The Beginning
The Adventures of Hewey the Helicopter & Binnie the Beagle
How a too-small helicopter found his farm, his friends, and his courage. The very first Farmstead adventure, made for reading aloud together.
“Warm, honest stories where courage is kind, every friend matters, and help is always on the way.”
Nobody wanted the little yellow helicopter. Then Binnie came along.
At the Aeronauts factory, the little yellow helicopter is too small to lift the heavy loads, so he's left alone in a dark corner. When Binnie the Beagle finds him there, crying, she promises she'll come back.
But on a test flight over the forest, it's Binnie who goes missing, just as night falls. The big, flash helicopters can't find her in the dark. Could the smallest helicopter of all have a gift nobody knew about?
A funny, tender, edge-of-your-seat read-aloud about being small, being brave, and finding the thing that makes you special.
Turn the first pages
A peek at the pictures inside. Tap one to see it up close.
What every Hewey story carries
Adventure with a soft landing. Every story leaves little ones feeling safe, and a little braver.
Courage that's kind
Hewey isn't the biggest or the strongest. He's brave in the way that matters most: he shows up for his friends.
Every friend matters
A too-small helicopter, a beagle who never gives up and a retired old chopper: on the Farmstead, everyone has a place.
Help is always on the way
Storms, rescues and journeys, always ending back home. Big feelings, never frightening, and just right for bedtime.
Rooted in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Written by Billie Jo Hohepa-Ropiha and set on the Free-Range Farmstead in Waima, New Zealand, with Kiwi warmth on every page.
The friends you'll meet in Book 1
Everyone in Waima has a heart of gold, even the ones made of tin.
Hewey
Too small for the factory. Just right for the Farmstead.
Binnie
Hewey's first friend, and the one who never gives up on him.
Farmer Jim Hop
Kind hands and a straw hat, looking for a new helicopter.
Charlie the Chopper
He can't fly any more, but he'll always be number one.
Get all three books
- 1The BeginningHow a too-small helicopter found his farm, his friends, and his courage.
- 2Home Sweet HomeA stormy night, a big misunderstanding, and a gentle lesson about the trees we love.
- 3Wish on a Full MoonUnder a rare full moon, a wish flickers to life, and Mema discovers a gentle magic all her own.
Questions from grown-ups
What age is it for?
Ages 3–8. It's written to be read aloud, with short sentences and a gentle rhythm, and confident young readers can try it on their own.
Is it a hardcover or a paperback?
We'll confirm the format and size here before orders open.
When will my book arrive?
We'll share delivery times, including Christmas order dates, here before orders open.
Who wrote it?
The Adventures of Hewey the Helicopter & Binnie the Beagle are written by Billie Jo Hohepa-Ropiha, and set on the Free-Range Farmstead in Waima, New Zealand.
Are there more books?
Yes. Books 2 and 3 come together with Book 1 in the 3-book set, and more Farmstead adventures are on the way.
Bring Hewey home
The story of how a little yellow helicopter found his family, ready for bedtime on your shelf.
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