Wild Life in New Zealand. Part I. Mammalia. New Zealand Board of Science and Art. Manual No. 2.

A concise, early‑twentieth‑century guide invites listeners to explore New Zealand’s mammalian world through the eyes of a keen naturalist. Written for schools and curious readers alike, it stresses observation alongside gentle instruction, showing how even a child’s instinct to collect and classify can open a door to deeper understanding of the country’s fauna.

The narrative walks through the familiar and the unexpected, distinguishing native creatures such as the bell‑bird, tui and morepork from the many introduced mammals that now share gardens and farms. It paints vivid pictures of house‑sparrows, blackbirds and the occasional hedgehog, while also noting the subtle presence of native earthworms that surface when new ground is turned. Listeners will gain a clear sense of how New Zealand’s wildlife reflects both its own ecosystems and the influence of settlers, making the book an engaging companion for anyone eager to recognise the living tapestry that surrounds them.