Weta's success is sky high - Kids to the rescue

It's not The Return of the King, but the award-winning Weta special effects workshop is still part of the return of Champ the Chopper, a sequel by Wellington children's author Rebekah Palmer.

Champ, a little red rescue helicopter, returns in Kids to the Rescue, with illustrations by Weta artist Daniel Falconer.
The picture book will be launched at the Weta Cave in Miramar tomorrow after the first - Champ the Chopper - proved a success with young readers.
Weta provided special effects for director Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy.

But Champ, a smiling little red helicopter, is a far cry from the dark tale of evil orcs and wizards.
"It's great for getting kids into reading, especially young boys. They love those helicopters!" says Palmer.
Weta Workshop was "thrilled" that the series was continuing, says its owner Richard Taylor.
"These stories remind me of the excitement I used to feel as a young boy watching Thunderbirds," he says.
Rescue stories are great for providing kids with positive action."
An animated television series based on the characters is in development.

Palmer, daughter of former prime minister Geoffrey Palmer, started her writing career as a journalist working for the Nelson Mail.
Before Champ, she had two novels published.
This is an NZPA story that apeared in the New Zealand Herald today, 11 October, 2008.
For my report on the earlier title, Champ the Chopper, link here.