We have become familiar with Ned Barraud's beautifully realistic illustrations of New Zealand wildlife from the Explore and Discover series written by Gillian Candler, but in this book Ned proves he has what it takes to write as well as illustrate. Based on a story that was told to him, this is the tale of a cheeky weka that steals a hut warden's watch while he is skinny dipping. The resulting chase ends in embarrassment when the warden realizes he is not alone. However the warden is just as crafty as the weka and works out a way to get his watch back.
The creatures in this book are as skillfully depicted as in Ned's nonfiction books but the weka is given plenty of character and the humour of the situation is ably conveyed. The book is completed with a double spread of weka facts for those who would like to know more about these avian jesters. ( )