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.
