Young writers offered chance to become published authors

16 April, 2012

Budding young writers offered the rare opportunity to become published authors

• Short story competition offers eight classes from years 1-8 the chance to become published authors & raise funds for Starship
• Schools from Northland to Auckland can enter now
• Winning classes learn top writing skills from renowned authors
• Book illustrated by rugby legend Keven Mealamu
• Entries close Monday 11 June – see www.barfoot.co.nz/challenge

Barfoot & Thompson is inviting entries for its Young Authors Challenge, offering Northland and Auckland primary and intermediate school children the chance to experience the joy of publishing their creative works.

In 2011 the short story works of eight classes were published in Superhero Pukeko & 7 Winning Stories, illustrated by Keven Mealamu.

“We want as many children as possible to participate and experience the magic of creating their own story. Perhaps this will start the career of a future author, or simply instil a life-long love of reading and writing,” says Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot & Thompson, which fully funds the programme.

Mr Thompson encourages teachers to take advantage of the unique learning opportunity by entering the best short story by students from their class before 11 June.

“The Young Authors Challenge offers many benefits for students. It fits within the primary and intermediate curriculums, and can also deliver real and exciting outcomes for the children involved,” he says.

This year, up to eight classes can win the chance to have their short story feature in the book, which will be published and sold to benefit Starship Children’s Hospital.

In addition to seeing their creative works feature in a published book, the winning classes have the unique opportunity to work with experienced authors John Parker and Paula Green to get their story ‘print ready’. As in previous years, their stories will be brought to life by rugby legend and amateur artist Keven Mealamu.

Mr Thompson said the book will be a great help to other children which is something the authors can feel proud of.

“Every cent raised from book sales will go to the Starship Foundation. We also provide the book to children who stay overnight in Starship Children’s Hospital and the Whangarei Hospital Children’s Ward.”

Past books including Room 22 and Jumbo, the Monster Caterpillar by the inaugural winners from Colwill School in West Auckland, The Weather Fish by Room 10 at Ahipara School and Paul and the Magic Pencil by Room 15 from Waiau Pa School in Franklin, have all helped raised more than $80,000 for Starship Foundation.

Last year’s Superhero Pukeko & 7 Winning Stories book was the first compilation of short stories from St Heliers School, Ararimu School, Birkdale Intermediate, Howick Intermediate, Hurupaki School, Somerville Intermediate, Victoria Ave Primary and Willowbank Primary, and raised $15,000 for Starship.

Important information:
• The Barfoot & Thompson Young Authors Challenge is open to all primary and intermediate classes at schools in Auckland and Northland.
• Entries close on 11 June.
• Teachers can find out more at www.barfoot.co.nz/challenge.

Barfoot & Thompson knows Auckland best. It is the city’s leading real estate company, selling around one in three Auckland residential homes, significantly ahead of all other competitor brands.

The Magic of Reading programme & Young Authors Challenge is fully funded by Barfoot & Thompson, who are five star sponsors of the Starship Foundation. Combined, the programmes see thousands of dollars raised and 15,000 books put in the hands of Starship patients each year.

Keven Mealamu is Barfoot & Thompson’s Sponsorship Ambassador. As well as being a talented rugby player, Keven is also a keen amateur artist.

John Parker is one of New Zealand’s best known authors, having written nearly 130 books for children ranging from picture-books to novels for teens. Paula Green is a highly regarded poet and writer, and began writing for children after being awarded the University of Auckland literacy Fellowship in 2005.

For further information visit www.barfoot.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media