Ernest Rutherford grew up in a tiny town in New Zealand. He had a curious mind and yearned to further his education. But his family could not afford to send him to high school or university. Three times he tried for scholarships and each time he failed. However, with perseverance and patience he finally succeeded, and he'd go on to become one of the world's greatest scientists. This is a story about New Zealand's most famous scientist and not giving up on your dreams.

ALISTAIR HUGHES has illustrated several children’ s books including Kea: Curiouser and Curiouser, Snapper: The Real Story, and Ice Breaker! An Epic Antarctic Adventure. He has also written, designed and illustrated a visual analysis of British genre films, and has a further young reader’ s book about astronomy in New Zealand currently in preparation. He worked for a major media organisation for almost two decades and now writes, illustrates and designs graphics for his own company; Shoreline Creative, while living in a little mountainside village near Nelson. Maria Gill has written 60 books for the Australasian and international markets. Her book 'Anzac Heroes' won the 2016 Book of the Year prize as well as the nonfiction award. 'New Zealand Hall of Fame' won the 2012 Children's Choice (nonfiction category) and ten books have been selected as Storylines Notable Books. She grew up in New Zealand, lived in a caravan in the outback of Australia during her teenage years and backpacked around the world in her early 20s. Maria has had an eclectic career as a typist, teacher, and a nanny in Greece. Now, she's a fulltime writer living in a seaside village.