Newspaper Article 2013 – Children’s book fundraiser

Children’s book fundraiser

By Linda Hall

Te Mata Kindergarten has again published a fantastic children’s book based on a story about Hawke’s Bay.

Following the success of The Legend of Te Mata 0 Rongokako, The Sleeping Giant, parent and author Patrick Sherratt approached the kindergarten’s head teacher Fiona Francois about publishing another book as a fundraiser for the school.

He had the “bricks” of the story and donated it to the kindergarten.

The book is titled Te Pakiwaitara 0 Cape Kidnappers, The Story of Cape Kidnappers.

Jerry Hapuku, a kaumatua from Kahuranaki Marae, went through the story and made a few little cultural changes.

Ms Francois approached Sophie Blokker who illustrated The Sleeping Giant.

She was more than happy to illustrate the book.

“Loads of research went into the illustrations,” Ms Francois said.

“The correct sail formations have been used and clothing and hair styles are all taken from images from that time in history. We were also guided by Jerry.

“A lot of time went into attention to detail.”

While the first book was based on a legend, this one is based on the story of how Cape Kidnappers got its name.

“We have had calls and emails from all around the country about The Sleeping Giant and already there has been huge interest in the new book. I’d really like to thank everybody involved. We are a non-profit organisation and have tried to do as much as possible locally including the printing of the books.”

The book costs $20 from the kindergarten and is also available for $25 from the Hastings Information Centre, Playcentre Shop, Apple Activities, Poppies, Arataki Honey and Janeff Bookstore.

Photo caption – HAPPY READERS: Illustrator Sophie Blokker, author Patrick Sherratt and local kaumatua Jerry Hapuku, read Te Pakiwaitara 0 Cape Kidnappers at the book’s launch at Te Mata Kindergarten, Havelock North with Lina Peachey, James Pritchard, and Xavier Hapuku, all 4 years old.
PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR