The Celestial Chronicles: The Journey to the Great Animal Gathering

Embark on a heartwarming adventure through the breathtaking landscapes and remarkable wildlife of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Benny the Bunny has travelled from a distant land to explore Aotearoa. After meeting Daisy the Duck, Oliver the Owl, and Timmy the Turtle, he joins his new friends on an unforgettable journey to the legendary Great Animal Gathering.

Guided by a glowing trail of magical acorns, the four friends travel through ancient native forests, sparkling rivers, peaceful meadows, mirror-like lakes, dramatic mountains, and enchanting glowworm caves. Along the way, they encounter extraordinary native wildlife-including birds, reptiles, insects, and freshwater life-and discover natural wonders inspired by Ōkārito, Fiordland, and New Zealand's South Island.

Every chapter brings a new adventure, a meaningful discovery, and a gentle life lesson. Together, Benny, Daisy, Oliver, and Timmy learn to help creatures in need, listen to nature, face unfamiliar situations with courage, celebrate one another's strengths, and understand why wildlife and natural habitats deserve our care.

A STORY OF ADVENTURE, FRIENDSHIP, AND NATURE

The Celestial Chronicles: The Journey to the Great Animal Gathering is more than an animal adventure story. It is a celebration of friendship, curiosity, personal growth, and the wonderful world we all share.

Young readers will discover the importance of:

• Friendship and teamwork
• Kindness and compassion
• Courage and confidence
• Gratitude and appreciation
• Empathy and understanding
• Curiosity guided by wisdom
• Celebrating differences
• Respecting wildlife and natural habitats
• Caring for forests, rivers, mountains, and lakes
• Recognising the unique strengths every friend brings

FOUR FRIENDS, ONE EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY

Each friend has something special to offer. Benny brings enthusiasm and courage. Daisy fills the journey with joy. Oliver notices details and shares thoughtful ideas. Timmy reminds everyone that patience and steady progress matter.

Together, they discover that no one needs to be the strongest, fastest, or cleverest to make a difference. Every caring heart has something valuable to contribute.

TIMELESS GRAPHITE PENCIL ILLUSTRATIONS

Detailed black-and-white graphite pencil illustrations bring the landscapes, characters, and wildlife to life with the charm of a classic children's storybook. The hand-drawn style encourages children to pause, observe every scene, use their imaginations, and discover new details whenever they return to the book.

PERFECT FOR

• Independent and developing readers aged 6-10
• Family read-aloud time with younger children
• Bedtime stories and classroom reading
• School, classroom, community, and home libraries
• Children who love wildlife, nature, friendship, and adventure
• Families interested in New Zealand's landscapes and natural wonders
• Parents and educators exploring kindness, empathy, gratitude, courage, conservation, and teamwork
• Meaningful birthday, Christmas, travel, and special-occasion gifts
• Visitors looking for a memorable children's book inspired by Aotearoa New Zealand
• New Zealand gift shops, souvenir shops, museum shops, wildlife centres, and visitor centres
• Zoo, aquarium, conservation, and nature-centre bookshops
• Airport bookstores and retailers offering New Zealand-inspired gifts
• Families living in, visiting, or dreaming of exploring New Zealand

Will Benny, Daisy, Oliver, and Timmy reach the Great Animal Gathering and what will they discover about themselves along the way?

The first enchanting adventure in The Celestial Chronicles series.