Local students get to publish book for Starship

Main release

29 April 2010

Local students get to publish book for Starship

Year 7 and 8 students from Waiau Pa School near Pukekohe were today announced as the winners of the third annual Barfoot & Thompson Magic of Reading Storybook Competition.

The young authors have won the chance to turn their story idea into a published book, which will be sold with all proceeds benefiting the Starship Foundation.

Waiau Pa’s entry, entitled Paul and the Permanent Propelling Pencil, was one of six finalists chosen from more than 150 entries submitted by primary and intermediate school classes from around Auckland and Northland.

Managing Director Peter Thompson says the calibre of all the entries was high.

 “The students that participated, and the teachers that helped make their entry possible, all deserve to be very proud of what they achieved.”
He said the finalists’ story ideas were selected not only for their imagination, but for the way the students translated their idea into a real story.

“Learning more about the writing process and the important elements that come together to form a book, such as the setting, characters and plot, is an important part of the competition.  Our finalists demonstrated a good grasp of that, as well as creative flair, in their entries.”

The other finalists were:

·     The Lonely Picture Book from Diocesan School for Girls;

The Zoo by Dominion Road Primary;
Inside the Closet from Lincoln Heights School;
The Magic Mirror also from Lincoln Heights School; and
The Pencil from Kohimarama School.
 The winning story idea from Waiau Pa School was selected by a panel of judges, including renowned children’s author John Parker, rugby star Keven Mealamu, Starship Foundation Chief Executive Andrew Young and Barfoot & Thompson Chief Executive Wendy Alexander.

Judge Wendy Alexander says Waiau Pa’s storybook idea stood out because of its well developed plot.

“The students from Waiau Pa School crafted a wonderful story that concludes with an important message for young people,” says Mrs Alexander.

“Their idea was also supported by imaginative details about the setting and characters. We think children and adults alike will really enjoy reading the finished product!”

The students will now develop their story idea into a manuscript with the support of John Parker, and amateur artist Keven Mealamu will lend his hand to illustrate the book.

Once published, the book will be sold and, because Barfoot & Thompson fully fund the programme, every cent from proceeds will be donated to the Starship Foundation.

Mr Thompson says that for the winning class, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

“The children from Waiau Pa School not only get to publish a real book, they also get to make a profound contribution towards helping other young New Zealanders.

“Our past two winning classes have together helped Barfoot & Thompson raise a combined $60,000 for Starship.”

Previous titles, Room 22 and Jumbo, the Monster Caterpillar, by the inaugural winners from Colwill School in West Auckland, and The Weather Fish by the 2009 winners from Ahipara School in Northland, each helped raise $30,000.

A portion of the books are also provided to Starship Children’s Health and Whangarei Hospital’s Children’s Ward to be given to young patients that stay overnight to read and take home.

ENDS

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