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PICTURE BOOKS

A selection of Wairarapa tales...

SWIRLD BOOKS
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​A bit of a Johnny come lately in my publishing career...

I am passionate about picture books, and have been for a long time. I always wanted to give it a try and after a career in design I started on this path.   I have now illustrated several picture books - mainly historical fiction and became a first time author in 2021.  SWIRLD BOOKS is my publishing imprint.

The Road to the Future, An Electric Pioneer and his Magnificent battery Cars, published  2021.   Distributed by Nationwide Book Distributors. 

Soft cover and flaps, 36 pages.
Audience 7+
Includes fact pages and a QR code to a link at Waikato University, New Zealand, to help extend knowledge on electric vehicles.
​Based on true events around New Zealand's early motoring history and electric vehicles. 
 


Available at selected book stores nationwide. RRP $22.99.


Wairarapa Tales

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Elwyn's Dream - saving the Takahe
​By Ali Foster, illustrator Viv Walker
​RANDOM HOUSE 2008,
re-printed by SWIRLD BOOKS

​(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.   
Audience 7+

                                                                          RRP NZ $20.00 each


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The Eels of ANZAC Bridge 
​By Ali Foster, illustrator Viv Walker
FRASER BOOKS  

(Enquiries through Fraser Books, Masterton)
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.   Audience 7+

RRP NZ $20.00 each
Available from the Wairarapa Archives, Pukaha Mount Bruce - National Wildlife Centre, 
Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Gallery 23 and Heart of Arts Carterton,​ Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown, and selected bookstores.

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A Beam of Bright Light
​- the journey of a lighthouse

By Ali Foster, illustrator Viv Walker

​(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.  Audience 7+

RRP NZ $20.00 each
Available from  Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Gallery 23 and Heart of Arts Carterton,​ Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown, and selected bookstores or enquire online.​

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BESTSELLER! 
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Over the Hill to Greytown
​By Tania Atkinson, illustrator Viv Walker
​(In 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


'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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Old Russian Jack

By Tania Atkinson, illustrator Viv Walker


(Currently out of print)

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.  


RRP $22.00 each.
Available from  Aratoi Art & History Museum, Masterton, Gallery 23 and Heart of Arts Carterton,​ Cobblestones Museum Greytown, Kotare Gallery Greytown, and selected bookstores or enquire online.​

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Henley Lake- from Wasteland to Wetland 
​(In stock)
'MANY HANDS MAKE LAKE WORK!
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. '
​
RRP NZ $30.00 each
(A portion of proceeds from sales are donated back to the Henley Trust to help them with their beautification efforts for the Lake and park).
Available from:  various retail and bookstores in the Wairarapa or enquire online.

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