Five Wee Puteketeke

Five Wee Puteketeke by Nicola Toki is a heartwarming and educational children's picture book that delightfully combines storytelling with conservation awareness. The narrative, inspired by the beloved classic rhyme 'Five Little Ducks', follows the journey of five adorable pūteketeke chicks as they navigate their high country lake habitat on the South Island of New Zealand. Through their adventures and encounters, young readers are introduced to the unique characteristics and the challenges faced by these charming yet vulnerable birds.

The pūteketeke, previously unknown to many, gained international fame when it triumphed in Forest & Bird's 'Bird of the Century' competition in 2023. The competition saw unexpected enthusiasm thanks to American TV host John Oliver, who passionately endorsed the pūteketeke, affectionately referring to them as 'weird puking birds'. His spirited campaign, featuring enormous puppets and humorous appeals, captivated a global audience, inspiring 300,000 people from nearly 200 countries to cast their votes in favour of this threatened species.

In the book, Nicola Toki skillfully integrates key facts about the pūteketeke's conservation plight, such as their vulnerability due to predators like ferrets who target their chicks, thereby adding an educational layer to the engaging narrative. The lyrical, rhyming text makes learning about wildlife preservation both enjoyable and memorable for children.

Complementing Toki's poignant storytelling are the exquisite illustrations by Jo Pearson. The vivid and whimsical artwork brings the pūteketeke and their environment to life, ensuring the book is not only informative but also a visual delight for readers of all ages.

Five Wee Puteketeke is more than just a picture book; it’s a celebration of New Zealand's unique wildlife and a call to action for conservation. Forest & Bird's efforts are further supported by the sale of the book, with one dollar from every purchase directly contributing to their initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving this extraordinary bird species and their habitats.

One dollar from every book sold goes to Forest & Bird for their conservation efforts.