A bit of a Johnny come lately in my career... I branched out into an area I have been passionate about for a long time - picture book illustration. It was something that I always wanted to achieve and to date have illustrated five picture books - the stories are by local authors, based on true events set in the Wairarapa, New Zealand.
I am the distributor of all the books below except the Eels of Anzac Bridge. Please contact me for copies via my website.
In 2017, I created a new name SWIRLD BOOKS for my publishing activities after producing a non-fiction title Henley Lake from Wasteland to Wetland. Select the SWIRLD BOOKS button above for more information on books and publishing services.
I am the distributor of all the books below except the Eels of Anzac Bridge. Please contact me for copies via my website.
In 2017, I created a new name SWIRLD BOOKS for my publishing activities after producing a non-fiction title Henley Lake from Wasteland to Wetland. Select the SWIRLD BOOKS button above for more information on books and publishing services.
NEW BOOK RELEASE: MARCH 2019
This - almost true - story, is about the famous swagman 'Russian Jack'. A charming tale with bright illustrations that include a group of greedy animals who take a big interest in the contents of Jack's gigantic sack!
Suitable for early readers. Available from MARCH 20TH. RRP $22.00 each. ORDERS: swirld@xtra.co.nz or via this website. |
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More... Wairarapa Tales
Elwyn's Dream - saving the Takahe - RANDOM HOUSE 2008 (low stock)
This true story, set in the 1950's, is about a Mount Bruce farmer and bird expert, who helped save the Takahe - once thought extinct for over 50 years. Elwyn Welch was instrumental in starting a captive breeding programme for the Takahe and other native birds in the North Island and was the forerunner to the national bird centre - Pukaha Mount Bruce.
RRP NZ $20.00 each
Available from the Wairarapa Archives, Pukaha Mount Bruce - National Wildlife Centre, Masterton, Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Gallery 23, Carterton, Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown and selected bookstores or enquire online.
This true story, set in the 1950's, is about a Mount Bruce farmer and bird expert, who helped save the Takahe - once thought extinct for over 50 years. Elwyn Welch was instrumental in starting a captive breeding programme for the Takahe and other native birds in the North Island and was the forerunner to the national bird centre - Pukaha Mount Bruce.
RRP NZ $20.00 each
Available from the Wairarapa Archives, Pukaha Mount Bruce - National Wildlife Centre, Masterton, Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Gallery 23, Carterton, Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown and selected bookstores or enquire online.
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The Eels of ANZAC Bridge - FRASER BOOKS 2011 (In stock)
A young boy's fascination with eels leads into the gentle exploration of the joys and sorrows of life and death. When the young boy grows up and becomes a soldier, his journey to the Great War on the other side of the world is shadowed by that of the eels, as they make their amazing journey to their breeding grounds deep in the pacific ocean.
RRP NZ $20.00 each Available from the Wairarapa Archives, Pukaha Mount Bruce - National Wildlife Centre, Masterton, Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown and selected bookstores. |
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A Beam of Bright Light - the journey of a lighthouse - SWIRLD BOOKS - reprinted 2018 (In stock)
An intriguing historical tale celebrates the first 100 years of the iconic Castlepoint Lighthouse; its construction in the heart of Wellington city, journey by sea along the treacherous Wairarapa coast and its precarious reconstruction on a windswept limestone reef.
RRP NZ $20.00 each Available from Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Gallery 23, Carterton, Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown, Polka Dots Masterton and selected bookstores or enquire online. |
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BESTSELLER!
Over the Hill to Greytown - SWIRLD BOOKS reprinted 2018 (low stock) Over the Hill to Greytown introduces a cast of delightful characters who get a lift with Mr. Oates in this 'true' story from New Zealand history. A fun tale, charmingly told by Tania Atkinson with enchanting illustrations by Viv Walker. A book that is sure to become a favourite with those being read to and independent readers. Highly recommended for 3-6 years.
RRP NZ $22.00 each Available from Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Gallery 23, Carterton, Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown, Polka Dots Masterton and selected bookstores or enquire online. 
'Samuel Oates planted a tree'...
the real tree from the story is on Main Street, Greytown, NZ. Select the book cover to see.. |
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Henley Lake- from Wasteland to Wetland - SWIRLD BOOKS 2017 (In stock)
An anthology of local stories from the community relating to a man-made lake and park in Masterton. Celebrating 'volunteers' who take part in community projects. The content came from over 70 contributors from the local community who generously donated text, photographs and artworks. 'MANY HANDS MAKE LAKE WORK!'
NEW PRICE! RRP NZ $30.00 each (Some proceeds from sales are donated back to the Henley Trust to help them with their beautification efforts for the Lake and park). Available from: Wairarapa Archives Masterton, Pukaha Mount Bruce - National Wildlife Centre, Masterton, Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Gallery 23, Carterton, Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown and selected bookstores or enquire online. |
