Kākāpō Keeper by Gay Buckingham
Inspired by a true story, Kākāpō Keeper is a tale of New Zealand history and conservation efforts.
Written as a fictional diary by Andrew Burt (14), who has been employed as the assistant to Richard Henry the Chief Conservator based in Dusky Sound, Fiordland, from July 1894 to June 1908. Henry has been charged with preserving birds on specific islands in the area, and to add to them.
Each chapter starts with a lift from Andrew's diary as he recounts the action of the day, and through his eyes we follow the struggle to save New Zealand’s endangered wildlife. He has also included interesting maps, curios and information in pages lifted from his field guide.
The book also includes information about the birds and their predators and resources about the real events of Henry's research.
Click on the link above to visit the publisher's website where you can download free teacher notes with a range of useful activities and ideas for engaging students with themes from the book.
Curriculum links: English, Science, Social Studies, History, Geography, Outdoor Education
