We’re excited to announce the launch of our member Dr Sarah Pye’s new children’s book, Curious Kai Asks Why. Sarah has presented at our conferences two years running, and led the last cohort on a journey into the power of narratives for wildlife engagement.
The offical book launch of Curious Kai Asks Why will be in September 2025, but Sarah would love all our support and is giving us the chance to preorder here.
What makes this book different?
This book is essentially an Australian wildlife adventure story. Throughout its twelve chapters, Curious Kai Asks Why features engaging characters, REAL scientists, and real science, supporting the messages you are trying to convey.
10-year-old Kai’s inquisitive mind brims with questions like: Do songbirds have accents? Can fish can fly? Are bats are rats with wings or birds with fur?
She and her artistic mum hitch up their camper trailer and travel around Queensland in search of scientists, and species, who have the answers. Kai is convinced the answers will help her save the world.
Not only am I impressed with Sarah’s writing style, but the sketch illustrations by award-winning illustrator, Sandra Severgini are exquisite.
Why This Book is Perfect for Wildlife Tourism Operators and Facilities
Curious Kai Asks Why is suitable for children aged 8-12. The featured species include flying foxes, speccies, cassowaries, praying mantis, manta rays, loggerhead turtles, bilbies, glossy black cockatoos, katydids, and songbirds, making this both an incredible teaching tool, and a fantastic sourvenier for your guests.
Long after your young visitors leave your tour, or premises, Sarah aims to extend their connection and learning. She is happy to discuss wholesale rates and you can reach her through her website, but I suggest you start by grabbing a copy hot off the press.
So why did Sarah write THIS book?
Dr Jane Goodall once said, “Only if we understand, can we care. Only if we care, we will help. Only if we help, we shall be saved.” As an educator and conservationist, Sarah is passionate about igniting a love of nature in the next generation. Her personal teaching philosophy is connecting kids and adults to save endangered species through narrative.
Together, we an help her reach that goal.
Cover design and specifics
Author and educator, Dr Sarah Pye, is an avid traveller with a passion for all things wildlife. When she was 13, Sarah moved onto a small boat with her parents and sailed around the world, where she swam with dolphins, survived storms, and held night watches. As an adult, she’s driven whale-watch boats in Hawaii, written guidebooks about Australia, and led wildlife tours in Borneo. ‘Curious Kai Asks Why’ is Sarah’s seventh children’s book, all of them aim to foster wonder and stewardship of the natural world.
Sandra SevergniniSandra drawing a picture of the protagonist, Kai
Award-winning illustrator, Sandra Severgnini, is seldom seen without a sketch pad or iPad. She is fascinated by the amazing natural world around her, in the bush and the backyard. Sandra loves nothing better than capturing what she sees on paper. Her observation skills, attention to detail and sense of humour bring her illustrations to life.
Here is the publishing timeline we are currently working with Curious Kai Asks Why, with the official book launch and shipping expected to begin in September 2025, before Christmas. The manuscript, editing, and illustrations are completed and the printing process is expected to be completed by end of September.