Where Cuckoos Call

by Des Hunt

Where Cuckoos Call tells the story of a migratory shining cuckoo, raised by 12 year old Ben Mansfield, a keen ornithologist who looks after endangered birds nesting in a sheltered bay on his family farm in the Coromandel Peninsula. Ben and his mum are dealing with the long term effects of his father's debilitating illness, and when it looks as if the farm will have to sold, Ben's life turns upside down. He must grow up fast as change threatens his family, his home, and his beloved birds, when a resort development is unveiled and marauding hoons hit the beaches on motocross bikes. But Ben finds and unexpected ally - and his decision to defy his father and raise an orphaned Shining Cuckoo takes him far across the Pacific to Vanuatu. But the same ally also lands him in serious trouble when a misguided attempt to help backfires, landing him in deep trouble. We have been having increasing success with Des through developing extensive and detailed teacher's notes to accompany his books, which will feature once again.

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Des Hunt was a science and technology teacher for many years, interspersed with periods of curriculum development both in New Zealand and overseas. During this time he had several textbooks published to support the New Zealand curriculum. In recent years he has looked at other ways of interesting youngsters in science, creating computer games and writing non-fiction and fiction with scientific themes.

After living in Auckland for much of his life he moved with his wife, Lynne, to Matarangi on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula. He retired from the classroom in 2007 to concentrate on writing fiction for children. He continues his aims of fostering young peoples’ natural interest in the science of their surroundings by visiting schools and libraries where he runs workshops and presentations.

Reviews

[Irene Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I was researching books about Vanuatu. What I found was a teenagers book that I think should be compulsory reading for adults. It was a delightful book, very emotive and taught some very good lessons.

[Zak Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is by a New Zealand author.

Ben Mansfield is a boy with a mission. His aim is too create a safe haven for the birds of The Coromandel Peninsula. Ben has to overcome problems like mean bikers, orphan cuckoos, rare birds and his ill-tempered, unpredictable Dad with Leptospirosis.

I was introduced to Des Hunt by my Dad because Des Hunt was my Dads science teacher in college. I have read a few of Des Hunts books and they're all pretty awesome. Along with Frog Whistle Mine and Crocodile Nest I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read a book by a Kiwi author.

[Genevieve Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet book, despite the bullies. Recommended to ages 10+