A beautifully illustrated new children’s book is hoping to inspire a lifelong love of nature by telling the story of one of South Africa’s rarest birds, the Black Harrier, BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2026.
Published by Jacana Media’s Staging Post, For We Are Few combines science, storytelling and art to introduce children and readers of all ages to the remarkable wildlife of the Overberg’s renosterveld, one of the world’s most threatened ecosystems. While rooted in the biodiversity of South Africa’s southern tip, its message is universal: shrinking natural habitats affect all life.
The book was created by four conservationists, scientists and artists: Dr Odette Curtis, CEO of the Overberg Renosterveld Trust (ORT); ORT trustee Dr Melissa Whitecross; biologist and illustrator Suretha Dorse; and artist and graphic designer Sumi Gous.
Meet Molly and Robert
At the heart of the story are Molly and Robert, a pair of Black Harriers raising their chicks in an increasingly fragmented landscape. Along the way, they introduce readers to the rich diversity of renosterveld, from insects and wildflowers to birds and mammals, while also confronting the growing threats posed by habitat loss, monoculture farming, powerlines, wind turbines and expanding human activity.
Lead author Dr Odette Curtis says the project grew from both her scientific work and motherhood.
Kinder connection with nature
“I’ve spent much of my career studying and protecting Black Harriers, as well as renosterveld, one of our most threatened yet richly diverse ecosystems. But when I became a mother, I also once again experienced the wonder of nature, beyond the science, through the eyes of my daughter. Our time spent in nature, reading about nature, and drawing together inspired me to tell a story that I hope will help children fall in love with the natural world.”
She adds: “We wanted to create a book that captures that sense of wonder and curiosity, while introducing readers to the importance of protecting the wild places that remain. Our greatest hope is that this book prompts readers to pause, take a closer look at the extraordinary life unfolding around them, and in doing so, cultivate a kinder, more empathetic connection with nature.”
The book’s publication coincides with the Black Harrier’s designation as BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2026. The species is listed as Endangered, with fewer than 1,300 individuals remaining, and is found almost exclusively in South Africa, with occasional movements into Lesotho and southern Namibia.
Featuring more than 150 illustrated species, each accompanied by a name and a fun fact, For We Are Few is as much a learning resource as it is a storybook.
Co-author Dr Melissa Whitecross says the book is ultimately about hope.
“Children instinctively connect with stories. We hope this book encourages curiosity, compassion and a sense of responsibility for nature. The Black Harrier may be one of our most threatened raptors, but through its story we’re celebrating an entire ecosystem that deserves to be known, valued and protected.”
For We Are Few has also been translated into Afrikaans and is available for R290 through the Overberg Renosterveld Trust’s online shop. It will soon be available from major retailers.
