Some of you might think that authors beaver away on their computers by themselves when writing a book and then the publishers do their thing and voila the book is published. Well, with this book – quite a few people had a hand in the making. First of all, there was Dee Pignéguy who gave me the idea to write the book – she's a real greenie too. My husband (Rod) helped me with some of the more controversial and technical research in the book. Because some of the science is unfolding as we speak – I contacted experts to verify what I had written was on the mark. My publishing manager and their designer at New Holland turned the book into a snazzy teen-look book. Then there was all the wonderful people I interviewed in the book to get their eco hero stories.

The eco-heroes truly inspired me, so much so – I started up a blog that will tell you where conservation events are happening around the country, give more eco hero stories (and I want to hear your stories too)

and record anything that is relevant to kids making a difference with the environment.

I do 'walk the talk' – I live on a lifestyle property in Matakana. We have ten chickens, sheep and a huge organic garden and orchard. We compost, reduce waste, conserve water and power, as much as we can. We eat organic or spray free food. And for the last twelve years we've sponsored a World Vision child – a gorgeous girl called Namanda in Uganda. I also help co-ordinate kiwi releases on Motuora Island. I hope the book inspires you to walk lightly on this planet too.