Remarkable Animal Stories from New Zealand and Australia

This beautifully-coloured book tells 28 stories about very interesting and remarkable animals. The animals cover a wide range of types: birds, reptiles and mammals to name a few. Maria Gill highlights the interesting, quirky and sometimes almost human characteristics of these animals with her interesting writing. We have Ken-Joe the pesky kea stealing socks and undies and Taylor, a helpful koala-sniffing dog, to name a few.

Each story is displayed across a double spread, with various colourful illustrations by Emma Lovegrove. There is also a photo included, reminding the reader that these are true-to-life animals. Fact boxes and outline sketches add variety and interest to every page. A competent reader would be able to enjoy this book for themselves, but the layout of these short, amusing stories lends itself to being read to younger children.

The back of the book includes a list of websites of wildlife centres in NZ and Australia for further investigation and reading. There is a helpful explanation of the different roles of zoos, sanctuaries and animal hospitals.

I would recommend this book for any home or school library, perfect for picking a quick story to read aloud.

Title: Remarkable Animal Stories from New Zealand and Australia

Author: Maria Gill

Illustrator: Emma Huia Lovegrove

Publisher: Scholastic

ISBN: 97817775436454

RRP $20.00

Format: paperback

Publication: 2021

Ages: 4-13 years

Reviewer: Nova Gibson, Library Manager, Massey Primary School,

How are you recommending this book: Highly Recommended

Opening Sentence: A ranger in the Hunua Ranges watches four kokako chicks squirm inside their nest.

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