Pu the pūkeko and Ru the ruru are two friends on a quest to find out which bird's beak is the best. The duo pose a series of rhyming clues for young readers to solve. Whose beak belongs to whom? And who has the best beak?
New author Jez Smith has crafted some clever rhyming clues, punctuated with funny, and informative, birdy banter. Smith is sure to include the usual bunch of native birds, as well as some of the more overlooked birds. From the puking pūteketeke to the spoon-billed kōtuku ngutupapa, there's plenty of feathered friends to get to know.
Illustrator Ned Barraud is one of our best artists when it comes to New Zealand's unique and special natural world. His artwork here is at the continual high standard he's known for - with each bird realistic but full of character. He gives readers just a peek of the bird to help solve the puzzle, before they turn the page for the big reveal. From raging rivers to tree tops, wind-swept tussocks to alpine huts, Barraud crafts wonderful settings for each of the feathered friends.
Smith is a zookeeper and conservationist. He's said that he believes storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching and connecting people with nature. His book has that in spades - the combination of humour, facts and interactivity will introduce readers to our native birds and encourage them to learn more.
Reviewer: Rebekah Lyell
Scholastic