Toroa’s Journey

Name: Toroa's Journey - The Kiwi Kids' Bookstore
SKU: 9780947503529
Price: 19.50 NZD
Availability: InStock

Based on the true story of Toroa, the 500th albatross chick to hatch at the breeding colony on Taiaroa Head near Dunedin, this story follows his life as he grows from chick to adult and begins roving out across the vast Pacific Ocean.

Will fishing lines snag him? Can he avoid an erupting volcano? Does a plastic island pose a threat and will he make it back to Dunedin years later to start his own family?

Toroa’s Journey is an inspiring and insightful story for budding environmentalists to read together or alone.

Written by Maria Gill and illustrated by Gavin Mouldey

$19.50 incl. GST

SKU 9780947503529 Categories Picture Books by New Zealand Authors, Non-fiction Books by New Zealand Authors Tags Based on a true story, Native birds, Nature and the environment, New Zealand marine life, New Zealand setting, Storylines notable book

1 in stock (can be backordered)

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Description

Maria Gill is the 2020 Storylines Margaret Mahy Award Winner.

Review

NZ Booksellers ~ This wonderful book is based on the true story of the 500th albatross chick to hatch at Otago’s Taiaroa Head breeding colony. It tells the narrative of the chick Toroa’s adventures after leaving the colony based on tracking information, but also includes fascinating facts about albatrosses to add another layer of depth to the story.

I love the language in Toroa’s Journey. It’s rich and interesting, and for a book that’s narrative non-fiction, it gives as much varied vocabulary to the reader as a picture books by Margaret Mahy, Joy Cowley or Lynley Dodd. For example, “Toroa jerks his head from under his wing … he waddles toward her and nudges open her bill; swallowing the slurried seafood.” The use of such evocative verbs adds another layer to the text which will promote questions and discussion for young readers and listeners. Read the full review.