A stunning and panoramic history of native birds in Aotearoa, from the bestselling author of The Meaning of Trees
For millions of years, the song of the birds echoed throughout Aotearoa, with no one around to hear it. While the arrival of humans would transform their story forever – birds may have changed us even more.
In this beautiful and captivating history, bestselling author Robert Vennell (The Meaning of Trees) shows the vital role birds have played in the lives of those who call Aotearoa home. From saddlebacks that can predict the weather to tūī that can talk, discover how birds have been used as a source of food, fashion, friendship, science and spirituality. Filled with stunning colour illustrations and photography, Song of the Birds is the story of Aotearoa from a birds-eye view.
“Songs of the Birds takes you on a historical tour of New Zealand’s native manu from the time before people set foot on the shore through to the present day….Vennell weaves together the legends, the sayings and the early written accounts to create a story unique from any other publication about the birds of Aotearoa.”
Alex Eagles-Tully, Kete Books
Join bestselling author Robert Vennell on a walk through this fantastical forest, wandering through tales from history, science, and spirituality in search of these weird and wonderful species. Filled with beautiful historical artworks and illustrations, The Forgotten Forest is a celebration of the little things that pass us by and will forever transform a simple walk in the bush.
Longlisted for the 2026 Libro.Fm Audiobook of the Year
“Richly illustrated, this captivating guide transforms every bush walk into a journey through nature’s strangest, most magical life.”
– Aotearoa Booksellers Awards Panel
Secrets of the Sea is a fascinating introduction to New Zealand’s fish and shellfish, weaving together history, biology and culture to reveal how these unique and intriguing creatures have shaped our lives. Ranging from sandy shores and rocky reefs to the open ocean and its cavernous depths, Robert Vennell celebrates the magic and mystery of the world beneath the waves. Lavishly illustrated with stunning photographs and fascinating historical illustrations.
Finalist for the Illustrated Non Fiction Category at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards 2023
“..a wonderful mix of historical records, including amusing anecdotes and amazing accounts, up-to-date scientific research, Māori lore and mātauranga – all cleverly blended together in Vennell’s extremely readable style.”
– Alex Eagles, Kete Books
“Steeped in history and tradition, Secrets of the Sea is a standout. It’s an evolutionary tale that speaks to the way these unique creatures have had a profound impact on our lives on land despite being largely hidden and sometimes forgotten.”
– Jo Lucre, Wellington Regional News
A guide and gift book in equal measure, this treasure of a book pays homage to New Zealand’s native plant species.
The Meaning of Trees tells the story of plants and people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Beautifully illustrated with botanical drawings, paintings and photographs, it shows us how a globally unique flora has been used for food, medicine, shelter, spirituality and science. From Jurassic giants to botanical oddballs – these are our wonderful native and endemic plants, in an exquisite hardback edition.
Longlisted for the Illustrated Non Fiction Category of the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards 2020
Canvas Best Books of 2019
Newsroom Best Books of 2019
‘A lovely leafy avenue winding elegantly through botany, evolution, craft, history, music, medicine, mythology, and food…’
– Graeme Hill, Newsroom
‘Robert Vennell makes wandering through our bush seem like a visit to a giant shopping centre…Every plant has a story and the result is delightfully informative
– Jim Eagles, Canvas
