PO Box 3413
Wellington 6015
New Zealand
November 2009
Dear Friends,
I am reminded that young children usually identify with the smallest character in a book. If a book is about a woman and a cat, they will identify with the cat. If it is about a cat and a mouse, they will identify with the mouse. When I'm writing about animals, it is always the small creature that is the winner.
The latest picture book, just out, is a remake of the old Frog Prince story and is called Fly Pie. It was a pleasure to take the traditional tale, shake it empty and then stuff it with new story that makes "small" the winner. Philip Webb has done gorgeous illustrations to this new title published by Scholastic, Auckland. This year, Scholastic has also published Greedy Cat and the Goldfish and this too, has very beautiful illustrations. What a privilege it is to be able to work with people like Philip and Robyn Belton. Children giggle each time they turn to the picture of big old Greedy Cat sliding down ripped curtains after a failed attempt to catch the goldfish.
This year has also been an exciting time for Snake and Lizard. Gavin Bishop's illustrations came to life in Tim Bray's production of a play based on the book. It's lovely to see characters grow this way, from words on a computer screen, to coloured shapes and then to action on a stage. Now Gavin has illustrated the sequel to Snake and Lizard, called Friends, again published by Gecko Press. The pictures are stunning, different colours from the first book, and very clever. Gavin is truly a co-author in that he picks up words and stretches the story into a visual dimension.
Earlier this year, I was asked by the Bible Society to write for children the true story of Tarore, the little girl whose death brought many Maori tribes to peace in the mid 1880s. I had not known about this, although I was aware of the name. It was only when I researched Tarore that I uncovered a truly amazing story that is an important part of the history of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The book is beautifully designed with illustrations painted in the 1920s by Mary Glover Bibby.
Last but not least, we get to the school readers. Clean Slate Press have reprinted a number of my school reading books formerly published by Mimosa in Australia. But they have also published 15 new stories written about favourite old characters like Mrs Wishy-Washy, Dan the Flying Man, Meanies, The Hungry Giant and Smarty Pants, all lovely productions. Another 15 are being processed. For more information contact Frances Bacon: frances@cleanslatepress.com.
Well, that's the writing in the year. There has also been a woodturning course that has brought much enjoyment. I'm not a brilliant student but I do enjoy working at the lathe, watching a bowl emerge from a chunk of firewood. It is very satisfying.
This winter, Terry has had some health problems but we've still enjoyed the year and each other's company. Most people know by now that our Snake and Lizard books are autobiographical, Terry being Snake, while I am Lizard. He is the calm, elegant, slow-moving one, and I tend to be impulsive and excitable. We have arguments which last about as long as a firecracker but are the best of friends. I'll add to this letter a recent photo a friend took of us - Snake and Lizard at home.
With much love
Joy Cowley
