Maria Gill

Queen of the Cosmos, Beatrice Hill Tinsley lived every day as if she was on borrowed time. Over her short time on Earth, she was determined to further the world's knowledge of the stars and galaxies. But it was not easy being a female scientist in those times. She would have to make a heartbreaking decision in order to follow...

Remarkable Animal Stories from New Zealand and Australia by Maria Gill introduces readers to a captivating collection of extraordinary animals from Australasia. Meet Charisma, the double Olympic champion horse; Moko, the playful dolphin; Migaloo, the white whale; and Einstein, the hugging camel. These incredible creatures are just a few of the remarkable animals highlighted in this fascinating and informative book....

Who knew our soldiers had such a variety of animal companions in the two world wars? Apart from the ‘beasts of burden’ that one might expect, such as horses, mules, donkeys and camels, many battalions had mascots as well: kangaroos, monkeys, dogs, chickens, tortoises, cats... all of whom provided comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the war. In ANZAC...

Discover the triumphs and tragedies of 24 heroic Australasians during WWI and WWII. Read the biographies of Anzac soldiers, as well as Air Force and Navy soldiers, medics, a spy, an ambulance driver, and a humanitarian, surviving in battles in England, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific. Anzac Heroes includes famous soldiers such as New Zealand’s double Victoria...

Inspiring stories of courage, resilience, and determination in the face of disaster. New Zealanders have endured phenomenal natural and human disasters throughout the ages. This inspiring book documents some of these key moments in our history and, more importantly, how we responded and grew stronger; what changes and improvements were made as a result. Cyclones, tornadoes, earthquakes, landslides, floods, volcanic...

Many women marched, but one led the way... It's 125 years since New Zealand became the first country in the world to give women the vote. This accessible story for children is written as historical fiction, telling of Kate Sheppard's life journey and her struggle to advance the cause of women's suffrage.

Deep down in a dark burrow, a father kiwi snorts and snuffles in his sleep. Underneath him, a large creamy egg lies snug and safe from pilfering predators. Will it meet a fateful end or will the kiwi chick become part of the BNZ Operation Nest Egg Programme? A creative non-fiction story about a BNZ Operation Nest Egg chick, illustrated...

Have you ever gazed at Rangitoto and wondered: How did it get its shape? Was it a very explosive beginning? Will it ever erupt again? Rangitoto: Te toka tu moana/The rock standing in the ocean tells the dramatic story of Auckland's most striking icon, the island of Rangitoto. Find out about its volcanic birth, the kaka's connection to it, the...

When William first peered through the school telescope, his imagination soared. As a boy, he dreamed of reaching the planets. As a man, he helped the world take its first steps into space. From the fizz of failed experiments to the roar of rockets, it was curiosity that lit the way. William Pickering Kiwi Rocket Man details how William Pickering...

Ten true stories of daring and danger from New Zealand adventurers. Race to the South Pole with Sir Edmund Hillary, defend yourself against polar bears near the Magnetic North Pole with Helen Thayer, find the source of the Nile River with Cam McLeay and Garth MacIntyre, circumnavigate the world with 15-year-old Laura Dekker in a yacht, trek through the forbidden...

Ernest Rutherford grew up in a tiny town in New Zealand. He had a curious mind and yearned to further his education. But his family could not afford to send him to high school or university. Three times he tried for scholarships and each time he failed. However, with perseverance and patience, he finally succeeded, and he'd go on to...

From award-winning writer Maria Gill, and illustrator Marco Ivancic, comes New Zealand's Endangered Dolphins. The North Island New Zealand dolphin (Popoto or Maui dolphin) is the most endangered dolphin in the world. The South Island New Zealand dolphin (Pahu or Hector's dolphin) is the smallest dolphin on the planet. Readers will learn more about these playful, intelligent, and beautiful mammals...

Who knew our soldiers had such a variety of animal companions in the two world wars? Apart from the ‘beasts of burden’ that one might expect, such as horses, mules, donkeys and camels, many battalions had mascots as well: kangaroos, monkeys, dogs, chickens, tortoises, cats... all of whom provided comfort, companionship and a welcome distraction from the war. Discover these...