Family and friends stroll along on a bush walk, heading to their campsite.

Fun is found in gathering tiny treasures.

“A stick, a stone, a feather, a bone.”

Someone is watching this group of nature lovers. A cheeky someone with a plan in mind. Suddenly he swoops and strikes, sending scurrying feet after him… deep into the bush.

Treasures collected along the way become so much more, helping restore things to normal. But straying far from the track has made them lost. How will they get back to mums and dads?

A footprint. A clue! Follow it they do. Stories of their new adventure within an adventure brings smiles and relief.

A wonderful family adventure enjoying nature and full of fun, as they tramp to a campsite in the bush. Things may go astray a little along the way, but all is well before character or reader worries overlay the wonder.

With minimal words and soft but colourful illustrations, this picture book has it all. A beginning with wonder and fun, a villain (a cheeky kea) that must be stopped, a problem that has arisen as they defeat the villain, (they get lost) and a safe, happy resolution, (as the children find the adults).

A finalist for the Margaret Mahy Illustration Prize 2020, and highly commended in Scribbles (Aust).

Author – Sarina Dickson

Illustrator – Hilary Jean Tapper

Picture Book

(2021, Hachette NZ, NZ Author, Moa Book, Family, Outdoors, Trek, Tramp, Camping, Kea, NZ Native Bird, Lost, Cooperation, Nature, Bush, Awards)