Literary heroes visit Kawerau
31 July 2017
KIWI writers behind the words and pictures of children’s books will visit Kawerau in August as part of a nationwide tour.
The group of authors, including Opotiki’s Nikki Slade Robinson, are travelling the country as part of the 2017 Storylines National Festival Story Tour.
Kawerau children will be familiar with award-winning author and illustrator Slade Robinson’s books – Ruru’s Hangi and The Little Kiwi’s Matariki.
She will be joined by Kiwi writers David Hill, Gareth Ward and Dawn McMillan.
Hill is an award-winning author who has written more than 40 books and is known for his outstanding contribution to New Zealand literature.
McMillan writes entertaining picture books and readers for children and Ward – also known as the Great Wardini – is a magician, hypnotist, storyteller, bookseller and author whose first children’s book was published recently.
Kawerau is one stop on the annual national tour, which celebrates and promotes writers and illustrators of New Zealand children’s literature and extends Storylines’ reach to more metropolitan and regional centres.
By bringing New Zealand writers and illustrators into schools, home school groups, early childhood centres, community groups and libraries, Storylines aims to get children excited about books and increase literacy.
Kawerau Library assistant librarian Jacqueline Godfery said the Storylines event was guaranteed to appeal to Kawerau children.
“It’s fantastic that we’ve been able to get Kawerau included on this nationwide tour to give our children a chance to meet their literary heroes.”
The four authors will be in Kawerau from 9am to 12pm on Friday, August 11.
Locations have yet to be finalised but Ms Godfery said the likely stops would be the library, Kawerau Concert Chambers, Tarawera High School and Putauaki School.
Source: Whakatane Beacon