About This Book
Reach for this book when your child expresses fear or disgust toward creepy crawlies, or when they show a budding interest in the secret lives of nocturnal creatures. Joy Cowley expertly reframes the intimidating New Zealand weta not as a pest, but as a brave, ancient knight navigating a world of giants. It is an ideal bridge for children transitioning from picture books to junior nonfiction, offering a narrative that builds empathy for the natural world. While the weta may look strange, this story highlights its resilience and role in the ecosystem. It addresses themes of bravery and survival in a way that feels like a mini-adventure. This is a perfect choice for encouraging outdoor exploration and teaching kids that even the smallest, unusual-looking animals have a story worth telling and a life worth protecting.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals with the reality of the food chain in a direct, secular, and naturalistic way. It acknowledges that the weta has enemies and must hide to survive, but the tone remains educational rather than traumatizing.
