'Walter and Wilma the Wandering Albatrosses' written and illustrated by Emma Heppell

By Bateman Books | Posted: Tuesday Jul 14, 2026

A touching story of albatross mates who endure many obstacles in the wild Antarctic landscape they call home.

On the remote and windswept Macquarie Island in the vast Southern Ocean, Walter and Wilma, a devoted pair of wandering albatrosses, are about to welcome a new chick. While Wilma guards their precious egg, Walter searches the open ocean for food. But, caught in a terrible storm, he faces a fraught journey home.

Walter and Wilma the Wandering Albatrosses is a heartfelt tale of love, perseverance and the unbreakable bonds that hold families together against the backdrop of the unpredictable and awe-inspiring Southern Ocean.

Author and illustrator Emma Heppell says, ‘Unlike many animal adventure stories, this book focuses less on conflict and more on the emotional journey, atmosphere, and the rhythm of travel and return. It leans into quiet storytelling and visual space rather than fast-paced action.’

The story introduces young readers to albatross conservation, highlighting these challenges the endangered species face in the modern world, and a portion of the profits from the book goes towards supporting the Royal Albatross Centre, connecting the story directly to real conservation efforts in New Zealand.

The book is written for children aged 4–8 years, and will appeal to families, teachers and librarians across the country, particularly those seeking stories connected to our natural environment. By combining storytelling with gentle environmental education, the book encourages stewardship, empathy and care for wildlife. It’s well suited to classroom and home settings, supporting discussions around seabirds, ecosystems, endurance and caring relationships.

This book grew from Emma’s deep sense of wonder at albatrosses and their remarkable journeys, and from her desire to share their story with young readers in the hope it might inspire them as it has inspired her. The earliest pencil sketches and story drafts were created during maternity leave with Emma’s son, in the quiet in-between moments that often spark creative work.

As a children’s author, Emma is passionate about visual storytelling and books that invite curiosity and emotional connection. Her work often draws inspiration from New Zealand landscapes, and the quiet magic of observation. Walter and Wilma the Wandering Albatrosses is her first traditionally published picture book and reflects her long-standing connection to themes of love, belonging, and the powerful pull of home — ideas that run consistently through her art and storytelling practice. Emma’s lives in Waimate, South Canterbury, where she works as an artist, photographer and facilitator through her small business, The Old Tin Shed — a process art studio for children and adults.

Five percent of profits from sales will be donated to the Royal Albatross Centre on the Otago Peninsula, home to the only Royal Albatross breeding colony on a mainland anywhere in the world. The centre is operated by the Otago Peninsula Trust, New Zealand’s oldest non-profit conservation trust, established in 1967.

RRP $21.99

Publishing July 2026, ISBN: 978-1-77-689-175-7, Format: 250 x 250mm,

32 pages, 4c x 4c, paperback with matt lamination, children 5-8 years

For review copies, extracts or promotions, please contact publicist Lise Clayton, (021) 748-117, lisec@bateman.co.nz

Three launch events!

Friday 24th July

11-12pm Event at the Royal Albatross Centre

Saturday 25th July

11.00am Star Dome in Southern Land Southern People, Tūhura Otago Museum

1.30pm Star Dome in Southern Land Southern People, Tūhura Otago Museum

At the events Emma will read her book, then talk to children about how to write their own book.