Hokitika biodiversity ranger Sonya McArthur has created a captivating treasury of illustrated stories for children aged nine to 12 called Tales of Curiosity.
Read an extract from Tales of Curiosity – Feron and Oren
Set in imaginative and symbolic worlds, each of the eight illustrated tales follow unique characters as they navigate powerful emotional journeys, from confronting grief, to embracing difference and understanding change. With lyrical prose and an old-world storytelling style, this book invites young readers to slow down, reflect, and discover new ways of seeing the world.
The beautiful hardcover book, complete with metallic foiling on the cover, is perfect for fans of The Chronicles of Narnia, Tales of the Otori, and traditional fables.
Currently on secondment in Takaka until November, Sonya says the book emerged from her curiosity to understand more about herself and many aspects of the world around her.
“I wrote it quite a while ago now, when I was a much younger person trying to figure out the nature of the world and myself. Aspects of each story’s visual beauty and emotional resonance will appeal to children who are on this journey of discovery, but they are also fun, classic ‘story-teller’ tales that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter where they are at.”
Sonya’s deep connection to nature comes through in the stories which have different curiosities or themes, such as change, greed, the environment, love, and creating beauty.
The tales introduce readers to twin boys on different paths, a light-footed dancer, a talented thief, and a girl gifted an unusual olive twig. They get to encounter a river with a mind of its own, a grumpy puppet maker, a shoemaker who joins the circus, and a weaver determined to create something extraordinary. Along the way, they’ll discover places they won’t want to leave – and ones they’ll be desperate to escape! The eight Tales of Curiosity will keep readers thinking, long after the last page is turned…
Tales of Curiosity offers younger readers a rare combination of literary depth, visual beauty, and emotional resonance.
Published by Mary Egan Publishing and distributed by BookReps NZ, the book is available in bookstores nationwide from early September 2025.
Sonya McArthur lives in Hokitika, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. She works as a ranger in conservation and has a deep appreciation for the natural world, often exploring the coast, valleys, and mountains near her home. Sonya has a passion for creativity, from playing the flute and practising meditation to tending her permaculture garden, where she grows fruit and vegetables alongside a variety of native plants. This book is the result of many years of work, shaped by both laughter and challenges, and brought to life visually with the help of illustrator Bevan.
Bevan Smith grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, and has worked for the Department of Conservation. He later moved to Rotorua. A talented illustrator, Bevan also enjoys playing the guitar and spending time outdoors, often exploring on long walks. His work on this book reflects his cheerful and creative nature, bringing the author’s words to life through engaging and imaginative artwork.
