Call Of The Kokako

Description

Described as 'grey ghosts' because they are seldom seen in New Zealand forests, kokako are known for their incredible song. This book delves into their world - one preyed upon by predators in a shrinking habitat. It tells the remarkable story of how the kokako, New Zealand's last remaining species of wattlebird, is being saved. Well known author Maria Gill sets the scene, locating where kokako are found in pockets of North Island forest and one island deep in Fiordland in the South Island. Thanks to the Kokako Recovery Group, mating pairs are being released in bird sanctuaries and on predator-free islands around the country. A second part of the book tells a special story - this is the successful quest of one conservationist to save ten kokako from a forest about to be felled. A picture gift book produced as a handsome hardback edition with evocative illustrations by talented artist Heather Arnold using watercolour, pen and ink, pencil and acrylic. The Call of the Kokako will be treasured by the whole family and all those people with an interest in the remarkable birds of New Zealand.

Maria Gill writes children's non-fiction often with an environmental message. She has had seven books published, including Save Our Seas, Eco-Rangers Save the Planet and New Zealand Hall of Fame with New Holland. Maria has a background in Primary school teaching and now lives out at Matakana on a lifestyle block writing full-time. Heather Arnold works with many illustration mediums including pencil, coloured pencil, acrylic, water-based oils, pastel, pen and ink and watercolour. Her most recent title Rangitoto was also written by Maria Gill and was shortlisted for the 2010 New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards. Her first book, Draw New Zealand Birds won the 2008 LIANZA Elsie Locke award for children's non-fiction.