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The Call of the Kokako

Author(s): Maria Gill

NZ Native Species

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.


Product Information

Finalist - LIANZA Illustration Award - Russell Clark Award 2012.

Finalist - LIANZA Non Fiction Award – Elsie Locke Medal 2012

Maria Gill writes children's non-fiction often with an environmental message. she has had seven books published. 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.

General Fields

  • : 9781869662943
  • : New Holland Publishers (NZ) Ltd.
  • : White Cloud Books
  • : 0.52
  • : June 2011
  • : 250x270mm
  • : New Zealand
  • : May 2011
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Maria Gill
  • : Hardback
  • : Heather Arnold
  • : 333.958816
  • : 32
  • : Colour illustrations