Review: Wild Coasts: exploring Aotearoa's marine reserves, Where is it in town?: a wildlife hunt for Kiwi kids and The River In Our Backyard - Te Awa E Patata Rawa Ana
Reviewed by Alex Eagles
Wild Coasts: exploring Aotearoa's marine reserves (Potton & Burton) is Ned Barraud's best children's nature book to date. Stunning double-page illustrations transport the viewer beneath the waves to swim with the fish at six of New Zealand's spectacular marine reserves. Fascinating facts on the following pages allow readers to dive into further information about these protected areas and the sea life that inhabit them at their leisure.
From the front cover on Barraud had me entranced with his images, especially his ability to capture the way the rays of the sun change as they move through the layers of water from the kelp forests where sea lions and penguins play to the ocean depths where whales wallow. Just looking at some of the pages plunges me back to some of my favourite underwater experiences.
Besides the wonderful illustrations, the book covers a topic dear to my heart - protecting New Zealand's sea life by creating marine reserves. While our island nation is renowned for its beautiful coastline, many of Aotearoa's marine ecosystems are seriously under threat from overfishing, coastal development and pollution (among other things). Although our total of 44 marine reserves may sound like a lot, this actually amounts to a mere 1 per cent of our coastal environment, and scientists claim we need to protect 30 per cent to be sure we protect all of the different sorts of environments and the vast range of sea creatures for future generations.
Of the 44 marine reserves, Barraud has carefully selected protected areas from around our beautiful motu/country. These include the Poor Knights Islands in the far north, Taputeranga on the south coast of Wellington, Hikurangi at Kaikōura, Piopiotahi/Milford Sound in Fiordland, and Ulva Island at Stewart Island/Rakiura.
New Zealand is the most maritime nation in the world and is situated in a part of the planet made up of 90 per cent ocean. It is not surprising that the sea plays a huge role in our identity, culture, recreation and resources. Perhaps more than any other country in the world, it is vital for us to protect our marine environment.
Wild Coasts is a fantastic showcase for protecting our marine environment for generations to come. Aimed at 7-10 year olds, this book is a must-have for the junior section of any school, public or home library.
Barraud has also just released Where is it in town? a wildlife hunt for Kiwi kids (Potton & Burton).
His first 'look and find' book, Where is it?: a wildlife hunt for Kiwi kids, was a delightfully illustrated celebration of Aotearoa's spectacular natural environs. Following the same format as the original, Where is it in town? offers new habitats to explore, such as the local park, a stream and a garden shed. Every double-page spread has panels down the side challenging young readers to search for various native and introduced animals hidden in the illustrations, including wildlife predators such as rats and cats. For the more inquisitive child (or adult), a glossary at the back provides interesting information on each animal.
The New Zealand environment is among one of the many themes woven through the pages of The River In Our Backyard - Te Awa E Patata Rawa Ana (Oratia Books). This bilingual book, written by Malcolm Paterson, includes English and Te Reo versions of the text on each page.
The book follows three children as they explore natural and historical aspects of their Auckland backyard around the Waitematā and Manukau harbours. (Ed’s note: This book was released in October, three months before the devastating floods in Tāmaki Makaurau which, sadly, make its theme of learning about and considering the impact humans have had on river and ocean environments all the more immediate.)
A lovely map by illustrator Martin Bailey helps readers unfamiliar with the landscape follow the adventures of the characters down creeks to beaches and the remains of World War II battlements.
Paterson's deliberate use of characters, such as Whaea Kōmako and Uncle Kumar, as well as the celebration of the Indian Diwali festival alongside recognition of historical pā sites, reflect our increasingly diverse society.
An excellent addition at the bottom of almost every page, readers can find the meaning of place names, translations of Indian and Māori words or phrases, and even historical references.
The book is part of a series produced as part of the Future Auckland Leaders programme and supported by Creative NZ. Activity resources and teacher information sheets available online will add to the attraction of this book as an addition to many school libraries.
Reviewed by Alex Eagles
