“The Life cycle of the Pukeko”
Written by Betty Brownlie and illustrated with colourful full-page photographs this is a lovely introduction to one of New Zealands native birds. 
This educational book explains in simple clear text where they originated from, how they live, eat, mate, sound, fly and communicate. An ugly bird one would think, on first sight, yet its tall legs and bright coloured features make it easy to spot. I have often seen these birds on the side of the road in the outer areas of the city where I live, and reading of its ungainly way of flying and crash-landing reminds me very much of my early attempts of snow skiing. Betty has written a number of books with the wildlife in mind and it is a delight to know this one has made the finalist in the NZ Post 2011 Children’s Book Awards. Due to RSI, Betty’s work has been restricted of late.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
Are you at all personally involved in the NZ post’s Children’s Book Awards? Is this lovely book in a category for non fiction? I have to confess to never having heard of the Pukeko! (Great name).
Joanna, I am ashamed to say no I am not personally involved in the NZ Post’s Book Awards. My work receives voting papers as handouts for our customers, brochures about the books, and announcements of finalists also we receive a batch of the books to be sold in store. We also receive booklets on the Auckland writers and readers Festival which is being held in May and I hope to do a post on that at a later stage. But that is all my involvement consists of. (should look into getting more involved next year). This book is in the Non Fiction category aimed at 6 years and up. The bird is also commonly known as the purple swamphen, although its colour is really indigo blue. Here is a website of all the finalists, some of which I am reviewing over the next few posts. http://www.booksellers.co.nz/awards/new-zealand-post-childrens-book-awards/nz-post-childrens-book-awards-finalists-2011.
Since you have access to so many books from the shop, I hope you should get involved in the NZ Post’s Book Awards — for many reasons.
Never hear of a Pukeko. Do you mean the birds are attractive, but a bit clumsy in their crash-landings? What a fascinating bird. Liked the post.
Yes Maam! *stands to attention*, You are right, one must get involved, and I will, I promise (for many reasons). At first glance they may not appear so attractive, but with there bright colourful features one can forgive them their clumsiness.