Knights are supposed to fight dragons. But Mouse and Dragon never fight. Mouse and Dragon are best friends.

 Sir Mouse to the Rescue is one of three books soon to be released by Book Island, an up-and-coming children’s book publisher located in the Kapiti Coast.

The book’s publication will mark the three-year anniversary of owner Greet Pauwelijn (above) and her family’s move to New Zealand – a country, she says, that has been incredibly supportive of her endeavour to become an independent publisher.

Award-winning Belgian children’s author Dirk Nielandt chronicles the adventures of Sir Mouse, a stubborn knight, and her long-suffering friend, Dragon.

Mouse has a sword. She wears a suit of armour. She is a knight. She is bold Sir Mouse. Dragon does not have a sword. She does not wear a suit of armour. She is just Dragon. Join Sir Mouse and Dragon as they rescue Prince, outwit Cat, have a fancy dress party, and learn all about knighthood, friendship, and the true meaning of happily ever after. Sir Mouse to the Rescue is a book of bold adventures and comical tales for emerging readers, both boys and girls.

Nielandt’s years as a scriptwriter for Belgian television – including a stint on the Dutch version of Sesame Street – have enabled him to perfect the art of witty and quick-paced conversation that makes this book so entertaining.

However, it is internationally acclaimed illustrator Marjolein Pottie’s distinctive illustrations, created through a combination of collage and paper-cutting techniques, which bring Nielandt’s quirky characters to life and transform Sir Mouse to the Rescue into a work of art.

Both Nielandt and Pottie’s works have been translated into numerous languages. Book Island is pleased to present New Zealand with Sir Mouse to the Rescue in both English and Dutch.

“Children and adults alike will recognise and warm to the delightfully portrayed friendship between audacious Mouse and thoughtful, acquiescent Dragon. We’ve all observed Mouse-Dragon friendships. In fact, most of us are either Mouse or Dragon at one time or another.” – Johanna Knox

Kapiti Coast Book Launch, 11 November – ALL WELCOME

Book Island’s first three titles – Sammy and the Skyscraper Sandwich, Sir Mouse to the Rescue, and Bernie and Flora will be launched at 2pm, Sunday 11 November at Raumati South Memorial Hall, Tennis Court Road, Kapiti Coast. The launch will include, among several other exciting activities for children, sword and princess hat making and the construction of our own gigantic, recyclable sandwich (based on Sammy and the Skyscraper Sandwich). Please bring up to 5 clean, dry, recyclable items (not glass) from your green bin. Make sure you write your name and e-mail address on them to be in the draw to win a Book Island prize. To acknowledge the books’ Belgian origins we will also be singing Dutch and Flemish children’s songs, and six hundred Belgian crepes have been ordered. Please check out the Book Island website for more details about this launch: www.bookisland.co.nz.

Wellington Book Launch, 19 November – ALL WELCOME

The books will also be launched at The Children’s Bookshop, Shop 26, Kilbirnie Plaza, Kilbirnie on Monday 19 November, 7.30–9.30pm. At the event, Book Island publisher Greet Pauwelijn will be giving a talk about Belgian children’s book illustrations. This is a unique opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the art of illustrating – so don’t miss out!