Why is That Lake So Blue?
A fascinating, fun and engaging book on New Zealand’s amazing natural world
By Simon Pollard
Publication date: October 2018
NZ RRP (incl. GST): $29.99
Extent: 112 pages
Format: Limpbound
ISBN: 978-0-9941460-1-4
Buy Why is That Lake So Blue? from Te Papa Store
Why is our place magic? Why are its islands shaky? Why are our mountains tall and our forests green? Why are some lakes so blue? What happens below the waves? Who used to live here? What changed when mammals arrived? What happens in the dark?
In this fun-filled, fact-rich book, award-winning science writer Simon Pollard shares the magic, secrets, mysteries and marvels of Aotearoa New Zealand’s natural world.
Look inside Why is That Lake So Blue?
Why is That Lake So Blue? activity sheet for kids (3.00 MB)
Why is That Lake So Blue? has been selected as a Storylines Notable Book 2019 by the Storylines Charitable Trust.
Reviews
North & South has named Why is That Lake So Blue? amongst its children’s non-fiction books of the year "Chapter headings such as “Why are these islands shaky?” and “What happens after dark?” offer a lively way in to striking images and fascinating facts, told with humour and approachability" North & South Best Books 2018
“Comprehensive, scientifically rigorous, and doesn’t talk down to kids.” Radio Live
“For educators and teachers, this book ticks all the boxes: beautiful photos that will start and encourage enquiry; simple, quick-fire factoids to tease the middle learners; and plenty of scientific information to stoke the fires of budding New Zealand naturalists.” The Sapling
“Great for the home and the school library. A superb publication by a great scientific mind.” Bob’s Book Blog
About the author
Dr Simon Pollard is a spider biologist and award-winning natural history photographer and writer. He has written and illustrated a number of children’s books in New Zealand and the United States and has twice won the LIANZA Elsie Locke non-fiction book of the year. In 2017 his book for Te Papa Press, The Genius of Bugs, was shortlisted for the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Simon has also been an advisor, scriptwriter and presenter on a number of natural history documentaries, including the BBC’s Planet Earth. In 2007 he was awarded the New Zealand Association of Scientists’ Science Communicator of the Year Award. Since 2009, Simon has been Adjunct Professor of Science Communication at the University of Canterbury.
Publication date: October 2018
NZ RRP (incl. GST): $29.99
Extent: 112 pages
Format: Limpbound
ISBN: 978-0-9941460-1-4