Let's Go, For Now, Tolly Rabbit
Told by Tāne Mahuta, Let’s Go, For Now, Tolly Rabbit is a gentle, rhythmic picture book set in a reserve near Napier, where native bush meets open grasslands.
The story opens in stillness and darkness, as the land holds its breath beneath the night, watched over by Tāne Mahuta, guardian of the ngahere.
As dawn arrives, young Tolly Rabbit emerges from her warm burrow to nibble grass, play with her rabbit friends, and race through winding underground tunnels that keep them safe. When danger appears in the form of a stoat, Tolly is helped by her friend Bill, who guides her to safety, showing the power of looking out for one another. Beneath the ground, rabbits rest, care for their babies, and find protection from the changing seasons above.
Throughout the story, Tāne observes quietly, reflecting on balance, care, and choice. The book closes with a hopeful question for readers: can trees, birds, stoats and rabbits live together in harmony, if we choose wisely and care for the land and for one another?
The life cycle of rabbits could further have us reflect on how it affects our biodiversity in Aotearoa.
An 18-page illustrated picture book set near Napier, Let’s Go, for now, Tolly Rabbit follows a young rabbit’s dawn adventure through grasslands and native bush. Guided by Tāne Mahuta, the story blends gentle rhythm and natural observation, inviting young readers to reflect on safety, friendship, balance, and biodiversity in Aotearoa.