Kōwhai and the Giants

This book is truly beautiful. The illustrations are stunning and are supported by beautiful language which poetically tells an amazing story of hope through simile and metaphor.

This all weaves together to remind us how important it is to plant native seeds and to replant where trees are removed. The sad as well as heartening story is about the decimation of our forests following human habitation. But the author offers us hope, as while Kōwhai is small and solitary, her actions bring about change that inspires others to join in.

A donation from every book sold goes to Forest and Bird in Aotearoa. I absolutely loved this book and the message it portrays. I can’t wait to use it as a teaching tool for my students regarding reforestation. But what I loved the most were the beautiful illustrations!

Title: Kōwhai and the Giants

Author & Illustrator: KateParker

Publisher: Little Love

ISBN: 978-0-473-52890-4

RRP: $30

Format: Hardback

Publication: March 2021

Ages: Primary age (5-13 years)

Reviewer: Angela Thompson, Library Lead Teacher, Remarkables Primary School, Queenstown

How are you recommending this book? Highly recommended.

Opening sentence: Kōwhai first appeared from the golden glow of a beautiful flower.

You can buy this book here