A thrilling eco-adventure filled with courage and friendship.
When Ruby finds herself without her family on New Year’s Eve, she runs away with her dog to the one place she feels safe – her treehouse in the forest.
Joined by her friend, Te Ariki (aka ‘Spider’), the pair soon make a surprising discovery – there’s a kiwi living in a burrow nearby, caring for a newborn chick. A white kiwi chick.
Accompanied by a strange talking doll, and aided by the ancient wairua of the bush, Ruby and Spider step up to become true forest guardians, risking their lives to stop unscrupulous wildlife smugglers from stealing this rare native treasure.
Not a picture book, this is my debut mid-grade novel for 9-12 year olds.
Kate De Goldi, Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador December 2025
” … all the characters in the book are textured and real. They have frailties, foibles and can behave badly – but also splendidly. I think it’s quite a beautifully rendered complex story …”
“Ghost Kiwi is a beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand story full of kindness, friendship, and courage. The plot is fast-paced and fun, making it a great read for older juniors, or to be shared as a read aloud.”
Read NZ, Te Pou Muramura“…an easygoing story tackling some difficult topics. A satisfying mix of adventure and friendship, with a dash of the supernatural (…)”
Anne Packer, NZ Listener August 2025
Ruth Paul Picture Books NZ 