BatKiwi and the Big Wet

Don't be fooled, like me, by the word BatKiwi in the title. I expected the book to include a creature that was part bat, part kiwi. However, readers of the earlier books in the series will know that this name refers to the superhero duo of Bat and Kiwi who combine their efforts to overcome a challenge. In this story, the forest creatures need to leave the forest when it starts to flood.

Younger children will love recognising the plastic shell-shaped paddling pool that becomes the rescue boat. If they don't own one themselves, they are likely to have a friend who has one. All children will enjoy pointing out and naming the forest creatures and will be captivated by the artwork on every page. Personally, my favourite illustration contained no creatures, but was of the trees being blown sideways by the wind and I loved the words used to portray the flooding: "The earth couldn't drink fast enough." The text is laid out beautifully on this double-page spread (as it is on others, too).

This book has a very New Zealand flavour, from the flora and fauna to the subtle Māori elements used in the wind images.

The adult reader will enjoy this book as much as the younger audience it is being shared with.