2012 NZ Post Book Awards finalists announced

Congratulations to all finalists, including the strong Wellington contingent.  See the Booksellers NZ website for the full list.

Discover the world of paper engineering (from 'The Titanic' to 'Spot')

Book Fair Bargains!

Ngaio Townhall,
1 Ottawa Rd.

Saturday 24 March

9am to 1pm


All proceeds will go to Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation (www.bluedragonz.org.nz), a charitable trust working with Vietnam’s poorest children to break the poverty cycle


Here are two ways you can contribute to this fantastic cause:
* Donate any unwanted books, DVDs or CDS.
* Come to the book fair and buy some books, DVDs or CDs.


For more information, please contact one of the Blue Dragon NZ trustees:   
Iona (Ngaio) - ionam@clear.net.nz
Sue (Wadestown) - simonsue@xtra.co.nz
Dinah (Kelburn) - dobbies@xtra.co.nz
Alison (Thorndon) - alison.kember@gmail.com

Whitireia online writing for children course

Whitireia is now accepting enrolments for their online Writing for Children Course. You can do it on its own OR as part of a creative writing diploma. Details below:

Writing for Children
Teaching material from internationally renowned children's author Joy Cowley forms the core of this module, which guides writers through the requirements of writing for a variety of age groups. You produce original pieces in a variety of genres – short fiction, plays, non-fiction and chapter books. This course draws on the expertise of a number of writers for children. 

Tutor: Julia Wall
Credits: 20
Length: 16 weeks
Start date 2012: Monday 20 February (semester one) and Monday 16 July (semester 2)

Click here for more information and contact details.

Congratulations Fleur!

Wellington writer (And WCBA star!) Fleur Beale has won the 2012 Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal for her outstanding contribution to New Zealand writing for children and young adults.

The award, given annually by the Storylines Children's Literature Trust, is New Zealand's top award for achievement in children's literature.

Read more here.

Aunt Kelly's Dog

Congratulations to WCBA member Helen Vivienne Fletcher on the publication of her book 'Aunt Kelly's Dog' as an App.


It's getting good reviews in places like this and this.

True Stories Told Live

'The House that Jack Built' Launch

Festival of the Elements & Gecko Press
are pleased to invite you to the Waitangi Day launch for Gavin Bishop's
'The House that Jack Built' in English and Te Reo Maori  

Gecko Press is pleased to launch a new edition of The House that Jack Built by Gavin Bishop, and the first Te Reo Maori edition - Koinei te Whare na Haki i Hanga - as part of Porirua's popular, multi-cultural Waitangi Day event, The Festival of the Elements.

WHERE: Te Rauparaha Park and Arena and Pataka Museum

WHEN: 11am till after 7pm, Monday 6 February 2012

For adults

WHEN: 2.35pm (duration: 45 minutes)

WHERE: Helen Smith Community Meeting Room at Pataka Museum

WHAT: Author/illustrator Gavin Bishop and translator Piripi Walker will discuss The Story of the House that Jack Built: Art and Translation.

For children
WHEN: All day

WHERE: NZ Community Trust Stadium
WHAT: Help build a giant 'House that Jack Built' sculpture using natural materials, with artist Michelle Whale.

For the whole family

WHEN: Every hour from 11.30am to 4.30pm

WHERE: The storytelling gazebo at NZ Community Trust Stadium (Te Rauparaha Arena)

WHAT: Listen to the book being read in English (by Gavin Bishop) and Te Reo Maori (by Moira Wairama)

The Festival of the Elements is a fantastic event for children and families, with 30,000 people expected and lots of food, fun and entertainment all day.