Get Out! Go Wild! by Marion Day

For a country where hunting and fishing are deeply ingrained in its culture and heritage, there are surprisingly few books on the topic for younger readers. Marion Day's latest, Get Out! Go Wild! tries to rectify that, offering up a veritable smorgasbord laden with all sorts of tidbits.

Stories about fishing, nature and the environment abound, with plenty of pig, deer, goat and helicopter hunting yarns.

Stories and photos from young hunters and gatherers are included, as well as poems, recipes, jokes, cartoons, and factoids about moose and tahr, the man-eating kurī of Ngamoko Mountain and the mysterious Korotangi.

Each story may be true, partly true or even made up. However, there are lots of real-life stories, including real-life photographs and a video link.

It is a hefty book and at times it feels like it loses its way just a little bit by trying to be too much for too many. The topic of the book is bound to attract a whole bunch of reluctant readers. However, the large blocks of text, randomly placed photographs and overwhelming number of stories risk putting those children off reading it. The stories also vary in age, with some more appropriate for older children. While you're never going to like every story in a collection, it is likely some children won't stick with the book before getting the chance to find their favourite.

Having said that, Get Out! Go Wild! will inspire children to get outside and enjoy nature. Children, especially those in rural areas of New Zealand, will see themselves reflected back from the pages and get a real sense of connection and identity.

Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell

Bateman Books