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The Call Of The Kokako by Maria Gill, with illustrations by Heather Arnold

This illustrated book introduces children to the last surviving species of wattlebird in mainland New Zealand. The Kokako is an elusive songbird, also known as the grey ghost. There are only 780 pairs remaining in New Zealand as of 2010. The South Island Kokako is already listed as extinct, after years of struggling against introduced predators like stoats and rats. Without conservation efforts the North Island Kokako would go the same way and our forests would be bereft of their beautiful song.

This book is not just about the bird itself but also on the attempts to save it from extinction. Readers will also learn about why it is an important bird to save and about what they can do to help. The book is unusually separated into two parts, with the second being devoted to the true story of one man's struggle to save ten Kokako and their habitat. Also unusual is that the first part is a picture book with chapters that inform readers on the bird and the effort to preserve it. On the last page, readers will also find a Maori myth about Maui and the birds.

Although this is a picture book, it isn't for the very young, instead it will appeal to anyone from age seven. Even adults will learn something about the conservation efforts and be impressed by the wonderful, detailed illustrations by Heather Arnold. It is primarily a good introduction to conservation for children and shows the need for protecting endangered species. With pictures, photographs, illustrations, true stories, things that readers can do, and facts about New Zealand's eco-system, there is something for everyone.

RRP $29.99
Published by New Holland
 

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New Zealand Hall of Fame 50 Remarkable Kiwis by Maria Gill with illustrations by Bruce Potter

With choosing only 50 great kiwis from all the great pioneers, adventurers, scientists, inventors, sportspeople and artists this country has produced, the question facing author Maria Gill was not to put in but who to leave out. She finally made her decisions by thinking about who today's children would like to read about, which is why some of us of older generations might wonder why some who we would class as more famous New Zealanders have been left out.

There is no doubt though that the 50 people chosen for this book are all remarkable New Zealanders that have left their mark in their respective fields. Maria has chosen New Zealanders who the categories of adventurers, artists, inventors, leaders, pioneers, scientists and sportspeople. Those who were recognised as an expert in their particular field and who were deemed to have made a significant contribution to New Zealand and the world were chosen.

Each double page spread shows what each person was like as a child, with photographs of their childhood, true stories and direct quotes. By speaking to each person or their close family, Maria was able to get a firsthand insight into each person's journey, which she conveys well in the book and which will inspire young New Zealanders.

As well as photographs, each story is wonderfully illustrated by the very accurate caricatures by Bruce Potter. They help to capture the essence of each person, perhaps in a way that the photographs don't do justice to.

New Zealand Hall of Fame 50 Remarkable Kiwis not only informs children about talented kiwis in many fields but shows them that they became famous not by accident but by hard work and perseverance. All the people in this book have gotten to where they are through determination and hard graft. It is an inspiring book, and tells children that if they want to be famous, they have to work hard, keep their eyes on their goal and be determined to succeed.

RRP $34.99
Published by New Holland

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