and those told during its making. 48-pp hardcover.

$29.99 TE $25.00

837. NEW!

The Mystery of the Lost Cape

Barry finds a lost cape that gives him the power to fly.

192 pp.

$18.99

833. NEW! A Bigger Book

A moving picture book exploring the complex relationship between dyslexia and a love of stories, and the journey to finding your own path within your passions. 32-pp hardcover.

$27.99 TE $23.00

835. NEW!

The Not So Quiet Life of Marcel Marceau

Marcel Marceau was the most famous mime of the twentieth century. But before that, he was a young Jewish Frenchman who fled Nazi invaders in World War II. 48-pp hardcover.

$32.99 TE $27.00

834. NEW! A Day Off School

Herbie has the sniffles and is excited to stay home from school until he starts to wonder what he’s missing at school.

40-pp hardcover.

$29.99 TE $23.00

836. NEW! Grow

A fascinating exploration of the plant life wonders of the natural world, and what it means to grow, from the award-winning author of Kind. Perfect for teachers looking for texts on sustainability and the environment.

32-pp hardcover.

$27.99 TE $25.00

838. The Terrible Trio 3-Pack Join Zeb, Margarine and Barry in this terrific, action-packed series, featuring books 1-3. 3 books, 192 pp. each $56.97 TE $27.00

839. NEW!

School Friendly Playing Cards

841. NEW! Snack Pack:

11 Interactive Learning Resources

Designed to build essential literacy and numeracy skills through play.

Get ready for a learning adventure that’s pack with bite, bright ideas, and hands-on fun!

Includes learning tools: 1x Crocodile Chomper, 1x Shark Chomper, 1x Smart Sucker (Set of 4). Literacy Snacks (90 cards in each set), 1x Alphabet Snacks, 1x CVC Snacks, 1x Blend Snacks, 1x Sight Word Snacks, 1x Sight Word Snacks 2. Maths Snacks (90 cards in each set), 1x Number Snacks, 1x Additions Snacks, 1x Subtractions Snacks.

843. Plus-Plus - BIG - Metal Suitcase

Classroom set of playing cards in sturdy plastic container for easy pack-up. Includes 8 decks of 56 playing cards. $65.99 TE $55.00 844. Magna-Tiles Classic 100 Piece Set

The iconic Plus-Plus construction system with bigger pieces for smaller hands! Children build fine motor skills, creativity, and focus as they explore endless design possibilities. Includes 70 pieces and guide book. $75.99 TE $69.00 Includes balance measuring 65 x 22cm and 20 weights.

842. Food Fractions

Contains pieces resembling popular foods that are each divided to represent common fractions. Children can play with the pieces as puzzles, connect them together to make a whole, or simulate breaking food into equal parts. 29 pieces.

$34.99 TE $29.00

A

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2026 ISSUE 5

PULL OUT POSTER HANG ME UP IN YOUR CLASSROOM!

THE TERRIBLE TRIO is a popular, laugh-out-loud children’s graphic novel series written by award-winning author Swapna Haddow and hilariously illustrated by Minky Stapleton. Often described as “The Bad Guys meets Madagascar,” the series follows three underdog friends in a world where all animals have superpowers.

BARRY the lemur is gifted with the superpower of writing neatly. ZEB the Zebra is given the power to blend in seamlessly with a crosswalk. MARGARINE the penguin is granted the special ability to magically make macaroni and cheese. Chaos and adventures ensue!

BOOK 1: THE (NOT SO) SUPERHEROES

Age: 5+ Pages: 192 RRP: $18.99

ISBN: 978-1-77543-897-7

Cafe workers Zeb the zebra, Margarine the penguin and Barry the lemur have been given the WORST powers of all! Will they ever be heroes?

NEW! BOOK 3:

THE MYSTERY OF THE LOST CAPE

Age: 5+ Pages: 192 RRP: $18.99

ISBN (PB): 978-1-77543-901-1

Barry finds a magical cape that lets him fly and soon becomes addicted to the thrill of being a hero. But when the cape’s owner and reward-hungry Zeb catch up with him, the cape is torn and its magic fades. Now the Terrible Trio must prove that real heroes do not need capes.

SWAPNA HADDOW grew up in the UK and wrote her first book at age eight. Her first published book was the hilarious junior novel Dave Pigeon, which grew into a laugh out loud, award winning series. She has since written many funny, colourful and much loved picture books as well as further junior fiction series. Swapna now lives in Dunedin with her husband, son and their dog.

BOOK 2: THE DAY THE MAC ‘N’ CHEESE RAN OUT

Age: 5+ Pages: 192 RRP: $18.99

ISBN (PB): 978-1-77543-900-4

When Zeb pranks pedestrians by blending into a zebra crossing, he angers a lion who threatens to eat him. To save himself, Zeb promises endless mac ’n’ cheese for the lion’s pride but Marge has suddenly lost her power.

MEET THE CREATORS

MINKY STAPLETON is a multi-faceted illustrator with a range of styles, all with a dash of humour. An award-winning Art Director and Creative Director originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Minky gave up advertising to follow her first love, illustration. She now resides in Auckland.

ACCOLADES

TEACHER NOTES AVAILABLE FOR ALL THREE TITLES

Support reading comprehension, critical thinking and creative writing with engaging activities inspired by the characters, themes and humour of the book.

TEACHER NOTES

Booklovers Award 2025

Best Junior Fiction Cover

Storylines Notable Book 2025

Junior Fiction

BookTrust’s ‘Book of the Day’ November 2025

Number 1 in the Aotearoa Junior Fiction and Young Adult Bestseller List 2025 (NielsenIQ BookData)

New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults – Finalist 2026

Esther Glen Award for Junior Fiction

(NOT SO TERRIBLE) REVIEWS

As we read on, we can see that the biggest strength that the group has is their friendship and mutual love and support for one another—sending a powerful message to children that these are far more important than any superpower.

World’s Smallest Library review for Book #1

GOING GLOBAL!

The Terrible Trio has now been published in more than 20 countries, this laugh-out-loud series is winning fans around the world.

This second installment in the Terrible Trio series is a laugh-out-loud adventure proving that creativity, positivity, kindness, and friendship are the true superpowers.

Booklist (USA) starred review for Book #2

LITERACY ESSENTIALS

845. Letters and Sounds Set 1 Non-Fiction Boxed Set

A week-by-week program with strictly controlled text and full colour photography, sure to engage little learners who prefer non fiction content.

72 different reader titles, 12 at each Phase level.

$249.99 TE $189.00

847. Word Builders: Advanced Phonics Concepts

846. Crocodile Hungry Book & CVC Spelligators Set

Snap into reading with the CVC Spelligators Set! Build words with colourful letter gators, then practice with the Crocodile Hungry picture book.

40 pp. Hardback picture book + 24 piece CVC Spelligators set.

$72.98 TE $55.00

EXCLUSIVE TO SCHOLASTIC

Step up to advanced phonics skills with this set of magnetic foam letter tiles that feature long and complex vowel teams.

52 letter tiles, a write-on/wipe-off magnetic board, and an 8-page teaching guide.

$31.99 TE $27.00

148 PIECES TO INSPIRE BUDDING YOUNG POETS!

848. NEW! Poet Tree

Inspire students to write poems, short stories, Haiku and descriptive passages with a beautiful classroom tree! Includes 180cm tree, 15 decorations, 128 paper poetry sheets in 4 designs.

$64.99 TE $60.00

849. NEW!

Michael Rosen’s Poems 2-Pack

Dive into the imaginative world of one of Britain’s best-loved poets with this doublepack. Perfect for young readers who love playful, funny, and heartfelt verse. 2 books, 128 - 208 pp.

$38.98 TE $30.00 SAVE $ 8.98

852. NEW! Peanut Ball

SENSORY SAFE SPACES

A versatile, peanut-shaped stability ball designed to develop balance and strength and provide sensory input and comfort. Measures 91 x 51cm. Maximum weight 159 kg.

$89.99 TE $69.00

854. NEW! ‘Be Positive’ Calming Light Filters

Filter out harsh glare and create a soothing environment with light covers featuring positive phrases and warm colours. Set of 4, each measuring 122 x 60cm.

$94.99 TE $85.00

856. NEW! Sensory Activity Board - Square

A sensory tool designed to relieve stress and anxiety, and enhance dexterity, fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

Measures 12.5 x 12.5cm and includes 12 noodles.

$26.99 TE $22.00

853. NEW! Integration Balance Board

Rocker with five balls for children to practise balancing and to challenge themselves to navigate each through a grooved path. Great for focus and stress relief. Measures 79 x 29 x 14cm. Maximum weight 91 kg.

$89.99 TE $69.00

855. Wiggle Seat Sensory Chair Cushion - Mint

Wiggle seats provide an outlet for excess energy by allowing children to quietly move while working, enabling them to better focus and be more productive. Measures 33cm diameter. Includes hand pump.

$43.99 TE $39.00

857. Plus-Plus® Hexel Fidget Toy A premium, vibrant fidget tool that bends, twists and connects in ways that spark imagination and relieve stress. Measures 10 x 10cm.

$34.99 TE $30.00