Little blue penguin picture book offers global perspective
By Little Love, imprint of Mary Egan Publishing | Posted: Monday Nov 02, 2026
Dunedin-based children’s book author Danni Rae champions New Zealand’s endemic little blue penguin as the hero of her latest picture book, Lulu the Little Blue Penguin, being released 2 November from Little Love, the children’s imprint of Mary Egan Publishing.
The author of three earlier nature-themed books, Kara the Kākāpō (2022), Harry the Hermit Crab (2023), and Calum the Chameleon (2025), Danni was inspired to write about little blue penguins/kororā as she currently works as a wildlife biologist monitoring a large penguin colony on the Otago Peninsular.
“I love their feisty nature and want to share my passion for this iconic bird,” says Danni. “We can sometimes take for granted the amazing native species in our own backyard and overlook just how unique they are on a global scale. Penguins also first evolved right here in New Zealand…it doesn’t get much closer to home than that!”
In the story – richly-illustrated by Waipu-based artist Evan Heasman (aka Soju Shots) – Lulu is swept out to sea and into an unexpected adventure where she discovers different penguin species around the world.
“This story offers young readers the opportunity to learn about the different environments that penguins live in – from the Galapagos Islands, which means penguins do, just, live in the Northern Hemisphere, to the desert coasts of Chile and the forests of New Zealand, as well as the Antarctic continent. Lulu’s adventure also highlights how the ocean connects us all.”
Danni says the book can be used by teachers to introduce new scientific themes to the intended readers aged four to six. “As Lulu finds out about penguins living in desert, ice and forest habitats, we can talk about biological themes of animal adaptation, such as penguins being birds that ‘fly’ underwater, and ecosystems which show how animals survive in different environments. The different environments that Lulu finds penguins living in also links to my previous book, Calum the Chameleon, which introduced kids to different ecosystems from around the world in an interactive story.”
Danni hopes that kids learn about different penguin species and what makes them special. “The story also gives them a perspective on how new or unexpected situations may turn out to be fun and exciting opportunities.”
Full of adventure, friendship and discovery, Lulu the Little Blue Penguin is a charming picture book encourages children to explore the natural world and celebrate the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
“One of their biggest threats are disturbances by humans and our dogs, cars, overfishing and beach litter, but kids can learn how they can look after their local penguin populations,” says Danni.
The paperback edition comprises 20 pages, includes a fact sheet about little blue penguins/kororā with easy ways we can protect penguins on our shores, and has a recommended retail price of $20. It is available from bookshops nationwide from 2 November; booksellers can order from BookReps NZ.