Books published by GECKO PRESS

A sweet and simple interactive boardbook that offers a charming new bedtime ritual.

Rufkin, a perpetual no-hoper, is left to work in a salvage yard while his celebrity parents and talented siblings go on a summer acting tour. At the salvage yard, Rufkin meets Nissy and a small boy who can only say "e;Help!"e; Soon they are caught up in a magical adventure. Bursting with humor and mystery, this is the spectacular conclusion to Barbara Else's award-winning Tales of Fontania quartet.

Dani's been trying her best to stay happy ever since her best friend Ella moved away. But when some girls in Dani's class start being cruel to her, it starts a chain of rather unhappy events . . . It would all be okay if only Ella would move back. From the author of the critically acclaimed My Happy Life.

Ask a child "e;What is a book?"e; and you may get some unexpected answers - like those included in this whimsically philosophical tribute to reading. Lovely to share with a child, and a perfect gift for book-lovers of all ages. A beautifully produced, small-format jacketed hardcover with simple illustrations that are whimsical yet humorous.A book to read.A book belongs in a library, on a bookshelf, in a bookshop, in your house.A story belongs wherever a story belongs.If it's Sunday and raining, a book is the perfect thing. Even a small book, because boredom can be very big.You can read a book while you walk, but you have to be careful not to bump into things.

A picture book with delicate illustrations that explains the path of grief, ending with the uplifting new beginning of a budding friendship based on understanding. A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2023When the little bird dies, his friend the bear is inconsolable. Full of grief, he locks himself in his house and ventures out again only when the smell of young spring grass blows through his window. He always carries a small box, which he opens for no one. He meets a wildcat who understands his need to carry the box. As the cat plays on her violin, the bear remembers all the beauty he experienced with the little bird. Now he can bury his friend, keeping him alive in his memories and feelings. Explaining the topic of grief and loss in a way that speaks to any age and with a quiet understanding of what it is like to lose someone you love, The Bear and the Wildcat shows a way through paralyzing grief and simultaneously tells the story of a hopeful new friendship. Tender and sensitive, this is an excellent tool for helping to explain the process of grief, loss and bereavement with children or anyone who needs it Loved by adults and children, also suitable for schools, hospices, grief centers and counselors Translated from the Japanese edition by Cathy Hirano. Komako Sakai lives in Japan and studied art in Tokyo. She is one of the most popular children's illustrators in Japan and winner of the Japanese Picture Book Prize, and her books are published throughout the world. Kazumi Yumoto was born in Tokyo, Japan. Her books, mostly novels for older children, have won numerous international awards. Praise for The Bear and the Wildcat: "[A] tender story . . . [and] forward-looking book for children who have loved and lost."--Wall Street Journal"[A] touchstone for talking about loss."--starred, Publishers Weekly"Quietly contemplative, mingling hope and healing, this is a book that will offer comfort to many."--starred, Kirkus Reviews"In this touching story about grief, Bear mourns the death of his friend Bird, working his way from being paralyzed by sadness to reengaging with the world."--Booklist"This powerful story deals with one of life's most complicated and painful aspects with delicacy and honesty. Intricately layered pencil illustration accompanies the tale to create a story that is very moving but also filled with hope."--BookTrust UK"If grieving people are allowed to grieve, then they will find their way back to the joy of life - that's the message of this delicate Japanese book."--Die Zeit

A love story for children told entirely through pictures, from the talented creator of The Treasure Thief and The Fishing Trip.

A strange old woman is literally blown in to an affluent but dysfunctional family, and when things go very wrong, her influence is suspect.

Mister Whistler loses his train ticket at the station, but thanks to some zany dance moves he might still make the train ... A hilarious, lively picture book by two of the luminaries of New Zealand children's books. 'There is a lot of fun to have, as the hapless Whistler swings and twirls around the platform pulling his pockets inside out, even taking off his trousers in a desperate bid to find the ticket he has just bought. Where could it have gone to and will he find it in time to board the next train to Whistlestop? Gavin Bishop fleshes out the character of this eccentric gentleman, from his elegant spotted underpants to his big green coat, while Margaret Mahy adds the lyrical commentary to accompany his musical antics.' - Carousel (UK), March 2013 AWARDS: Picture book winner, NZ Post Children's Book Awards 2013; Illustration finalist, LIANZA Children's Book Awards 2013; Storylines Notable Book 2013