What's a book that got you into reading? An oldie but a goodie, if you will.

I loved Trenton Lee Stewart's Mysterious Benedict Society books, with their mysteries, and characters that were kids - my age! - but really smart, and solving puzzles.

What's the most recent NZ children's book you read and loved?

I really love the Rachael King Violet and the Velvets books.

What's a NZ book you wish you could pass a law and make every single person in the country read?

This one's for adults, but I think everyone should read Keri Hulme's the bone people. For kids, I think every child in the country should read Under the Mountain by Maurice Gee - an older book and a classic for a reason.

If someone is new to reading and looking to start one of your books, where should they start?

For kids, I think it's best to meet me in person and take part in a workshop! My books are mostly aimed at people aged 16 and up. If there are kids out there that want to read my books one day, I reckon the best thing you can do is read some scary books for children - like all of the kid's output of Maurice Gee, or the Goosebumps books!

Image: Josiah Morgan, supplied.

What's a book that got you into reading? Your first foray, shall we say.

I loved books from the very start. Some of my earliest memories are of the Meg and Mog series by Helen Nicoll and Jan Pieńkowski – I loved copying the pictures and making my own stories, but I think it was Roald Dahl that got me hooked on reading as an independent reader. I would read and reread all the Roald Dahl books, especially Matilda.

What's the most recent NZ children's book you read and loved?

I absolutely loved the Detective Beans books by Li Chen. I recommend these books at every event I do. They are funny and sweet with the most gorgeously cute illustrations. I’m a huge fan.

What's a NZ book you wish you could pass a law and make every single person in the country read?

It has to be Hairy Maclary from Donaldson’s Dairy by Lynley Dodd. It’s is an absolute must read. It’s pure joy for all ages so let’s get this law passed!

If someone is new to reading and looking to start one of your books, where should they start?

I think The Terrible Trio really represents my humour and storytelling. I’m always rooting for the underdog, and this series is all about championing the underdog and celebrating the joy of being you and being accepted by your tribe.

I know I shouldn’t have favourites but it’s probably my favourite series I’ve worked on. Minky’s illustrations are so hilarious, and the series has received fantastic feedback and the absolute cutest fan mail.

Image: Swapna Haddow writing, supplied.

What's a book that got you into reading? Where did it all start for you?

I was born into the Hairy Maclary era and remember enjoying Lynley Dodd’s rhyme and still do! I treasured Patricia Grace and Robin Kahukiwa’s books ‘The Kuia and the spider’ and ‘Watercress tuna and the children of Champion Street’ because they had Māori kids like me in them and I kept copies to share with my own tamariki.

What's the most recent NZ children's book you read and loved?

I recently read Lonasei the debut novel by Kenneth Chapman, I couldn't put it down and then passed it onto my eleven-year-old who also read it in one go. Just a warning, it’s a little bit gruesome!

What's a NZ book you wish you could pass a law and make every single person in the country read?

Every household should own a copy of Kuwi & Friends Māori picture dictionary by Kat Quin and Pānia Papa. Gorgeously illustrated with all the basics you need to know to understand our beautiful reo Māori, it’s a real taonga.

If someone is new to reading and looking to start one of your books, where should they start?

The Lost Words is my debut picture book which I can recommend to anyone who wants to learn te reo Māori or improve their vocabulary. It would make a great gift for someone on their reo journey. It’s also got a cute puppy in the illustrations who gets up to mischief if you enjoy a bit of humour too!

Image: Kimberley Kearney by Alexa Kearney

What's a book that got you into reading?

The Lord of the Rings was the first book that completely engrossed me. I was surprised by how large it was, but once I started reading, it became very difficult to put down. It showed me just how completely a book could transport you into another world.

What's the most recent NZ children's book you read and loved?

The Adventures of Tupaia by Courtney Sina Meredith, illustrated by Mat Tait.

I really enjoyed the illustrations, and hearing the Cook voyage story from a Tahitian point of view was a refreshing perspective. It made a familiar part of history feel different and encouraged me to think about the story from another viewpoint.

What's a NZ book you wish you could pass a law and make every single person in the country read?

Easy. The History of New Zealand by Michael King.

It's a great starting point for understanding our history, and it's brief enough to be accessible without feeling like you're signing yourself up for a university degree. Having some knowledge of where we've come from makes it much easier to understand and navigate the New Zealand we live in today.

If someone is new to reading and looking to start one of your books, where should they start?

Becoming an author-illustrator is my dream, and it's still very much a work in progress. But I do have a comic that people can download and read by signing up to my newsletter.

Image: Daniel Dean Allen, supplied.

For more about these authors, head to the Writers Files, and to learn more about what's happening around the motu for NZ Children's Book Week, we've got you covered.