This stunning new children’s book celebrates the beautiful biodiversity of the Overberg through the eyes of the endangered black harrier.
Overberg, South Africa (05 August 2026) – A wonderful new children’s book is highlighting the incredible biodiversity of the Overberg through the eyes of one of South Africa’s rarest birds, the Black Harrier.
‘For We Are Few’, a richly illustrated storybook, follows Molly and Robert, a pair of Black Harriers raising their chicks in the Overberg’s renosterveld. The two endangered raptors lead the story, but they are not the only stars of its pages.
The book is filled with over 150 illustrated species of insects, mammals, reptiles, birds and colourful flowers that make up the extraordinary variety of life that call the Overberg home. Every single one of those species is listed at the back of the book with its name and a fun fact for curious readers to learn more.
The book shines a wonderful light on the Black Harrier, named BirdLife South Africa’s Bird of the Year for 2026. The raptor is one of the country’s most threatened bird species, with fewer than 1300 individuals remaining in the wild, where much of their survival is closely tied to the remaining pockets of renosterveld.
The story gently introduces young readers to their plight. As Molly and Robert guide their chicks through the world, they encounter some of the challenges wildlife faces today – shrinking habitat, monoculture farming, powerlines, wind turbines and expanding human activity.
At its heart though, For We Are Few is less about fear and more about helping children fall in love with the natural world. That is what needs to come first. When you love something, it is more likely that you’ll want to protect it.
Lead author Dr Odette Curtis, CEO of the Overberg Renosterveld Trust, says years spent studying Black Harriers, combined with seeing nature through the eyes of her own daughter, inspired the book.
“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 says the team wanted to create something that sparks curiosity while encouraging readers to appreciate our remaining wild spaces.
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The book is a collaboration between Dr Curtis, Dr Melissa Whitecross, biologist and illustrator Suretha Dorse, and artist and graphic designer Sumi Gous. It brings together science, storytelling and beautiful artwork in a way that little readers will love. It’s written with children in mind, but adults might even find themselves stuck in its pages. We know we are.
Co-author Dr Melissa Whitecross says the story is ultimately one of 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.”
The book is available in English and Afrikaans through the Overberg Renosterveld Trust’s online shop for R290 and will soon be available through major retailers!
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