Discover the lives of some impressive New Zealand men and women - people who have achieved fame through their exploits as scientists, pioneers, adventurers, leaders, inventors, artists and sportspeople. Where have they come from- What was their early childhood like- What made them successful.

This collection samples and celebrates 50 famous New Zealanders. As well as the greats: Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Peter Blake and Jean Batten, there are experts on Giant squid and orca, powerful women, one of the most famous film producers in the world, and some of the best artists and most successful sports people in the world. Brilliant caricatures capture the essence of each person on double-page spreads. Photographic picture 'strips', trophy boards, fascinating box panels and timelines build the profiles further. Illustrator Bruce Potter (international edition of The Whale Rider) has teamed up with skilled author, Maria Gill, to produce a superb, inspirational resource. This book is a treasure trove of 50 true-life stories for all young New Zealanders to marvel over.

Author Biography

Maria Gill writes children's non-fiction often with an environmental message. She has had seven books published, including Save Our Seas and Eco-Rangers Save the Planet with New Holland. Maria has a background in Primary school teaching and now writes full-time from her lifestyle block in Matakana. Bruce Potter is an international award-winning illustrator of over 95 books. His Whale Rider (illustrated edition) has been translated into many languages. Bruce is known for his realistic style and fine detail but he also has a background in cartooning and caricature for a number of newspapers around the world.