Launch of Kate Sheppard: Leading the way for Women book

Anzac Heroes Launched!

Local Children Learn About ANZAC Heroes

Accomplished children’s author Maria Gill shared stories of ANZAC men and women of WWI and WWII when she officially launched her latest book ANZAC HEROES at the National Army Museum today.

Over 100 school children from Waiouru and Ohakune Primary Schools, and Tokoroa Intermediate were treated to a workshop session with Maria and talented Illustrator Marco Ivancic which included stories of our Anzac heroes, research methods and the use of photos as a reference for art.

Museum Marketing Manager Nicola Bennett said, “We are delighted to have an author of Maria’s calibre here today, the Museum has assisted with the provision of some of the photographs in this wonderful book and it is fitting that it be launched here so close to ANZAC Day.”

Maria has travelled the country giving ‘author talks’ and this is the start of a series of ‘Anzac Hero’ talks planned to children across the country. “I want to get the message across that these soldiers thought they were going on a big adventure but that was far from the truth. They had to face a lot of hardship and it was quite an achievement to make it home, said Maria.”

Ohakune Primary School teacher Alison Whale said, “It has been particularly fantastic for the children to meet the actual Author and Illustrator and learn about their craft first hand.”

Anzac Heroes gives children an overview of the two World Wars, and takes them on a journey with some of the heroes, focusing on the triumphs and tragedies of 30 heroic Australians. The book is well supported with detailed maps, timelines and charts as well as stunning life-like illustrations and historical photos.

Maria, a former school teacher has written 45 children’s books receiving accolades including seven Storylines Notables and has been shortlisted for six LIANZA Elsie Locke Awards and two New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards. This is the second book Marco and Maria have collaborated on, the first, New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame, was a 2015 Storylines Notable Book and was shortlisted for the 2015 LIANZA Elsie Locke Non-Fiction Award.

Enhanced e-book Launch at Auckland Zoo

On Sunday 8th September we're having a book launch for two enhanced e-books - the first of their kind in New Zealand:  'Operation Nest Egg chick' illustrated by Bruce Potter, and 'The Rock Standing in the Ocean' illustrated by Heather Arnold - both written by myself, and published by Pixel Book.

The book launch is at 10.30am in the Elephant House, Auckland Zoo (normal admission price applies).  I'm going to tell everyone how I became involved in releasing kiwi chicks and why I wrote the book 'Operation Nest Egg Chick'. To show kids just why kiwi are so endangered I'll get some kids from the audience to act out a scene with puppets. Bruce will then show his artwork and draw a kiwi in front of everyone. We'll then look at the two enhanced e-books on a projector screen. In between speakers, Bruce and I have some awesome kiwi biscuits to give away. A human-sized kiwi is going to give those out for us. Afterwards, kids can draw a kiwi or a kaka and get some tips from Bruce.  Will be a fun morning - do join us!

Operation Nest Egg Chick by Maria Gill, illustrated by Bruce Potter (www.pixelbook.co.nz )

Operation Nest Egg Chick is the story of two kiwi chicks; one that is raised in the wild and one that is cared for by the ^BNZOperation Nest Egg programme.  How does the programme ensure the second kiwi chick’s survival? Who cares for the chick and how do they do it?

·         A ground-breaking interactive children’s book

·         A creative non-fiction tale about the programme that has saved the nation’s icon

·         Award winning artwork from Bruce Potter

·         Includes expandable fact boxes, timelines, diagrams, videos and photographs

·         Interactive activities

·         In line with the New Zealand and Australian curriculum

·         Teaching resources available

Maria Gill is an award winning author with a background in teaching and journalism. Three of her books have been shortlisted for New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards. New Zealand Hall of Fame won the children’s choice award in the non-fiction category. Four books have been shortlisted for the LIANZA awards, and five have been awarded Storylines Notable Book Awards. Maria also volunteers for the ^BNZOperation Nest Egg programme helping release kiwi chicks onto Motuora Island. www.mariagill.co.nz

Bruce Potter has illustrated over 100 children’s books. His illustrations for Papa’s Donuts earned him a second place in the World’s Best Illustration at the 2007 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards. His book Ngā Taniwha I te-Whanga-nui-a-Tara by Moira Wairama won the Te Kura Pounamu award at LIANZA 2012. Bruce Potter’s realistic artwork has been sold in galleries, he teaches children and adults how to paint, and he’s drawn caricatures for newspapers around the world.

Released 8th September 2013

Formats: EPUB3

32 digital pages, RRP NZ$16.00

$1 from each book goes to the Kiwis for Kiwi Trust

Purchase now from pixelbook.co

The Rock Standing in the Ocean by Maria Gill, illustrated by Heather Arnold (www.pixelbook.co.nz)

 

Have you ever wondered how a submarine volcano becomes an island?

The Rock Standing in the Ocean tells the dramatic story of how a volcano formed, how it became populated with animals and plants until a menace threatened its survival. Find out how the island’s guardians are saving it today.

·         A ground-breaking digital non-fiction children’s book

·         A creative non-fiction tale about the formation of a volcanic island

·         Award winning artwork from illustrator Heather Arnold

·         Includes drop-down fact boxes, timelines, diagrams, and photographs

·         Interactive activities  with a Word Find, a colouring-in picture and online links

·          In line with the New Zealand and Australian curriculum

June 2013

Formats: Epub3

16 digital pages, RRP NZ$12

ISBN: 978-0-473-23913-8

For use on iPads, digital devices, Smart Boards, digital projectors

Digital and Animation design Pixelbook Ltd

www.pixelbook.co

Scaling volcanoes for new book

In the weekend just gone, I walked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It took 9 1/2 hours for my friends and I to walk it. I have to confess I wasn't sure if I had the stamina. But we did it; albeit a bit longer than most. The next day I had sore everything.


The Tongariro crossing is only one of the volcanoes in New Zealand I have visited over the last six months.  Last year, I visited all the thermal areas in Taupo and Rotorua. With a friend (Kathy White) we caught a boat over to White Island; an active volcano near Whakatane.  That was a real thrill! We had to wear hard hats and masks. Then when I went to Christchurch I took the opportunity to go on a boat trip around Akaroa Harbour, which is a large shield volcano in the South Island. I've visited Rangitoto and One Tree Hill before.

So, why all this volcano activity on my part?  I've written a children's non-fiction book called 'Eruption! Discovering New Zealand's Volcanoes' due out in the first week of July.  I'm going to launch it at the National Library in Parnell, Auckland.  Lucky viewers will get a taste of my volcano cake and sparkly magma juice. You could say - I've been scaling volcanoes for my new book!