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Reviewed by Angela Thompson, Teacher and Librarian, Remarkables Primary School, Otago
Opening sentence
On an island lived a skink, who liked to lie on rocks and think. One day he looked across the sea and said aloud, 'What makes me, me?'
'What Did the Skink Think?' is an absolute must for young readers and nature lovers. I truly loved this book from start to finish. The story follows a Chatham Island skink on a heartfelt journey across Rēkohu to find his family. Kate Preece’s narrative is crafted with beautiful, melodic language that flows effortlessly from page to page, making it a joy to read aloud. It perfectly balances an engaging storyline with rich educational depth—each page features fascinating facts, presented in thought bubbles, about rare and unique wildlife native to the Chatham Islands.

Complementing the writing is Pippa Ensor’s stunning artwork. The illustrations are breathtakingly detailed and vibrant, capturing the charm and distinct personalities of the island's unique creatures. It is both deeply educational and enchanting, blending storytelling with natural history in a way that captivates children and adults alike. This book comes highly recommended for any home, school, or library collection.
Author & Illustrator: Pippa Ensor (illustrator)
Publisher: Bateman
ISBN: 9781776891849
Format: Paperback
Publication: September 2026
Ages: 5 - 8 years
Themes: Belonging, uniqueness, conservation, wildlife