Kauri Boy and the Lost Kiwi, Linley Edmeades
Written by Linley Edmeades, Illustrations by Meg May Makene
Published by Little Love
$30, hardback, 32pp, 260 x 190mm
ISBN: 978-1-0670875-7-9
Publication date: 20 March 2026
What would you do if you found a kiwi at the bus stop?
This delightful story is about a boy and his teacher working together to solve a problem.
It is about kindness and friendship.
When a kiwi’s crate tumbles off a Department of Conservation truck, he finds himself lost and alone at a bus stop—until a curious boy named Kauri discovers him. Together, Kauri and his teacher, Mrs McTilley, must find a way to get the kiwi safely home.
Kauri Boy and the Lost Kiwi is a tender, funny story about empathy, problem-solving and doing the right thing. Set against familiar New Zealand backdrops, it gently celebrates the bond between people and wildlife, and the small acts of kindness that make a big difference.
Young readers will also delight in spotting the hidden wētā on each page and learning more about these fascinating creatures at the end of the book.
“There’s a home-spun charm to this book, which is something like a reimagined ‘Kahu the Cautious Kiwi’ (1974) for a new audience.”
“The first thing I noticed about ‘Kauri Boy and the Lost Kiwi’ was that it is written in simple language, making it very accessible for children who are gaining confidence in their reading and ready to try something new. Children who struggle with obeying the rules of the classroom (sitting still, not calling out) will find Kauri Boy a relatable character, and appreciate that he is shown to be kind and empathetic in his dealings with the kiwi. ”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Linley Edmeades is a grandmother, gardener and storyteller. She lives in Aotearoa, New Zealand, with her partner Malcolm. Her joy of writing and sharing stories is lifelong. She loves the excitement and imagination of children as they read and discover new worlds, people and possibilities.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Meg Makene is an illustrator and artist from Ōtautahi. Her art is often inspired by the wonder and beauty of Aotearoa landscapes and she shares this magic throughout this lovely story of friendship and kindness. This is Meg’s first picture book.
For review copies, interview requests or media enquiries, please contact:
Kate Gordon-Smith
021 587227
kate@relishcommunications.co.nz