Record response from Auckland & Northland schools as they vie to become published authors

- Barfoot & Thompson receive more than 150 registrations for its Magic of Reading Storybook Competition - 

Barfoot & Thompson is overwhelmed at the fantastic response to this year’s Magic of Reading Storybook competition.  The company has received more than double the number of entry registrations of last year. 

More than 150 Primary and Intermediate classes (almost 20% of which were from the Manukau area) from 80 schools across Auckland and Northland will now be busying themselves getting their best story ideas down on paper in a bid to have their very own storybook published.

Registrations for the competition closed on Friday 13 March and the level of interest has been astounding.   The next stage of the competition will test the children’s creativity as they put together their best idea for the winning storybook.

Barfoot & Thompson is pleased to be working with New Zealand children’s writer John Parker once again.  John is the author of much loved books including the Papa McPhee series, I Love Spiders and TT’s Terrible Tuesday and will be on board to guide the winning class  as they workshop their idea into a publishable story.

Barfoot & Thompson Managing Director Peter Thompson says, “We’re absolutely delighted with the response to this year’s competition.  We’ve by far exceeded last year’s registration number and it’s fantastic to see so many young children enthusiastic about books and reading.  I’m very much looking forward to seeing the standard of this year’s entries.”

Rugby hero, Keven Mealamu, also remains committed to the programme as the company’s sponsorship ambassador.  Keven revealed his talents as a skilled illustrator last year when he brought Room 22 and Jumbo the Monster Caterpillar to life with his wonderful imagery. 

Mr Thompson says, “Keven’s involvement is really special to us and makes the experience all the more exciting for the children.  Keven has worked with us throughout the whole Magic of Reading programme and we’re very grateful for the time he gives up to support such a great cause.”

The published book will become part of Barfoot & Thompson’s Magic of Reading programme at Starship Hospital, which aims to provide each child admitted to Starship and Whangarei Hospital children’s ward for a night or more with their own book to read and take home with them.  The new book will also be available for sale, with all proceeds benefitting the Starship Foundation.

Visit www.barfoot.co.nz/storybook for further information in the competition.  Entries must be received by Friday 10 April 2009.

ENDS

For further information, contact Peter Thompson, Barfoot & Thompson, telephone
09 307 5523.  www.barfoot.co.nz

Released on behalf of Barfoot & Thompson by Network PR (Katherine Litten), telephone 09 306 581. www.networkpr.co.nz