Two picture books featuring NZ heroes

ED CLIMBS A BIG HILL

Dreydon Sobanja

Illustrated by Jennifer Smith

Published by Inspired Kids Limited, 04 March 2013; RRP: $19.99

A PERCENTAGE FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK WILL BE DONATED TO THE HIMALAYAN TRUST

Inspirational Kiwi Sir Edmund Hillary was once just an ordinary boy, albeit with an extraordinary dream; to one day climb the biggest hill of them all, Mount Everest.

Ed Climbs a Big Hill is the charming, inspiring and educational story about Ed’s boyhood dream and how he turned his audacious dream into a reality; one step at a time, one foot after another, until he got all the way to the top!

Talented new writer Dreydon Sobanja has created publishing company Inspired Kids Limited (www.inspiredkids.co.nz) and is the author behind a new series of children’s picture books about inspirational Kiwis, which he is writing to encourage young readers to dream big. Aimed at children aged between 4 and 7 years of age, his stories will also appeal to older children and adults.

Dreaming big is something Dreydon knows a lot about. Two years ago he hit rock bottom – he was 20kgs overweight, unfit and depressed – and knew that things had to change. He decided to compete in triathlons and to rekindle his creative side by writing and publishing children’s books. He has since competed in 15 triathlons, ten ocean swims (New Zealand’s fastest growing sport), was named as a ‘Contact Inspirational Kiwi’ at the Whangamata triathlon in 2011 and set up publishing company Inspired Kids Limited. Dreydon’s next lofty goal is to become a Triathlon age-group World Champion.

Ed Climbs a Big Hill is the first of two books Dreydon is publishing in March; the second is Jean Dreams of Flying, an inspiring story about another extraordinary Kiwi, Jean Batten. Dreydon will be writing and publishing more stories about Inspiring Kiwis in 2014 and beyond.

Beautifully illustrated by Auckland-based artist, illustrator and graphic designer Jennifer Smith, Ed Climbs a Big Hill draws young Kiwi readers in to the story and educates them about Ed’s life and extraordinary achievement. Dreydon also encourages kid’s to focus on THEIR dreams and, at the back of the book, gives them some key tools and resources to get them started on their journey all the way to the top.

Dreydon Sobanja was born in Auckland in 1972 and grew up on Waiheke Island. He graduated from the University of Auckland in 2004 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Management and Employment Relations, earning senior prizes in both his major subjects. He has lived and travelled extensively overseas, and worked in the field of accountancy for most of his life. He is passionate about health and fitness; and reaching out to Kiwi kid’s, inspiring them to make their dreams come true.

For more information about Sir Edmund Hillary, educational resources and teachers’ resources, and how to make your dreams come true, please visit www.inspiredkids.co.nz

  

 JEAN DREAMS OF FLYING

Dreydon Sobanja

Illustrated by Terry Fitzgibbon

Published by Inspired Kids Limited, 04 March 2013; RRP: $19.99

Inspirational Kiwi Jean Batten was once just a normal girl, albeit with an extraordinary dream; one in which she was a bird who could fly high, high up in the sky and far, far away.

Jean Dreams of Flying is the delightful, inspiring and educational story about Jean’s girlhood dream about wanting to fly high in the sky and far away. She may have been mocked by her annoying brother and friends, but Jean held fast to her dream and became the first woman in the world to fly all the way from England to Australia and back again.

Talented new writer Dreydon Sobanja has created his publishing company Inspired Kids Limited (www.inspiredkids.co.nz) and is the author behind a new series of children’s picture books about inspirational Kiwis, which he is writing to encourage young readers to dream big. Aimed at children aged between 4 and 7 years of age, his stories will also appeal to older children and adults.

Dreaming big is something Dreydon knows a lot about. Two years ago he hit rock bottom – he was 20kgs overweight, unfit and depressed – and knew that things had to change. He decided to compete in triathlons and to rekindle his creative side by writing and publishing children’s books. He has since competed in 15 triathlons, ten ocean swims (New Zealand’s fastest growing sport), was named as a ‘Contact Inspirational Kiwi’ at the Whangamata triathlon in 2011 and set up publishing company Inspired Kids Limited. Dreydon’s next lofty goal is to become a Triathlon age-group World Champion.

Jean Dreams of Flying is the first of two books Dreydon is publishing in March; the second is Ed Climbs a Big Hill, an inspiring story about another extraordinary Kiwi, Sir Edmund Hillary. Dreydon will be writing and publishing more stories about Inspiring Kiwis in 2014 and beyond.

Handsomely illustrated by award-winning artist and designer Terry Fitzgibbon, Jean Dreams of Flying draws young Kiwi readers in to the story and educates them about Jean’s life and awe-inspiring achievement. Through his story-telling, Dreydon encourages kids to focus on THEIR dreams and, at the back of the book, gives them some key tools and resources to get them started on their journey.

Dreydon Sobanja was born in Auckland in 1972 and grew up on Waiheke Island. He graduated from the University of Auckland in 2004 with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Management and Employment Relations, earning senior prizes in both his major subjects. He has lived and travelled extensively overseas, and worked in the field of accountancy for most of his life. He is passionate about health and fitness, and reaching out to Kiwi kid’s, inspiring them to make their dreams come true.

Terry Fitzgibbon has illustrated 15 books and creates artwork in a variety of traditional and digital mediums. His paintings and photographs have been successfully exhibited in galleries in New Plymouth, Auckland and Whangarei. Terry is Creative Director at Making Waves Design Company, based in Northland. 

An invitation to the launch

Both of these books are beinmg launched at the St Heliers Library this coming Saturday (2) at 1pm. 

Link for full details – http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2013/inspired-kids-book-launch/auckland/st-heliers