Home Child - the moving story of a child migrant

Home Child - the moving story of a child migrant sent from England to a foster family in New Zealand in the 1950s

A moving, true story of a British girl sent with her siblings to foster families in New Zealand in the 1950s

London 1950: a father makes the heart-wrenching decision to send his children to New Zealand for a better life. Young Pat and one of her sisters are allowed to stay together when the four are adopted out, but they will never see their father again.

Many years after coming to New Zealand, Pat and her sister are reunited with their brother and sister and one other sister that didn’t travel to New Zealand with them. In 2010 Nelson resident Pat Brown represented New Zealand at the British Government’s official apology to child migrants. This is her story.

Published this week, Home Child hauntingly captures the experience of young children consigned to a new life in a strange country, with its sadness and also happy times. Dawn McMillan expresses the essence of Pat’s experience, which is beautifully represented by illustrator Trish Bowles.

Included is biographical information about Pat and her tireless work for child migrants in New Zealand, and an explanation of the history of the thousands of children that were sent all over the world from England.

Publication of the children’s picture book will be celebrated on 24 April at a special event in Nelson bookshop Volume, on the occasion of Pat’s 80th birthday.

About the author and illustrator:

Dawn McMillan is the much-loved author of numerous children’s books including the international hit I Need a New Bum! In this emotion-filled story she shows her writing talent is not restricted to humour. Dawn meticulously researched the story and developed a friendship with Pat. Trish Bowles is a well-respected and widely published illustrator. She lives in Christchurch.

Home Child: A child migrant in New Zealand

Written by Dawn McMillan, illustrated by Trish Bowles

ISBN: 978-0-947506-58-2, RRP $27.99 HB

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