On Tuesday evening the National Library in Parnell was the venue for the celebration of the launch of two new and most impressive non-fiction books for children – ‘New Zealand Hall of Fame’ and ‘The Call of the Kokako’, at an event hosted by author Maria Gill and the books’ publisher, New Holland.
An eclectic mix of teachers, media, authors, librarians, book buyers, conservationists, famous New Zealanders and their families all gathered to enjoy a jam-packed evening with interesting contributions from author Maria, and both illustrators, Bruce Potter and Heather Arnold. The highlight of the evening was when auctioneer, Drummond Guy, stepped up to the microphone, giving the audience a chance to bid on five of Bruce Potter’s original caricatures, all of famous New Zealanders featured in ‘New Zealand Hall of Fame: 50 Remarkable Kiwis’ (caricatures were Sir Ed Hillary, Witi Ihimaera, Willie Apiata VC, David Lange and Margaret Mahy).
With part of the proceeds from the auction going to Rainbow House, a charity for young people with autism spectrum disorders (www.rainbowhouse.net.nz), attendees were inspired to put their hands in their pockets for the iconic artworks, with bidding becoming quite heated – with one late bid being turned down! Children from Mahurangi school performed a play about the legend of Maui and the Kokako, as adapted by Maria in her book ‘The Call of the Kokako’; a lovely addition to the evening, reminding us of the captivating Maori myth.
Author Maria Gill, second from right, with members of the Tarlton family.The late Kelly Tarlton is featured in New Zealand Hall of Fame.
Below examples of Bruce Potter's art from the book.
Caricatures from the book, apart from those sold last evening are for sale at $250 of which $50 will go to Rainbow House . If anyone wants to buy one they should contact Bruce at bapotter@xtra.co.nz
Here is part of New Holland MD Belinda Cooke's welcome to the assembled guests:
Tonight we are here to celebrate the stories of 50 remarkable Kiwis, and one remarkable bird, with the dual launch of New Zealand Hall of Fame, and Call of the Kokako.
But before I introduce the speakers, I would like to share something with you. Just a few weeks back, author Maria Gill contacted me for comment on a story she was preparing for Magpies magazine, which would deal with the threatened demise of children’s non-fiction publishing in this country. To be frank, the theme took me somewhat by surprise, particularly given that New Holland had only relatively recently moved into this genre, perceiving that there was a distinct gap in the market.
And if anything, the reception we have received to our growing non-fiction children’s list has been overwhelmingly positive and testament, I trust, to the fact that to the contrary, this very important category is alive, and thriving.
I would like to think that it is books like the two we are launching tonight that will keep it alive, and help it to grow even further.
But none of this would be possible without the support of various very influential sectors, many of which are represented here tonight – school teachers, librarians, booksellers, media, the National Library, parents and the readers themselves – and of course the most important components of all, our authors and illustrators.
MARIA GILL
It gives me great pleasure to introduce you firstly to one of this country’s most prolific, dedicated and influential children’s book writers. Before she began writing full-time, Maria Gill’s career path took a number of interesting turns, from figure skater to secretary, shepherdess to nanny (not necessarily in that order) but also included a long time as a school teacher, so she has a very good feel for her audience. She has written over 20 books, including a NZ Post Children’s Book Award finalist and a LIANZA shortlisted title. New Holland has been fortunate to work with Maria on two previous books and we’re confident there will be many more to come after Hall of Fame and Call of the Kokako.
BRUCE POTTER
I would now like to introduce you to the extraordinary talent behind those striking caricatures and other illustrations in New Zealand Hall of Fame. I am not sure what it is about our authors and illustrators and their varied skills, but like Maria, Bruce Potter has a number of other strings to his bow. When he is not at the easel, he may be found singing baritone in stage musicals, or taking home medals in the World Masters Bench Press Championships. But it is talent with the paint brush and pencil that he will be sharing with us tonight, the results of which can be found in over 100 children’s books, on the cover of the European edition of Whale Rider, and I would imagine, on a number of walls around New Zealand homes.
HEATHER ARNOLD
And last, but by now means least, I would like to introduce you to another exceptionally gifted illustrator and designer. Heather Arnold has been working in the fields of graphic design and illustration for well over 20 years, and is not afraid to regularly take herself ‘back to school’ to pick up new skills, most recently completing a diploma in digital studies, which she employs designing websites. Her first book, which she wrote, designed and illustrated, Draw New Zealand Birds, won the LIANZA Elsie Lockie award for non-fiction in 2008. Call of the Kokako is Heather’s third book, and the second in which she has teamed up with Maria Gill.
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