Diary of a Pukeko

by Sally Sutton, Davie Gunson (Illustrator)

The Rail family is in mourning. Today is the fifth anniversary of the death of Great-Uncle Perky, whose life was tragically cut short by a pink Fiat Bambina outside the tearooms on State Highway One north of Wellsford.

Life in the wetlands is humorously told through the diary of a young pukeko, embarrassed about his patchy feathers (he's moulting), but determined to win the favour of the gorgeous Indigo Tuk-Tuk.

Genres: Childrens

50 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

Sally Sutton is an Auckland playwright and children’s writer. Her first picture book, "Crazy Kiwi Tops and Tails", was published by Penguin in 2006. "Roadworks" will be her third picture book. She lives in the bush-clad suburb of Birkenhead with her husband and children

Reviews

[Sean Harding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written somewhat melancholic and sentimental story of life in the swamp, told via a diary setting.
Well done, if not that overtly memorable.

[Angela Oliver · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight! I loved the informative nature of this, and there were a few bits of slightly adult humour (pukekos are polygamists, and did anyone else notice there wasn't a MR Flicktail?). Also, the biological humour. Not to forget the Sally Sutton not only manages to teach children some interesting facts about pukekos, but also educates them on the dangers of littering, without ever looking like she's trying to teach them anything,

And then there's the illustrations - its no secret that Dave Gunson is one of my favourite illustrators, and his quirky characters truly bring this story to life.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny quick and quirky NZ story. Loved it to pieces and will recommended it to lots of kids.