"In the end, we conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught."
- Baba Dioum
The New Zealand Bird Book
Peter Rapeti is a curious rabbit who wants to meet and learn about the birds around him. He goes on adventures, has many interesting conversations with new feathered friends, and discovers just how fascinating birds can be.
Are you wanting a fun family storytime? This book is appropriate for all ages, has clean humor throughout, and sounds good read aloud.
Are you wanting an educational resource for your classroom or nature group? This book is packed full of fascinating information about birds, including the mating habits, nest designs, behaviors, and appearance of a range of different birds.
Are you wanting a book to encourage conservation efforts? This book celebrates the successes that conservation work is having, as well as highlighting other ways that we can continue to help our native birds thrive.
Are you wanting a book about New Zealand? This book highlights the special place our native birds have in making our beautiful country unique.
To read the first few chapters, click on the link below.
How this book came about
In 2022 I was reading The Burgess Bird Book, by Thornton W. Burgess to my daughter. As we snuggled on the couch enjoying the book together, she turned to me and asked why none of the birds in the story were ones we saw out in our garden!
This simple question started me on the journey of writing my first novel. Two years later (after many midnight writing sessions, hours of research, and lots of feedback from friends and family) I sent a copy to Anthony at Livingbookpress.com, and he said yes to publishing it!!
"I cannot recommend The New Zealand Bird Book highly enough. It is absolutely packed with information, all delivered in such an endearing and engaging story - my kids and I were in stitches at little Peter Rapiti's antics. My seven year old enjoyed it so much that we read it right over again as soon as we had finished it. We can't wait for book #2!"
- Rachel
"My 5 year old son loved listening to this book being read to him and kept asking for me to read it to him. He has had more awareness of birds and we have spent more time talking about different birds we have seen around the place as a result. Engaging and educational. So neat to have a resource on New Zealand birds that not only informs but also captures the imagination."
- Beth
"The New Zealand Bird book is a very charming story where a curious little rabbit introduces young readers to the captivating world of NZ's native birds.
What my son loved the most was the 130+ vibrant photos and stunning illustrations, every page is brimming with life! The stunning visuals in this book will charm any young reader."
- Peace through Grace
"What I loved about this book is that it takes you on a journey to learn about the habits, diets, and unique challenges of New Zealand’s feathered friends. It has this unique blend of storytelling and natural history, it’s a wonderful “living book” that even weaves in Māori vocabulary, making it both educational and engaging... a perfect fit for home schoolers and nature-loving families alike."
- Peace through Grace
Finding beauty in the everyday.
How to Connect
email: sarita.betschart@gmail.com