When Eugene’s father gets a job on a remote and uninhabited New Zealand bird sanctuary, Eugene isn’t sure the wild and windy island is going to be the wonderful adventure his parents think it will be. Especially when they tell Eugene they have to move on his birthday.
Written by Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod and illustrated by Anna McKessar, Eugene’s Island is an early children’s chapter book fiction series where readers can experience with Eugene the problems, pitfalls and potential that lie in island life.
Find more information on the series website – eugenes-island.com
Eugene’s Island are illustrated chapter books, appealing to independent readers 5 – 7 years old as they begin to read chapter books, and still suitable for reading aloud to younger children or for classroom use. Similar in size and market to series by Sally Rippin, Yvette Poshoglian and Susannah McFarlane, Eugene’s Island is unique in offering a New Zealand setting and a gentle introduction to environmental concerns, all within simple, enjoyable tales.
A large portion of the language used in the writing is from the ‘basic sight word’ lists used in many New Zealand primary schools.
Books in the Series
The Birthday Solution: Eugene arrives on the island on his birthday but nothing is working out as planned. Can he find a way to make this birthday special and enjoy his new home?
The Christmas Visitors: Eugene’s cousins are coming for Christmas! But will they like his new home? And how will they react when it turns out they aren’t the only special visitors who will arrive on the island for Christmas day?
The Pet Problem: Eugene would love to have his pet dog Jupiter join him on the island, but Dad keeps saying no. Can Eugene’s grandma bring Jupiter with her when she visits? And if she does what will happen to the other animals on the island?
The Art Project: Living on the island has changed lots of things for Eugene, including having to do schoolwork at home. An accident in the ocean causes problems and distracts Eugene from his latest school project. Can he help protect the birds on the island and finish his project in time?
Trade & School Distribution
We are distributed by Publishers Distribution Ltd, to trade customers, and are available in bookstores nationwide, contact: orders@pubdist.co.nz
What Readers Say
“Cool kiwi books for adventure loving 5-8 year olds, perfect chrissie pressies and good feels to boot. Great work.”
“After a few minutes of excited squealing all I can hear is the rustle of pages turning… success!”
“Very happy little customer over here! She has already finished her first book.”
Elizabeth Kirkby-McLeod - Author 