Author(s): Nicola Toki

NZ Picture Books | New Books

From Nicola Toki, CE of Forest & Bird, comes the official children's book about the world-famous pūteketeke, Aotearoa New Zealand's Bird of the Century!

This charming picture book tells the story of pūteketeke. Previously unknown to most people, it was thrust into the spotlight when it won the 'Bird of the Century' competition held by Forest & Bird in 2023.

Most people expected the kiwi or kākāpo to win but the competition took on a life of its own when US TV host, John Oliver, campaigned for the pūteketeke to win. He loved them, called them 'weird puking birds' and built enormous puppets to celebrate them. He helped inspire 300,000 people in almost 200 countries around the world to vote for his favourite bird! Pūteketeke are a threatened species found in high country lakes across the South Island and they are in trouble, due to predators such as ferrets, which take their chicks.

Nicola Toki, CE of Forest & Bird, has based her story on the classic rhyme 'Five Little Ducks', cleverly weaving in all the key facts and subtle conservation messages. Combined with gorgeous illustrations by Jo Pearson, this is a classic to enjoy for years to come. One dollar from every book sold goes to Forest & Bird for their conservation efforts.