Interview: Maria Artho talks about Lost in the Wild: A Dogs’ Tale

Author Maria Artho has spent her life with children—helping, supporting, and learning from them. She worked as a teacher aide with students who have special education needs and has used that experience to shape her creative work. Maria has designed playful educational tools, from memory card games that make learning fun for all ages to picture books for young readers.

Her debut picture book, Jin’s Great Escape, tells the true story of Jin, a clever otter who staged a Houdini-level breakout from Auckland Zoo in 2006. Maria is also the creator and founder of the popular NZ IN A BOX® memory card series, which includes Te reo Māori, Animals of NZ, and Explore NZ.

Her new book Lost in the Wild: A Dogs’ Tale is inspired by a true story. Lost in the Wild tells the gripping tale of two small dogs lost deep in New Zealand’s rugged native bush. They encounter feral goats, a boar, and a possum—the “baddies” of the forest—and must face their fears, relying on instinct for their survival. As their family searches desperately, the dogs become separated, and their paths take different turns. In this tale of survival and resilience, the reader is taken on a journey through Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique forest and learns of the threats to our native species.

Can you tell us a little about the new book?

Inspired by a true story, Lost in the Wild tells the gripping tale of two small dogs lost deep in New Zealand’s rugged native bush. They encounter fearsome animals—and must rely on instinct for their survival. As their family searches desperately, the dogs become separated, and their paths take different turns. Will they find their way home?

In this tale of survival and resilience, the reader is taken on a journey through Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique forest and learns of the threats to our native species. A feel-good ‘Lassie Come Home’ sort of vibe set within a New Zealand context.

The central message addresses the threat that introduced predators pose to native animal and plant species. The author’s note acknowledges the threat that two lost dogs may have posed to ground-dwelling animals. There were no kiwi in this area at the time the dogs were lost.

Predator Free 2050 is a plan by the New Zealand Government to eradicate all introduced predator animal species. “Currently, Aotearoa New Zealand is experiencing a biodiversity crisis. We have the highest rate of threatened indigenous species in the world.” www.predatorfree.org

How difficult was it writing the follow-up to your first book, Jin’s Great Escape, and what did you find different about the process from the first book?

It was more difficult to write Jin’s Great Escape; it was a very public story. I reviewed many news excerpts and interviewed the zookeeper who cared for her while she was at Auckland Zoo. I was living on Auckland’s North Shore at the time of Jin’s escape. Like so many, I was caught up in otter fever. I vowed to write a story about that incredible little animal one day. For Jin’s Great Escape, the story needed to follow the facts. In comparison, I used a fair amount of creative license for Lost in the Wild. It is a family story and features our dogs.

In both books, I did not use anthropomorphism; it was a little difficult to write an animal story for young kids that would keep them interested without giving the animals a voice.

What research was involved?

Both books involved meticulous research. More so for Jin, as the story needed to follow the actual events. This involved looking through all the news items I could find. Organising them into a sequence of events.

For Lost in the Wild, the story was very much on my mind, and it was a matter of organising it into a sequence… of course, there are embellishments, as no one knows what the small dogs got up to on the run.

What was your routine or process when writing this book?

I am a person who works best when there is pressure on. I can dilly-dally around, have countless drafts, then knuckle down and go for it. I was like that with the NZ IN A Box® games I researched and created. My mind was a flurry of projects – NZ IN A BOX® and writing Jin’s Great Escape, all at the same time.

It was very much the same with Lost in the Wild. I am like a painter who never really thinks the artwork is finished. I had to draw the line somewhere…much to my illustrator’s relief! I suppose you could label me a dreamer!

If a soundtrack was made to accompany the new book, name a song or two you would include.

“Who Let the Dogs Out” just started playing in my head, oh no! But I wouldn’t choose that.

Next to spring to mind is "Seamus" by Pink Floyd, because the real-life Borrie (in the story) used to start singing (howling) whenever that song came on. It was an impressive show!

My all-time favourite is “Slice of Heaven” by Dave Dobbyn, which would do nicely.

What did you enjoy the most about writing Lost in the Wild?

Creating a tribute to our much-loved dogs. It felt good.

What did you do to celebrate finishing this book?

I plan to go to the actual Café featured in the book, invite illustrator Sharon C Fergusson and share a bottle of bubbles. I look forward to giving Ben, the owner, a copy.

What is the favourite book you have read so far this year and why?

Since it's early in the year, I have only read one book so far. So, I will go back to 2025 –Angels of Clay by Madeleine Eskedahl. Angels of Clay, the third instalment in Madeleine Eskedahl’s Matakana Series, brings back a rich cast of characters who by now feel like old friends. The vivid settings feature the beautiful Matakana region of New Zealand. My hometown, how cool is that!

What’s next on the agenda for you?

I have written a funny, totally fictional (for a change) picture book. I have sent it off to Sharon C Fergusson this week. I can’t wait for her to weave her magic into the story. Watch this space: Jungle Birthday Bash–The Best Party Ever!

Goat Island Publishing, www.goatislandpublishing.nz