Dragon Island is an enchanting book dealing with the difficult issue of Saying No to Violence

Internationally Acclaimed Children’s Book Authors Martin Baynton (The WotWots, Jane and the Dragon,) and Terri Baynton (Mr Bear Branches and the Cloud Conundrum) Launch Their New Picture Book –

Dragon Island

Dragon Island is an enchanting book dealing with the difficult issue of Saying No to Violence – Bullying Prevention Advisory Group and Newtown School to create resources to accompany book

Dragon Island is a new collaboration by father and daughter creators, Martin and Terri Baynton and is an enchanting new book from Scholastic NZ that deals with the difficult issue of saying no to violence.  At one level it is a simple tale of courage and conviction, at another it is a tool children can use to discuss aggressive behaviour through a story that is childcentric, life-affirming and engaging.

Dragon Island was written by Martin Baynton (Jane and the Dragon, The WotWots) and illustrated by his daughter, Terri Baynton (Mr Bear Branches and the Cloud Conundrum). Both have distinguished careers creating books for children, but Dragon Island is their first collaboration on a picture book.

Children’s Commissioner Dr Russell Wills, the Principal of Newtown School Mark Brown, and the Bullying Prevention Advisory Group (BPAG), are delighted to be supporting Dragon Island.

Dr Russell Wills has announced an initiative by BPAG and Newtown School in Wellington to create a package of resource materials to accompany the book.  These will be designed to make the book a powerful tool for parents, teachers and everyone dealing with the consequences of violence in the lives of our children.

"Bullying is preventable", said Dr Wills. “"Bullying harms both the bully and the victim  If schools and communities work together we can markedly reduce bullying and our children will thank us for generations to come. Dragon Island is both a lovely story and a resource for teachers. Children will love the story of Norman, the brave dragon who wants to create things. Teachers now have a resource to introduce an important conversation with students about standing up to bullies. Martin and Terri have created a book that will become a wonderful addition to the package of anti-bullying material available.”

The book is published by Scholastic NZ and is available in print in New Zealand and Australia with a simultaneous worldwide release online as a digital book.

  

“We feel honoured to have published Dragon Island,” said Lynette Evans, Publishing Manager at Scholastic New Zealand, “and we couldn’t be happier with the response to the book from those who have already read it. Books that focus on issues can be a challenge for publishers in today’s market, but Dragon Island’s gentle message is brought to life through a beautifully written story with playful illustrations that are bursting with detail and character. Martin and Terri have created a quietly confronting book that is witty, engaging and uplifting. We hope it will inspire and give courage to those who may need to follow Norman’s lead.”

Scholastic has been bringing the best in children’s books to New Zealand for more than 50 years, and is recognised as the world’s market leader in children’s publishing. The publishing team works with New Zealand authors and illustrators to create books that children love to experience, and that adults love reading with them. They believe that finding the right book at the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them to read more, understand more and read joyfully. When that happens, the world opens and everything becomes possible.

The Office of the Children's Commissioner advocates for the best interests of all children and young people in New Zealand and looks to ensure all of their rights are respected and upheld.

Martin Baynton (left) has had a long and distinguished international career with over thirty titles published around the world.  His Jane and the Dragon book series was first released in 1986 and has never been out of print. In 2006 it was adapted for TV by Pukeko Pictures, the New Zealand screen production company established by Martin and his business partners, Richard Taylor and Tania Rodgers. Pukeko Pictures is an exciting New Zealand success story as a growing TV company. Their preschool show The WotWots, developed and executive produced by Martin, has sold to over a hundred countries and garnered international ‘Parents Choice’ awards.

Terri Baynton’s picture book Mr Bear Branches and the Cloud Conundrum was a finalist on both sides of the Tasman last year in the Australian and the New Zealand Children’s Book awards. Terri was the lead writer on the hit preschool series The WotWots, writing over half of the 78 episodes, and was a writer and script editorial assistant on the Jane and the Dragon TV series. Terri has several new children’s titles and a novel in development.

Talented Bayton father & daughter team