Kara the Kākāpō, Danni Rae and Evan Heasman
Published by Little Love; 20 June 2022; RRP: $20.00
“The rhyming text ensures this is a delight to read aloud but is in no way convoluted. It succinctly and easily conveys the message that kākāpō are flightless birds. However, this endearing kākāpō is determined to fly and creatively builds herself a plane to achieve this. What a sensational debut book! I look forward to more from this collaboration.”
“Lavishly illustrated rhyming story of a kākāpō who finds her own way to fly. Spoiler alert, she builds a plane, bringing the climax a bit suddenly but hey – what you can do if your put your mind to it! Nice book design, I like the title fonts and internal typesetting AND there are kākāpō facts in the back – living the dream! Just like Kara!”
No matter how hard she tried, Kara the Kākāpō just couldn't quite seem to master the art of flying.
But with optimism, determination and a little creative thinking can Kara still achieve her dream?
This delightful picture book is the writing debut from Wellington zookeeper Danni Rae. Her story is paired with stunning illustrations from Northland artist Evan Heasman (also known as Soju Shots), which are a visual feast with vibrant colours and layers of detail to keep both children and adults enthralled.
Danni wrote Kara the Kākāpō, which is the first in a series of animal adventures, as a way to share her passion for conservation with the youngest of readers.
“As a zookeeper each day I have the opportunity to talk to children about the wonders of animals and conservation. I wanted to use this book as a way to allow children to connect with these animals at home as well,” says Danni.
“Conservation requires optimism, determination and quite a lot of creative thinking and this story introduces children to these concepts through the experiences of one of New Zealand’s most endangered species. Hopefully it’s the first step in creating an awareness of the natural world around them and motivation to protect it.”
Danni says kākāpō are not as well-known as endangered animals like the tiger or rhino, but she believes this special bird is one of the most unique species on the planet.
Conservation is a passion Danni lives and breathes. In mid-April she completed the 3000km Te Araroa Trail (The Long Pathway), which runs the entire length of New Zealand, to raise money for community groups working tirelessly for wildlife conservation in Aotearoa.
The journey took six months in all, with five months spent hiking and the other month including rest days, avoiding weather systems and the logistical challenges of covid lockdowns. Danni travelled alone, but had the pleasure of meeting other hikers and she made some incredible friendships on the journey.
The trip was not without challenges, both physical and mental, but Danni said she learnt she was capable of pushing herself further than she could have imagined.
“In comparison the process of writing a book seemed a lot more straightforward with clear steps to follow, but hiking in nature aways provides awe and inspiration.”
“A visually stunning book and a catchy fun story about a kākāpō who wanted to fly and did … after much research and innovation! The author is writing a series of books to share her passion for conservation, with this book being the first about the critically endangered kākāpō. The story doesn’t discuss the whys and what’s but instead offers a delightful story about a determined and creative kākāpō. At the back of the book is a simple fact sheet about kākāpō. Great for children 2+.”
About the Author:
Danni Rae is a Wellington based zookeeper and conservationist with a passion for connecting children with animals and the environment. She has worked in Australia, New Zealand and Madagascar and wants to use her experience to inspire conservation connections through her engaging and educational animal adventure stories. When she isn't working, Danni can be found writing, reading, hiking and traveling!
About the Illustrator:
Evan Heasman (also known by the artist name Soju Shots) is an illustrator who takes great inspiration from nature and fairytales. He uses a combination of pen, watercolour, photography and digital mediums to create his characters and the magical worlds they come from. He works between his home in beautiful Waipu and his little studio in Whangarei.
DANNI RAE IS AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW / BOOK EXTRACTS AND IMAGES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST
Media contact: Gemma Finlay / Notable PR / 027 628 9695 / gemma@notablepr.co.nz