Once there was a wētā, living with its whānau in a rotten log. This log was large with holes for doors and windows, and many burrows inside. These burrows were bouncing with dancing, singing and busyness!

One little wētā has had enough of all the noise and laughter. Isn’t there somewhere more quiet and peaceful? With her bag packed, she sets off to find just that.

There’s a yellow box with a view of the sea – but that is too dangerous!

She finds a home on the ground, warm and spacious – but it isn’t empty for long.

Another home seems just the right size and with a sturdy roof. Oh oh, she’s not welcome after all!

It seems as if wētā is to be without the perfect home she seeks…. until…

Wow! What’s that! Is it for real? A wētā hotel?

With clear, colourful, uncomplicated illustrations and a plethora of emotions showing on a wandering wētā’s face, this rhyming picture book will delight the littlies, and banish any creepy-crawly jitters about one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s much maligned creatures.

Tagging along with the little wētā’s  adventures, readers 3+ can guess what she is about to try next. Is it a home for a wētā or a dog house? Or maybe even a toilet roll!

Bright, fun, and finishing off with a page showing all the types of wonderful wētā we have. Did you know, wētā are older than some dinosaurs! 

Author / Illustrator – Stephanie Thatcher

Picture Book 3+

(2022, Scholastic, Aotearoa New Zealand, NZ, Insect, Bush, New Home, Needs some space, Too noisy, Adventure, Family, Animals)