ISSN 11750189: Volume 8: Issue 2: May 2009 The Gift of Imagination Storylines Margaret Mahy Day, 28 March 2009 Heaton Intermediate, Christchurch

Penny Scown & Diana Murray (Scholastic New Zealand), June Peka, Anna Gowan, & Libby Limbrick; Julie Harper & Robyn Belton; Margaret Mahy, Andrew Crowe & Libby Limbrick

Christchurch is the only city in New Zealand to display the Another exciting aspect of this Margaret Mahy Day was busts of two children’s writers. (Three if you count Kipling.) that two major new developments in children’s literature Margaret Mahy’s cheerful representation outside the Arts were unveiled. Centre has a plaque honouring her as ‘Christchurch Joy Cowley Workshop: Joy Cowley has agreed to run a children’s librarian, world-famous writer of magical stories two-day interactive workshop in Christchurch in September and verse for children and young adults, giver of the gift of 2009, as a Storylines fundraising activity. Another imagination’. workshop is planned for Auckland early in 2010. (See page 9 for more information.) Thus it was doubly appropriate that the first Margaret Mahy Storylines Gavin Bishop Award for Picture Book Day to take place in the South Island was held in Illustration: This award has a prize of $1500. The winner Christchurch. In her welcome, Libby Limbrick pointed out will work with Gavin as mentor on illustrations for a 32- several unique features of the day. ‘It confirms Storylines page book which may be published by Random House. as a truly national organisation,’ said Libby, adding, ‘It is (More information is on page 10.) also marvellous to hold it in Margaret Mahy’s territory.’ She thanked Te Tai Tamariki Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s The raffle of a framed original Gavin Bishop illustration was Literature Trust for their help with the Margaret Mahy Day’s won by Heather Manning, from Palmerston North. organisation. (Incidentally Gavin’s superb illustrations for his picture book Rats were a popular feature of the Te Tai Tamariki A large number of writers and artists were present exhibition, see page 3.) including Fleur Beale, Robyn Belton, Gavin Bishop, Tessa Duder, Elizabeth Hegarty, Anthony Holcroft, Sally The Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award for an unpublished McLennan, Bill Nagelkerke, Joanna Orwin, June Peka, manuscript went to Anna Gowan. Anna said, ‘I can’t think Tania Roxburgh and, of course, the guest of honour, of a better way to start my writing career’. Margaret Mahy herself. Last year’s winner of the Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award, When the Storylines Notable Books List 2009 was read Salt River by Elizabeth (Liz) Hegarty, was launched by out, it was pleasing to see how many of the authors and Penny Scown of Scholastic New Zealand. Liz told us about artists were able to collect their certificates in person. A the excitement of meeting the family of the Kaipara man, special award went to Margaret Mahy for Bubble Trouble Tom Pook, whom she had based her novel around – ‘a (which is not new but is certainly notable). very cool family.’ …continued page 2

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A book launch with a difference was held for The Duck in wildlife books, ‘He has single-handedly made natural the Gun by Joy Cowley and Robyn Belton, originally history accessible to New Zealanders’. published during the Vietnam War and recognised for its Andrew, who says he began his writing career living in a message by the Hiroshima Peace Medal. ‘I just loved cave on the Coromandel, gave a superb multi-media illustrating this book,’ said Robyn, who told how she was delivery which confirmed the importance of creativity and taught to load and fire a cannon by the Black Powder imagination in the presentation of information to young Association. ‘Thank you, Storylines, for giving us a 25-gun readers. ‘Imagination embraces the world. Creativity is salute.’ what brings facts to life.’ Andrew warned that if schools The Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award for a much-loved teach to the test, children lose their ability to think laterally. book was awarded to Fleur Beale’s I Am Not Esther. Fleur ‘The joy of learning only requires the flames of curiosity to took the opportunity to thank Longacre Press for accepting be fanned.’ [The full text of this speech will be available in this novel ‘when other publishers had put it in the too-hard The Inside Story, the 2009 year book.] basket.’ Incidentally, the list of previous winners of the Storylines The Storylines Joy Cowley Award for a picture book Gaelyn Gordon Award includes Elsie Locke’s The manuscript went to June Peka of Christchurch. June told Runaway Settlers (1965) which has just been re-issued by how she had once read a magazine article about Joy HarperCollins in the Collins Moder New Zealand Classics Cowley, ‘I thought “How I’d love to work with that woman” series. By no coincidence the second children’s writer and then I did!’ June had brought with her a wooden bowl immortalised in bronze at the Arts Centre is a smiling Elsie which Joy had made for her from a 165-year-old kauri. It Locke, whose plaque reads ‘political, social and local was passed around the meeting so all could admire it. community activist, well-loved historian and writer, determined and doughty fighter for the rights of the under- The highlight of the day was when Andrew Crowe, the first dog, active to the end.’ non-fiction writer to win the Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal for a distinguished contribution to New Zealand The next Margaret Mahy Day will be in Auckland on 27 children’s literature, delivered his speech. Wayne Mills, in March 2010. Who knows where the 2011 one might be introducing Andrew, said, ‘I doubt that there is a school held? library that doesn’t have an Andrew Crowe title’. Wayne Trevor Agnew praised Andrew’s personal enthusiasm reflected in his

Te Tai Tamariki

Te Tai Tamariki (Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Literature Charitable Trust) is a proposed national centre set up to collect, preserve and promote New Zealand’s children’s literature

Our country has produced many world-renowned authors, artists and illustrators over the decades. It is the original manuscripts, illustrations and other media of these New Zealanders that we want to protect for the future.

In this treasure house, which is already building a fine collection, there will be artists’ roughs, completed artwork, reference material and original manuscripts. Schools will be provided for, with displays and teaching material relevant to the visual literacy area of the school curriculum.

We celebrate the best of everything that goes into the writing and illustration of children’s books, including educational publishing. Te Tai Tamariki will bring children, writers and illustrators together in a unique environment of art and literature.

Te Tai Tamariki is supported by Storylines, and our own Margaret Mahy, Gavin Bishop, Joy Cowley and many other Kiwi authors, illustrators, publishers and book retailers. The Trust Board currently comprises a group of keen professionals in the field of children’s literature.

This is our chance to save a literary heritage for our children and grandchildren. There is no archive of manuscripts and illustrations of children’s literature in New Zealand, and we really need a facility to store these items under international standards of humidity and temperature. The Trust is always fundraising for a centre and hopes to identify a site soon.

Our third exhibition Off the Page, featuring Ruth Paul, Jenny Cooper, Fraser Williamson, Ali Teo and Gavin Bishop, has just ended at COCA in Christchurch. An education programme was run alongside the display with over 180 school children participating in storytellings and hands-on workshops with some of the featured illustrators. A follow-up response exhibition is due to commence featuring the children’s artworks created in these workshops. Kim Dovey How can you help? Publishers can give financial support or sponsorship, or donate proofs and manuscripts to the collection. Authors and illustrators can offer the use of work for fundraising ventures, or donate roughs, sketches and manuscripts. Booksellers can stock the annual fundraising calendar. The public can buy the Te Tai Tamariki calendar at their local bookshop. If you have ideas, or would like to become a trustee or friend of Te Tai Tamariki, please contact Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Literature Trust PO Box 25 216, Christchurch Ph 03 366 5274, Fax 03 366 4506, email [email protected]

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Off the Page…

While in Christchurch for the Storylines Margaret Mahy Day, many out-of-towners took the opportunity to explore Te Tai Tamariki’s Off the Page exhibition, held at COCA.

As the publicity material stated, it was indeed larger than life with illustrations by Gavin Bishop, Jenny Cooper, Ruth Paul, Ali Teo and Fraser Williamson leaping off the page and around the walls. The use of wall decals brought a sense of movement and fun to the already vibrant artwork. My personal favourite must be Gavin Bishop’s Rats, carefully placed on either side of one painting, one on each end of a rope.

While we were there, we watched children and families explore the area. Having the books available to read, and appealing furniture to curl up in to do so, made the area even more children-friendly, and childlike.

Bravo to all involved! I hope there are many more exhibitions to come. Annie Coppell

Margaret and Elsie in bronze

Our beloved Margaret Mahy – we think quite rightly! – is the central figure, and activist/writer Elsie Locke also included in the new ‘Local Heroes’ project recently unveiled in Christchurch.

The imposing bronze busts by sculptor Mark Whyte, erected outside the Christchurch Arts Centre, commemorate 12 notable Cantabrians for their life-long and distinguished contributions to the arts, science, sport and philanthropy.

Besides Margaret and Elsie, they include architect Sir Miles Warren, cricketer Sir Richard Hadlee, diabetes pioneer Don Beavan, Sir Tipene O’Regan and several business leaders. One of the basic requirements was that the subjects be alive in 2000 (though three have since died), and that their contributions be ‘of major importance Bridget Mahy, Tessa Duder, Margaret Mahy, Joanna Orwin to their sense of pride in their city and its achievements.’ But there’s no doubt that the statues will become a tourist Margaret told the local press: ‘It's something that you never attraction in the city, as part of the superb arts precinct really aimed at or considered possible and suddenly there developed around the former Christchurch University it is. It moves you in to an area of public recognition that College. you never really calculated. Of course, I'm as susceptible to flattery as a lot of people are and I feel flattered and It is not the first bronze erected to honour Margaret Mahy. quite excited.’ A fine bronze lion, perfect for children to climb on, now sits outside the Public Library in her home town of Whakatane, The imposing semi-circle of larger-than-life size busts has erected three years ago by a Trust which wanted to not been without local controversy, with some residents commemorate their world-acclaimed literary hero. The questioning the choices of notables by the Trust which iconic lion which features in much of her work was thought organised the project, and others voicing the well-known to be an appropriate symbol. Kiwi aversion to ‘putting up statues to people.’ Tessa Duder

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The Auckland Festival 2009

Performing in the Spiegeltent

Most authors are comfortable with giving presentations, reading aloud, and answering questions – but delivering a session in the Spiegeltent during the Auckland Festival required something more. The Spiegeltent was erected in Aotea Square, which had been transformed into Red Square. The Story Time sessions were part of the New Zealand Post Family Weekend held during the festival.

The family weekend offered a variety of activities for children – face painting, hop squash, an art exhibition, drama performances (including the much-acclaimed performances of The Arrival), interactive sessions, puppets, clowns – and the Story Time sessions. Authors who participated were Peter Millett, Paula Green, Brian Falkner, Mark Sommerset, Tessa Duder, and Lorraine Orman.

The Spiegeltent was a mix of circus tent, Berlin cabaret/nightclub, and Mongolian yurt – if you can imagine it. It was large and circular, with a tent-type roof, and adorned with stained-glass windows, numerous spotlights, and dozens of mirrors. There was a bar at the back and a trapeze hanging from the roof. The walls were lined with secluded booths. The children in the audience were entranced.

Brian Falkner grabbed the audience’s attention immediately by cloaking the stage in fake mist and appearing in a biohazard suit and gas mask. Tessa Duder sat in a huge leather armchair and donned a grandmotherly persona. Lorraine Orman was inspired to make up a story on the spot about a ghost haunting the Spieleltent. ‘I can hear someone crying. Can you hear it? I think it’s a ghost.’

Okay, the audience of children was constantly on the move, but those who sat still long enough were able to enjoy some jolly good story sessions.

The Arrival by Shaun Tan, performed by Red Leap Theatre

Kate Parker and Julie Nolan’s Red Leap Theatre Tan’s The Arrival being such an original book, the adaptation of Shaun Tan’s The Arrival was a visually translation was bound to be a challenge. Like the book, the intriguing and remarkably authentic production of the production recreates the universally mysterious and universal migrant’s tale. The story is one we all know – unidentifiable new land that, aside from our own danger forces us away from where we are from and what empathetic understanding of it, is a mystery. However, the we know, to a new place where we must overcome protagonist himself must also represent everyman; as obstacles in order to reunite with what was left behind. This such, the decision to have him speak any language adaptation of The Arrival powerfully illustrated this through (particularly English) detracted somewhat. The Arrival is movement, shadow, music and puppetry. equally accessible to people of all languages, cultures and backgrounds. This is a reflection of the true universality of The movement on stage demonstrated fantastic power and the story told, that in all parts of the world the things we fluidity. Performances from the cast demonstrate their take for granted are often baffling to outsiders. prowess in puppetry, dance, acting and even becoming part of the set. The puppetry brought a whole new layer of At the end of the opening show there was tumultuous visual intrigue to the piece. There was phenomenal applause with perhaps a dozen of us on our feet. I do, attention to detail with one of the largest pieces of puppetry however, suspect that those who joined me are either on display for only a few seconds. The production showed familiar with Shaun Tan’s books, or linked with the theatre us that what can be deemed a puppet is simply any prop production themselves. The Arrival stage show is definitely that that can be brought to life by an actor and that a production best served as a complement to the original puppetry is not about making the puppeteer disappear, but piece. At times the ambiguous nature of the action on about bringing an inanimate object to life. This was done stage had me confused; but thinking back to a with enormous success as the cast mixed with the puppets conversation with Shaun Tan during his time here in 2007, recreating their movement and sound as they skirted The Arrival isn’t necessarily there for interpretation, if you around the set. don’t understand what’s happening then you’re probably getting the message. Naturally, in any adaptation between mediums there are Angus Blair numerous artistic decisions to be made and with Shaun

Spinning Gold The Spinning Gold Conference of New Zealand Children’s Writers and Illustrators, organised by the Wellington Children’s Book Association, will be held in Wellington in September. The conference opens at 2pm on Friday 18 September. The cost of $300 covers all lunches, breaks and dinners for the two-and-a-half days. This conference is on a ‘first come, first served’ basis as interest is high. If you are not already on the mailing list email [email protected]. Those on the mailing list will get pre-warning of registration opening date and time towards the end of April. For more information visit: www.the-wcba.blogspot.com/. From press release.

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Reports presented at the AGM

Chairperson’s comments, Margaret Mahy Day 2009, Christchurch

A warm welcome to one of the highlights of the Storylines year and indeed for everyone one interested in children’s literature: writers, illustrators, publishers, teachers, librarians, parents and of course readers; most, but certainly not all, of whom are children. A very special greeting to one of our patrons, Margaret Mahy, without whom this day would, of course not exist. A special welcome too to our colleagues in children’s literature Friends and Trustees of Te Tai Tamariki, to all the writers and illustrators present, to Storylines members and to you all.

This meeting of Storylines is unique in a number of ways. It is the first AGM of the Storylines Foundation and the first Margaret Mahy Day to be held in the South Island. It signals, veritably, the national status of the organisation. Furthermore, it is the first time we have held the Margaret Mahy Day in Margaret’s home territory. It is also the first meeting to be hosted by our sister organisation Te Tai Tamariki Trust, with whom we are forging strong links, and with whom we look forward to working in the future in mutually supportive ways.

Finally, it is unique in that it marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the Children’s Literature Association, a forerunner of Storylines, which combined in 1990 with the Children’s Book Foundation to become Storylines Children’s Literature Foundation of New Zealand. If there is anyone here who was a member of that original organisation please identify yourself. We applaud you for your foresight!

The Storylines Trust Board, Management Committee and Foundation are extremely grateful to Te Tai Tamariki for managing the ‘on the ground’ arrangements for today. Last year we worked together for the first Storylines Family Day, here at Heaton Intermediate, and today is another example of our partnership. Special thanks to Cilla Clements and Rosemary Sladen for all they have done.

At this stage I also want to thank our outstanding executive officer Christine Young who will be presenting the annual Storylines report shortly. She does a superb job of sourcing funding to enable us to achieve our aims. Christine works tirelessly to keep the organisation functioning as the coherent and successful organisation it has become, as her report will indicate.

Storylines wouldn’t exist either without the groups who make up the management committee, and subcommittees of Storylines: the festival, publications, website and IBBY committees. They are magnificent, energetic teams of people with a burning desire to ensure children in New Zealand not only have the best literature but many opportunities to engage the world of stories and books, and the writers and illustrators who weave the magic.

Joy Cowley, our second patron, (aren’t we lucky to have such amazing patrons!) sends her apologies. Always in demand Joy just couldn’t make today. Lincoln Gould, newly appointed executive officer of Booksellers New Zealand, had also hoped to be here, but has had to send his apologies in which he noted how much he was looking forward to meeting and working with us all.

And now a special announcement!

Funding for not-for-profit voluntary organisations, such as Storylines, is hard at the best of times, and I don’t need to remind you all that funding for anything in 2009 is going to be challenge. Many of our traditional sponsors and grant funders are dealing with their own economic issues. However, the midst of potential doom and gloom, a most amazing opportunity was announced at a recent Storylines Trust Board meeting.

Joy Cowley, inarguably one of New Zealand’s greatest writers, is to offer two weekend writing workshops, each for 30 participants. All proceeds after costs will be to support the work of Storylines. Not only is this an opportunity for Storylines to gain some much needed funds, but a chance for budding writers for children in New Zealand to be inspired, nurtured and uplifted in their craft. The first of these workshops is to be held in Christchurch in September this year. The venue has not been decided but will be somewhere central. The second workshop will be in Auckland in February 2010.

Joy’s generosity knows no bounds. I am so sorry that she is not here so we can applaud and thank her personally. Please spread the news around to schools, libraries, writers’ groups and anyone you think may be interested in this unique chance to work with a world-renowned author.

In closing, I thank you for your presence today and your support of the work of the Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand. Dr Libby Limbrick, Chairperson, Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand

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2008 in Retrospect

Financial Summary The Storylines Joy Cowley Award for a picture book The draft financial statements of the Trust show that total manuscript was won by Michelle Osment. The book will be revenue was $10,000 greater than in 2007, a total of launched at a Storylines Family Day in August. $314,601, with an additional $5791 earned in interest, The Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award for a previously making total income of $320,391. unpublished author was awarded to Elizabeth Hegarty for Salt River. Unfortunately expenses were also greater than in 2007, At the AGM last year, Scholastic New Zealand was with total expenses amounting to $296,708, leaving a total delighted to launch the previous year’s winner, ‘Why I Hate surplus before depreciation of $23,638, compared with School’ by Michael Fartasky, by Kris Stanhope. surplus of $55,319 the previous year. The Storylines Margaret Mahy Medal and Lecture The Trust had current assets (bank accounts, accounts Award winner was Wayne Mills, initiator of the Kids’ Lit receivable and payments made in advance of $149,338, Quiz™, children’s literature quizzes now held in New which after liabilities are taken into account leave the Trust Zealand and internationally, and dedicated advocate of with total equity at the end of December 2008 of $142,926, children’s literature. almost $23,000 more than the previous year. The Storylines Gaelyn Gordon Award for a much-loved book was awarded to My Brown Bear Barney by Dorothy It is worth noting that we may well have to draw on these Butler and Elizabeth Fuller. assets in 2009 as to date sponsorships and grant funds Our thanks to Scholastic New Zealand for its ongoing received for festival events and other activities are to date support of the Joy Cowley and Tom Fitzgibbon Awards. down on 2008. We can be grateful for the careful Without this support and the partnership approach to their management of funds by management committee and the selection each year, we would not be able to give authors various sub-committees who are always aware that the support these awards carry with them. Storylines, lacking substantial regular income-earning streams, must treat its assets with great care. We are delighted to have reached agreement this year with Gavin Bishop and Random House to launch a new award The Foundation accounts show that income of $13,260 for new illustrators of children’s books in 2009 – but more was earned from memberships – a decline of $4500 on the of that later. previous year, representing approximately 120 memberships. The Foundation voted to make a donation of IBBY committee just over $15,500 to the Trust to assist with the costs of Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Tessa Storylines activities, resulting in a loss for the year of Duder represented New Zealand IBBY at the international $2883. However the Foundation had net assets at the end congress in Copenhagen. By the end of the four-day of December of $5791, $4682 of which was cash in the congress, Tessa had established or re-established many current bank account. With membership renewals due in international contacts and reported that opportunities for March, December is generally a low point in the increased activity and co-operation between New Zealand Foundation’s accounts but it is worth noting the value of IBBY and other groups in the Asia-Pacific region were memberships to Storylines’ continued success, and to urge much improved. all members to renew – and to encourage others with an interest in supporting New Zealand children’s literature and children’s success in reading to also join. Storylines Festival We were sad to receive the resignation of Crissi Blair as Awards festival manager in late 2008, especially after such a successful and well-organised event in the middle of the Storylines continues to be pleased to support and foster year. Crissi worked closely with New Zealand Book Month, awards that recognise authors and others working in the plus major sponsors and funders to create some area of children’s literature. Congratulations to all marvellous activities. I would like to acknowledge the Storylines award winners for 2008: success of the first Family Day in Christchurch (and the The Notable Books List for 2008 was announced (as the South Island), thanks to the committee assembled in that 2009 one will be shortly) at the Margaret Mahy Day. This city by Te Tai Tamariki members and others; the first highly regarded award acknowledges up to 10 books in Family Day in Whangarei, which was a great success each of four categories (picture books, junior fiction, young thanks to Sue Scott, Whangarei Public Library and the adult fiction and non-fiction), with books selected from all strong committee of volunteers there. The efforts of Adele those published in New Zealand during the previous year. and her committee in Wellington, made the most of a great A full list of the winners for 2008, and for all previous years new venue (Te Whaea) which worked really well as a since the award was established in 2000, is on our standalone facility ideally suited to Storylines’ activities and website. need for multiple spaces. Auckland, as ever, attracted The Storylines Betty Gilderdale Award for services to thousands of families, and our small army of dedicated children’s literature was awarded to Lois Rout from volunteers ensured it was every bit the success of previous Tauranga, for her commitment and initiatives in promoting years – thank you everyone for the efforts you put in to literature for young people over 25 years, as a volunteer make these days such a success. Bookrapt committee member as well as through her work as a teacher and librarian.

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The Heritage Hotels Seminar Series featuring Babette AGM in Christchurch is a signal that we wish to work Cole and Carole Wilkinson will also be remembered by across the country with as many other organisations as those who attended, as will the Matariki activities at every possible, as we are today with Te Tai Tamariki. Family Day with flax weaving and other star-related crafts. We look forward to positive and productive relationships We were thrilled with the increased level of sponsorship with as many organisations as possible, as we continue to from publishers, booksellers and others who recognised advocate for children’s literature and literacy in New the opportunity to reach the family audience that attends Zealand. the Family Days. Scholastic and Classic Hits, to name just two, both committed for three years and we look forward to Support of children's literature aficionados welcoming them back in 2009. Lots of books were Storylines continues to run Bookchat groups wherever launched, with something launched at every Family Day (a there is a small (or large) group interested. Guidelines for first), demonstrating what a valuable function the festival running a Bookchat group are available if anyone else is plays for publishers to show new books to their target interested in establishing such a group and management audience. committee members or others would be only too happy to set you on the path to a successful group. As ever, the workshops for students in Auckland and the Story Tours to schools and early childhood centres in And we publish our newsletter and booklist quarterly, Auckland and Northland were also a highlight for everyone keeping members all over the country up to date with the who met and worked with the authors and Illustrators latest in children’s literature and news. involved – not to mention the enjoyment of those who took part. Website We applied for further website development to the New Digital strategy project Zealand Lotteries Grants Board and received funding As 2008 began, we commenced the Literature Live project, which will allow us to upgrade and make improvements to with funding from the Department of Internal Affairs’ Digital the site during 2009. Strategy Fund. The aim is to put 10 video profiles of major New Zealand authors and illustrators online for teachers Thanks and librarians to download from the e-cast educational I would first like to thank the Trustees of the Storylines network, and also make them available for viewing on the Children’s Literature Charitable Trust for their commitment Storylines website. During the year, working with to Storylines and ensuring it remains a strong, vibrant thedownlowconcept and Jon Bridges, we completed organisation that puts the best interests of reading and videoing the authors and illustrators who readily agreed to literacy in New Zealand at the forefront of attention in a take part (Gavin Bishop, Tessa Duder, Kāterina Mataira (in range of ways. te reo), Vicki Jones, David Hill, Jennifer Beck and Lindy Fisher, Marcia Stenson, Kate De Goldi, Brian Falkner and Special thanks, too, to all our funders, sponsors and Melanie Drewery). By year end, editing and approvals supporters in 2008. None of the support Storylines can were close to completion and the project will be launched give to New Zealand children’s literature and to online shortly. encouraging young New Zealanders to share a love of books and reading, could take place without your support. Promotion and books into schools with Tip Top Our particular thanks for funding go to Creative New During 2008 we were delighted to work with Tip Top to Zealand, ASB Community Trust, New Zealand Lotteries support a promotion that featured Rachel Hunter and Grants Board and the many other trust and gaming resulted in over $50,000-worth of books going to schools charities who responded to our applications. We are also all over the country. Our special thanks go to the indebted to sponsors who supported a wide range of our publishers (Scholastic, Random House, HarperCollins, activities, including Classic Hits, THE EDGE, Heritage Penguin and Mallinson Rendel) who supported us in Hotels, Borders for its major sponsorship of Family Day working with Tip Top and supplying books at favourable activities, Scholastic for its support of the awards, IBBY rates so as many books as possible went out to schools. and the festival, Team-Up, Mercedes Benz for its provision Our thanks, too, to the many children, teachers and of vehicles for festival transport, Random House, librarians who have taken the time to provide feedback HarperCollins, Penguin and Mallinson Rendel. Plus the about their delight in receiving the gifts of books. many other booksellers and publishers, local councils and Storylines, alongside Tip Top, received nationwide media other sponsors who collectively contribute enormous coverage – and even reached the cover of Principals amounts to supporting the family days and our other Today magazine. activities.

Children’s literature community With that support, we can once again not only look back on a year well spent, but forward to 2009 and more We have worked during this year in various ways to build opportunities to ensure that young New Zealanders all relationships and work with a number of other grow up able to read and to love and understand the value organisations working in the area of literature and of books that tell stories that reflect their culture. children’s literature, including Te Tai Tamariki, New

Zealand Book Month, New Zealand Book Council and New Christine Young, Executive Officer, Storylines Zealand Society of Authors, among others – and of course Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand holding the Margaret Mahy Day and Storylines Foundation

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Membership Report

We were delighted to welcome members and friends to our Annual General Meeting in Christchurch and thanks were extended to the committee and members of Te Tai Tamariki for hosting us this year. It was good to put faces to the names of some of our South Island members and special mention was made of those who had travelled from the North Island to join us, including Diana Menefy and Gerri Judkins, our Northland and Waikato regional representatives. A special welcome was extended to Andrew Crowe, who has been a member since 2000, on his being chosen to receive the Margaret Mahy Award, and also to our other award winners.

Andrew’s membership duration was mentioned especially because over the next year or so we celebrate the beginning of organisations like the Children’s Literature Association, the NZ Children’s Book Foundation, and following on from that the Children’s Literature Foundation, now Storylines. We still have 30 CLA members on our books including founding members like Dorothy Butler and Betty Gilderdale, and look forward to celebrating with them soon. Their commitment is to be congratulated! Without the foresight and dedication of members through the years, there may be no Storylines Foundation, and without the Foundation, the Trust would not be the powerful force for children’s literature that it is. Forty years, or even 20 years ago, they could not have envisaged where we would be today. Using a computer for our membership database would be a foreign language and sending members regular emails about literary events, unimaginable. As for using the internet to pay for tickets online. What?! The world may have changed, but our driving force has not. Our members’ main aim is still to promote literacy and literature, and support our authors and illustrators as effectively as we can.

We recently enrolled our 663rd member since our records were computerised. Some have been lost but we currently have approximately 550 members – a gain of around 9% from last year. 65% are individual members, 18% schools and 8% organisations. A membership fee pays for our publications each term, the year book, and cheaper rates to Storylines events but more than that: members of Storylines want to encourage and enable children to connect with books created by high calibre authors and illustrators. Any money received from members over and above the basic cost of their subscription is channelled to the Storylines Charitable Trust, to be used for the many and varied projects they undertake throughout the year. We use volunteers’ computers, internet and labour, so that members’ money is put to the best use

History and numbers aside – what of the future? That depends on all our members. If each member could recruit just one more, we could double the membership. This would mean we could double the work of the Trust. Contacts in a school or business could be approached. One school’s membership can influence hundreds of teachers and student families. Families where the children are always wanting more to read, or, as sadly is more usual today, are not really interested in books – Storylines could be the answer. Family membership is now the same price as the individual rate. We’d originally intended family membership to allow two adults from the same family to attend functions and have voting rights, but those interested in family membership are mainly those where children are keen to belong – many of them coming via the Kids’ Lit Quiz™, so we want to encourage the children to feel a part of the organisation. They are important to us – they are why we do what we do and they will be the adult members of tomorrow! Sarah Fordyce, Membership Secretary, Storylines Children’s Literature Foundation of New Zealand Inc

New members in 2008: Families: Jo Davies & family; Hannah Edwards & family; Suzanne Pentecost & family; Walker family Individuals: Sara Jane Acton; Leonie Agnew; Emma Anscombe; Georgina Barr; Shirley Bastin; Brent Beaumont; Cara Boyd; Allister Campbell; Bridget Carlson; Wendy Clark; Claudine Crabtree; Patricia Earl; Juliana Feaver; Helen Fletcher; Yvette Gentry; Holly Gooch; Vanessa Hatley-Owen; Betty Hawker; Allison Hislop; Penny Horton; Eleanor Hughes; Athene Jensen; Donna Le Marquand; John Leyland; Sally McLennan; Giorgia Miller-Thevenard; Lianne Moore; June Peka; Rose Anne Porter; Michele Powles; Sally Reid; Nicola Reif; Hayley Robinson; Julie Simpson; Cathy Smyth; Vicki Stephens; Jill Stephenson; Di Stodart; Helen Tau’au-Filisi; Robyn Trinick; Julie Walker; Pam Walker; Catherine Wallace; Yvonne Walus; Monique Watson; Linday Way; Philippa Werry; Kylie Williams. Networks: Readaway Books Ltd; Tu Maia Education Resources Ltd; Wheeler’s Books. Overseas: Johanna Allston. Schools: Adventure School; Glamorgan School Library; Hamilton’s Fraser High School; Owairaka Primary School Library; Papatoetoe East Primary School; Taita Central School; The Gifted Education Centre; Tomahawk School; Wanganui Montessori Pre-School; Whangarei Primary

Page 8 What’s the Story May 2009 www.storylines.org.nz

Joy Cowley Writing Workshop – Writing from the Heart

Storylines is pleased to announce that Joy Cowley will run a two-day interactive workshop in Christchurch, Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2009, as a Storylines fundraising activity. She has run many such workshops in America and other countries over the past two decades, but infrequently in New Zealand. One other is planned for Auckland early 2010.

The Christchurch event is a rare chance for South Islanders to attend an intensive two-day course with this master storyteller, covering all aspects of writing for children and young adults (getting started, plot, character, voice, humour, writing disciplines, picture books, chapter books, YA novels, presenting a manuscript, getting support.) • Maximum 30 participants. • $500 (gst inclusive) – price includes critique of story (max 1000 words). • Manuscripts can be submitted to Joy by end August for comment. • Sessions from 9am to 4pm. • Venue to be announced. • Registrations will be accepted on first come, first served basis.

To register, please send payment of $500 (includes GST) with your full name, address, email and phone number. A receipt will be sent. Send cheques made out to Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust to: Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust PO Box 96 094 Auckland 1342 For internet banking use Storylines bank account 123067 0187408 03, with reference as JC Workshop

Lynley Dodd receives University of Auckland Distinguished Alumni award

An excited, bustling audience filled the lecture theatre in the University of Auckland Business School in March, to hear Lynley Dodd present her Distinguished Alumni lecture. Lynley attended Elam School of Fine Arts from 1959-61, graduating with a DipFA in 1962 (there were no degrees then). Her qualification was in sculpture, but as we all know it is her illustration work that has made her world famous.

Lynley talked about her childhood, growing up in the Kaiangaroa Forest and attending a tiny school with 2-15 children and a house full of books, then boarding with friends in Tauranga for her secondary school years. There were few career alternatives for girls in those days and Lynley went teaching. She took up illustration later ‘as an antidote to the nappy run’, working initially for the Correspondence School illustrating everything ‘from fairies to fire engines, castles to camels’. She worked for School Journal and Price Milburn educational publishers until her breakthrough into children’s picture books when she illustrated her cousin (by marriage) Eve Sutton’s text for My Cat Likes to Hide in Boxes. Once Lynley started writing her own texts there was no going back and she now has a vast list of titles to her names including 19 books in the Hairy Maclary family.

Lynley gave us great insight into her process for writing – collecting the ‘juicy words’, sketches and newspaper clippings in her ideas book; her rough layouts are drawn on big sheets of computer paper with notes all around it – a book will fit on a single sheet this way, before finally creating the artwork. Lynley paints exactly to size, unlike many illustrators who create the pictures larger and have them reduced in the printing process. She uses pencil, black ink and gouache paint – and creates her own, now easily identified lettering. Writing is a long and arduous process, sometimes involving up to 25 re-writes to get it right. Lynley says she hates criticism so she works and reworks to make sure the book is as perfect as it can be before it goes off to the publisher.

Lynley has many entertaining tales from her years creating children’s books – meeting Dr Seuss, an encounter with a brazen book thief, responses from children (including a parcel of bones through the post!) and much more.

Lucky for us you can watch Lynley’s full presentation online, at www.storylines.org.nz, under resources – useful links. Crissi Blair

Page 9 What’s the Story May 2009 www.storylines.org.nz

The Storylines Gavin Bishop Award for Picture Book Illustration

Aspiring illustrators now have the chance to kick-start their career and see their own work published with mentoring from a top picture book artist, following the establishment of the Storylines Gavin Bishop Award for Picture Book Illustration.

This new award, sponsored by Random House New Zealand and the Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust, aims to encourage the publication of new and exciting high-quality picture books from New Zealand illustrators. It also recognises the contribution Gavin Bishop has made to the writing and illustrating of children’s picture books and gives an emerging talent the opportunity to benefit from his expertise.

‘The award could give a new – but not necessarily young – unpublished illustrator a great start in a career as a picture book artist,’ says Gavin Bishop.

‘There are many talented artists out there who may not have thought of delving into the medium of the picture book, but we hope that this award will give them the impetus to do so and enable us to uncover some great new talent,’ he says.

‘We are delighted to be part of this initiative,’ adds Dr Libby Limbrick, chairperson of Storylines. ‘For young readers, the pictures are an integral part of their comprehensive exploration of the story. The quality of illustrations is therefore critical in literature written for them.’

‘Besides freshness of ideas, good drawing and confident use of materials and techniques, the judges will be looking for strong characterisation, strong pictorial storytelling, and artwork that is appropriate to the designated age group,’ says Random House New Zealand deputy publishing director, Jenny Hellen.

For more details visit the Storylines website: www.storylines.org.nz.

2009 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award Judges’ Report

The Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award recognises the outstanding contribution made by the late Tom Fitzgibbon to the growth and status of New Zealand children’s literature.

This year the Tom Fitzgibbon Award received 26 entries, which were slightly up on last year. Five out of the 26 manuscripts were shortlisted, so congratulations to those people.

The judges have passed on some general suggestions for future award entries: • Read your manuscript aloud. Many grammatical errors and issues of flow will be picked up this way • Have someone else proofread your manuscript before submitting anywhere • Write in the genre with which you’re comfortable • Read as many books published for this age group as possible, particularly new titles. This will give you an idea of what is currently popular and published • Remember that this award is for a book for children aged seven-13 years old, and has not been previously published • Make sure any dialogue in the story sounds natural to the era of the story.

Congratulations to the short listed entries: Michael Oehley for “The Starship Superia”, Rachel Cook for “Falling out of Place”, Dorothy Fletcher for “Trusk: Song of Sarantya”, Sarah Sommerville for “Prince Crispin and the Shy Castle”.

The 2009 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award winner is Anna Gowan, from Auckland. Anna’s first novel will be published by Scholastic New Zealand, and launched at Storylines 2010 Margaret Mahy Day.

2009 Storylines Joy Cowley Award Judges’ Report

The Storylines Joy Cowley Award is in recognition of the outstanding contribution Joy Cowley has made to children's literature, with the aim of fostering new and exciting picture books from New Zealand writers.

This year the Joy Cowley Award received 182 entries. The judges unanimously agreed that this year’s entries were of a very high standard.

Congratulations to the 10 authors whose stories were chosen in the long list: June Peka, Stina Kornfield, Clare Scott, Sara Acton, Carolyn McCurdie, Juliette MacIver, Hannah Edwards, Julia Sloane, Belynda Smith and Sally Sutton. Congratulations to the six authors whose stories made the short list: Stina Kornfield for “Donkey Time”, Belynda Smith for “Goodnight Pumpkin”, Clare Scott for “Onion Overload”, Sara Acton for “Ben and Duck”, Juliette MacIver for “Starchild”, June Peka for “Magpie Mischief”. Congratulations to June Peka, from Christchurch, the 2009 Storylines Joy Cowley Award winner. June’s picture book will be published by Scholastic New Zealand, and launched in 2010.

Page 10 What’s the Story May 2009 www.storylines.org.nz

Celebrate 40 years of children’s literature

The [Children’s Literature] Association takes its origins from a series of one day courses on children’s literature run by the English Department and the library of North Shore Teachers’ College. Our first effort was held on Monday 8 May 1967, a few months after the college moved from its temporary quarters in Richardson Road Mt Roskill. There were about 40 parents and teachers present for the day’s lectures, discussions and films.

In 1969 we chose a Saturday, assuming correctly that more mothers would be able to come in the weekend. Over a hundred were there. The idea of a Children’s Literature Association was suggested: it was well received, and a committee was appointed. Since May 1969 the Association has grown from a small local group to nearly 400 members, of whom about half live out of Auckland. There is a branch in Hamilton. From Tom Fitzgibbon’s introduction to the CLA’s first yearbook, published 1972.

It is 40 years since the Children’s Literature Association was formed and Storylines is recognising this milestone with a children’s literature themed afternoon tea on Sunday 24 May at Takapuna Grammar School library from 2.00 to 4.30pm. (Parking and entry to the library is from St Leonards Road.)

Tickets are $5 for Storylines members, $10 for non-members and are payable at the door (cash only please).

Founding CLA members Betty Gilderdale, Dorothy Butler and Joan Brockett will be there. If you know of people who would be interested and you don’t think they are on the Storylines mailing list please forward their contact details to [email protected], or Betty Gilderdale, Dorothy Butler & Joan Brockett PO Box 96 094, Balmoral, Auckland. at the 2008 Storylines Margaret Mahy Day

The Children’s Literature Association and the Children’s Book Foundation joined forces to form the current Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust and Foundation.

If you would like to bring a children’s literature themed plate to share, please send the name of the recipe, the title of the book which inspired it, and a suitable quote to [email protected].

For further information about this event contact Helen Beckingsale at East Coast Bays Library, [email protected] or phone 09 486 8649.

Salt River by Elizabeth Hegarty (Scholastic NZ) ISBN 978-1869439088

Winner of the 2008 Storylines Tom Fitzgibbon Award for a previously unpublished writer, this book is a fascinating combination of history and adventure. Set in the 1920s, it looks at the life of 14-year-old Tom Pook in the remote backwaters of the Kaipara Harbour. Tom lives with his parents and seven brothers and sisters in a one-roomed house where the only access is by boat. Tom doesn’t go to school – he helps his father earn a living by fishing. The story begins with Tom’s parents leaving him in charge of the family for a week while they go to Dargaville. Inevitably, trouble erupts when naughty little Marina runs away and Tom has to go hunting for her. As the story develops we realise that Tom doesn’t want to work forever as his father’s deck hand – he wants to see the world and do something exciting. But how can he achieve this when he has so many responsibilities?

Written in a relaxed, easy-to-read style, this book has been very well researched. It also has an extra point of interest – Tom Pook was a real person, and this story is based closely on his life. Heartily recommended for readers aged about 10 to 13. Lorraine Orman

At the dawn of the 21st century, where knowledge is literally power, where it unlocks the gates of opportunity and success, we all have responsibilities as parents, as librarians, as educators, as politicians, and as citizens to instill in our children a love of reading so that we can give them a chance to fulfill their dreams. Barack Obama, address at the 2005 ALA [American Library Association] Annual Conference. For the full speech visit www.storylines.org.nz, under resources – useful links.

Page 11 What’s the Story May 2009 www.storylines.org.nz

News

Tamer Institute for Community Education Awarded the 2009 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award The announcement of the 2009 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was made at the recent Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The award went to the Tamer Institute for Community Education, promoters of reading active on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Tamer is the seventh recipient of the award. The previous winners are: Sonya Hartnett (2008), Banco del Libro (2007), Katherine Paterson (2006), Philip Pullman (2005), Ryôji Arai (2005), Lygia Bojunga (2004), Christine Nöstlinger (2003) and Maurice Sendak (2003). The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) is the world’s largest prize for children’s and young people’s literature and totals SEK 5 million (equivalent to over NZ$1,000,000). The jury’s reasons: With perseverance, audacity and resourcefulness, the Tamer Institute has, for two decades, stimulated Palestinian children’s and young adults’ love of reading and their creativity. Under difficult circumstances, the institute carries out reading promotion of an unusual breadth and versatility. In the spirit of Astrid Lindgren, the Tamer Institute acknowledges the power of words and the strength of books, stories and imagination as important keys to self-esteem, tolerance and the courage to face life. About Tamer Tamer Institute for Community Education is an educational non-governmental non-profit organisation established in 1989 as a response to the needs of the Palestinian community during the first intifada. Focusing principally on the rights to education, identity, freedom of expression, and access to information, Tamer works across the West Bank and Gaza Strip, primarily targeting children and young people and developing alternatives and supplements to formal education. Their programmes promote reading and writing on national and regional levels, development of children’s literature, and creative self-expression. And youth empowerment through advocacy and community development initiatives. For more information visit: www.tamerinst.org and www.alma.se.

Support for IBBY NZ Our 2009 consortium members include the New Zealand Book Council, HarperCollins, Random House, Penguin NZ and Scholastic NZ who all make a substantial contribution to our annual membership.

International Authors’ and Illustrators’ Forum 2009 In June 2009, the International Youth Library will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Venerable yet eternally youthful, this unique library for international children’s and youth literature is getting ready to move into the future. Children’s poetry as the embodiment of a love of words and imagery – timeless, light, and fresh – will take centre stage at the anniversary celebrations. An international authors’ and illustrators’ forum (225-26 June), as well as an exhibition and a large party for families on Sunday 28 June, will all be devoted to poetry for young people. The official opening ceremony will begin at 11am on 25 June, followed by a reception. During the two-day international forum, writers, illustrators, publishers, literary critics, and specialists will discuss the importance and the enduring quality of children’s poems and the challenge of illustrating them. The aim of the conference will be to present different variants of current children’s poetry, to become acquainted with several approaches and perspectives, and to analyse the interaction between text and illustration. In addition to the talks, a kaleidoscope of poems and images will be presented to the audience. The first day of the forum will mainly address the texts themselves, the power of poetic language, and the importance of classical and modern poems for children. On the second day, illustrators and poets will discuss the question of how figurative language can be transferred into visual images. Contact for registration form and further information at www.ijb.de. From press release.

Material published in this newsletter is not necessarily the official opinion of Storylines. Contributions from members are welcome, however contributors must take full responsibility for their assertions. Storylines, PO Box 96 094, Balmoral, Auckland 1342 Email: [email protected]

Page 12 What’s the Story May 2009 www.storylines.org.nz