A waxeye attacked by cats, a penguin mauled by a dog and a morepork hit by a truck. These are true stories Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre Wildlife Trust encounters regularly, which are being relayed in children's books to educate youngsters about caring for wildlife.

Illustrated by Stiaan Viljoen, ‘Frankie and the Flypaper' is the first of the eight-book series to be launched this week.

ARRC Wildlife Trust manager Sue Mackey and founder Liza Schneider and manager Sue Mackey reading ‘Frankie and the Flypaper' to Livia, 2, and Alenie, 4, Cooke. Photo by Tracy Hardy.

ARRC founder Liza Schneider believes education is imperative for a sustainable, long-term solution for many of the issues the trust encounters where man impacts on nature.

'One of ARRC's aims is to help educate children about the importance of conservation, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and how these themes link in together.”

Liza says ARRC is working to obtain sufficient funding so the books can be distributed to Bay of Plenty schools with suggested lesson plans and perhaps an ARRC education officer, so children can be educated about human impact on wildlife.

'Long-term we're aiming to distribute these books nationally and through commercial channels so we can share this information with as many people as possible throughout New Zealand.”

ARRC is looking for sponsors to help with the education project and they welcome interest from illustrators interested in illustrating some of the upcoming books.

Liza hopes to release the second book – ‘Wiremu the Waxeye' – in the next few months.

The books cost $12.50, with all funds going towards ARRC. They will be available from ARRC at 212 Fraser St or online at www.arrc.org.nz