Bo Bimble is small and green with black beady eyes and little hands at the ends of her stumpy wings. She
lives deep in the NZ bush in the South Island. Somewhere safe, far from where humans ever go.
She lives in a burrow with her twin sister Binnie, little brother Quokk and her over protective parents. Binnie is happy preening her fur-feathers and Quokk just wants to play, but Bo drives her parents mad with worry with all her questions. No other Bimble behaves like Bo. Along with her never-ending questions, she spends ages staring into space…wondering.
Bo’s friends try to help, sharing what they’ve heard from birds and other creatures of the bush. These snatches of information feed Bo’s wondering even more.
She learns of a fence. It’s something that goes all the way around where they live, keeping everything on the other side – out. That place, that Elsewhere is what Bo wants to know about. What if the fence is finished before she gets her chance to visit Elsewhere? She must go, and soon!
Kuia, the wise, old, reclusive tuatara has some advice for Bo, and finally with her friend’s help she makes a decision. It’s now or never!
Bernie (real name Hamish) loves birds. On holiday from Scotland with his mum and dad, he is enjoying travelling around NZ in their campervan. He has a copy of Young Spotter’s Guide to New Zealand Birds and is endeavouring to tick off the birds within, after seeing them on their travels.
One evening, Bo has been led to the predator fence she has heard all about, by two cheeky Keas. She has made it to Elsewhere!
Bernie is parked on the other side of the fence in his campervan.
These two intrepid explorers meet and help each other with their personal quests. Both are left in awe of what they learn and sadness at parting.
An adventure story, starring a small, round, green creature called Bimble, and a young Scottish bird-lover called Bernie. Bo’s viewpoint is in third person, following her adventure, and Bernie’s is in 1st person in the form of a holiday diary. These viewpoints then blend seamlessly into a wonderful friendship.
Bimble is a gorgeous character, not wanting to upset her family, but unable to stop her inquisitive mind. She’s a brave wee thing, venturing out into the big wide world, trusting her bird friends and advice that turns out to be a little different than at first thought.
Her curiosity and Bernie’s love of anything with feathers brings them together, finally giving Bo what she needs and making Bernie’s NZ holiday more special and memorable than he could ever have imagined.
When Bo Bimble went Elsewhere has an environmental thread running through it, beginning with Bo Bimble herself. She’s an undiscovered species and Bernie wants her to remain that way. All are aware how people spoil things, even if well intentioned.
Really enjoyable story for not just Kiwi kids. Bo and Bernie’s adventure will touch the hearts of any young environmentalist or animal/bird lover, worldwide.
Author – Sue Copsey
Illustrator – Helena Copsey
Age – 7+
(2021, Adventure, Animals, Courage, Family, Friendship, NZ, NZ Native Birds, Tui, Kea, Kakapo, Tomtit, Kereru, New Zealand Bush, Extinct, Haast Eagle, Curiosity, Wonder, Questions)