About this title.

Two forest critters Paddy the Possum and Ralph the Rat are involved in a competition for forest resources. Their ultimate quest is to eat the wonderful tasting Kokako eggs. One character is quicker at reaching the resources than the other. This causes the slower one to better the other. As the story progresses the two characters are forced to work together to overcome the challenge of attaining their ultimate goal. In the end they both are stymied by a cleaver obstruction and two beautiful Kokako chicks are successfully reared.

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About this Author.

Many New Zealand forests are in a state of change. They are moving from being overrun with pest mammals to mammal numbers being tightly controlled. As a result the numbers of birds, insects and small reptiles are steadily increasing. This fictional children’s book looks in a light hearted and humorous way at two introduced mammals and the effects they have on New Zealand forest life. D.A.H. McMillan is a writer of children’s books that have a subtle environmental element pervading the story. His ideas for the fictional plot and characters come from his work experience as a biosecurity officer. He was raised in the rugged hills of the central King Country near the base of the Hiwi Hill on his parent’s hill country farm. There he spent much of his childhood exploring ancient Maori fortresses and lumber mill operations from bygone eras. His strong connection to the outdoors has led him to the promotion of threatened wildlife and wilderness areas. He lives with his wife on the west coast of the North Island New Zealand looking out upon the steep slopes of Mount Taranaki.

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