PRESS RELEASE FROM SCHOLASTIC NEW ZEALAND
The winning author/illustrator duo that claimed the supreme
children’s book award in 2016 – the Margaret Mahy Book of the Year prize – has
again teamed up with publisher Scholastic New Zealand and designer Luke Kelly to
produce a follow-up to the award-winning Anzac
Heroes. This time they’ve written and illustrated a book about the animals
that went to war.
Well-known children’s author Maria Gill and
talented illustrator Marco Ivančić have proven they can do it again. Publishing Manager Lynette Evans says that
Scholastic New Zealand couldn’t be happier with the response to the book from
those who have already seen it. “Maria and Marco are a talented and unstoppable
match. Maria’s meticulously researched text combines perfectly with the energy
in Marco’s highly realistic illustrations to bring history to life in full
colour and absorbing detail. We are privileged to partner with them in creating
these timeless and information-loaded books for children.”
Anzac
Animals includes the heartwarming stories of the
mascots and working animals that helped the Anzacs during World War I and World
War II. “There’s a mixture of the sad, funny, and awe-inspiring stories about
the animals that went to war,” says Gill. “The tales show how much the animals
meant to the Anzacs, and the lengths they would go to save their charges. I
picked a wide range of animals, from kangaroos, cats, monkeys, a tortoise and a
chicken, to dogs, horses, mules, donkeys, camels and pigeons. Some were found
in the battle zones, others purchased from locals, and quite a few brought from
home. They all made a difference to the men’s lives and helped them endure the
war.” Girls and boys will enjoy reading the captivating stories, as well as
poring over the stunning illustrations, photographs and graphics.
With 2018 being the final 100-year
commemorations for World War I, the book is a compassionate note to end the
anniversary. Gill is touring with Storylines to Christchurch schools from 12-16
March, with Duffy Books to Rotorua schools from 19-23 March, and giving
workshops to local schools at the National Army Museum and then onto Napier
Schools in the final week of March, including a book launch at Wardini’s
Bookshop in Napier at 4pm on Wednesday 28 March.
Media enquiries:
Sophia Broom, Scholastic NZ
+64 9 968 9832
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