Curious Kai Asks Why
A Middle-Grade Chapter Book
Kai is convinced that learning from animals will help her save the world so she and her artistic mum hook up their camper and travel around Queensland in search of species and scientists who can answer her quirky questions.
This STEM narrative blends engaging characters with real-life science. It is a perfect read for enquiring young minds and teacher resources make it easy to integrate into the classroom.
What Our Readers Think
The early reviews are in! I shared an early preview of my manuscript with a few young wildlife warriors from around Australia, and here’s what they had to say...

what people say
This book is perfect for children who want to learn all about Australian animals, some of their threats, and ideas on how to protect them. I liked the way that Kai met lots of passionate people with different expertise, and how she learnt from them along the way.
ELIJAH - AGE 12

This book was so much fun to read, because it had so many interesting and exciting moments that made you want to read more! One of the things I liked most about Kai is that she always asks questions and that reminds me of me because I love to find out new things. I think this book is really good, especially if you love adventure!
Brooklyn - Age 12

I had fun reading Curious Kai. I enjoyed hearing about all the places she went in Queensland. I liked the cool animals she saw and learned from. I have been to some of the places and seen some of the animals, which was super cool. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
Connor - Age 10

EXPLORE
Curious Kai Asks Why
Children's book author, Dr Sarah Pye, presents her latest wildlife adventure in her new middle-grade chapter book, Curious Kai Asks Why.
Have you ever wondered if songbirds have accents? Or if fish can fly? Or whether bats are rats with wings or birds with fur?
10-year-old Kai, whose mind is constantly brimming with curiosity, has questions like these all the time. She and her artistic mum hitch up their camper trailer and go in search of scientists, and species, who have the answers. Kai is convinced the answers to her burning questions about Queensland's diverse wildlife will help her save the world.
Throughout its twelve chapters, Curious Kai Asks Why features engaging characters, REAL scientists, and real science. Get ready for an unforgettable road trip across Queensland to discover weird and wonderful Aussie creatures and enjoy stunning hand-drawn art!

An exclusive look at one of the many hand-drawn illustrations from my book.
Curious Kai Asks Why Do Bats Have A Bad Rap?

Another sneak peek of a hand-drawn illustration featured in my book.
Curious Kai Asks Why Do Songbirds Have Accents?
Who are the Creators?
Curious Kai’s author, Dr Sarah Pye, and illustrator, Sandra Severgnini, live on the Sunshine Coast in Australia. More importantly, they were both born on June 5th, World Environment Day. So, it’s no wonder they are both passionate about nature and wildlife conservation!

DR Sarah Pye
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 Sevegnini
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.

Why Did I Write This Book?
As an educator and conservationist, I am passionate about igniting a love of nature in the next generation. My personal teaching philosophy is connecting kids and adults to save endangered species through narrative.
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." You can help me achieve this aim one child at a time.
Sneak Peek of the Interior Pages of Curious Kai Asks Why

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Curious Kai Asks Why
