About the Book
This is the tale of how the Kiwi bird became the national hero of New Zealand, and why New Zealanders call themselves Kiwis.
The God of the Forest, Tāne, is concerned that the beautiful trees of New Zealand are dying. When he discovers that it is because some terrible bugs, worms, and beetles are eating the roots of the trees, he decides to ask the birds if they would be willing to give up their wings and live on the forest floor, getting rid of these pests, to save the beautiful New Zealand land. Tāne finds that only one of the birds is willing to make this sacrifice.
Takeaways of this book
-Kindness, generosity, and doing things for the greater good are rewarding
-Learning about cultural legends (like the Māori culture in this story) is enlightening
-Part of the proceeds of this book are being donated to the National Kiwi Hatchery Aotearoa to help protect the Kiwi
Author
Natalie McManus
Natalie McManus wears many hats - a speech pathologist, public speaking coach, Linklater Voice teacher, actor, mother - and lover/collector of children's books. Volunteer
work includes recording news for the blind. Tāne and the Birds is her first publication. Natalie enjoys photography, cooking, traveling, golf, and cheering on her Penn State teams.
Illustrated by
Raissa Urdiales