Grandson's toy truck inspires tale
BY CHERIE HOWIE
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The imagination and love of a Blenheim grandfather have combined to bring to life the story of a once-forgotten toy truck and its incredible journey to reunite with its young owner.
Trevor Harris wrote the children's book Breezemere Ben's Great Journey after finding his grandson Nathan's forgotten wooden toy truck after the boy's family moved from their Awatere farm to Stanley Brook, near Tapawera.
After fixing up the dilapidated toy truck, Mr Harris decided to write a story for Nathan about how it made its way back to him.
So began the fantastic adventures of Ben, who battled unexpected challenges, made new friends and stopped at several Marlborough landmarks, as he travelled 200km back to Nathan. The story includes lessons on dealing with loss, co-operation and the importance of helping others and never giving up.
"It wasn't an easy trip for poor old Ben," Mr Harris said.
The original story was written in an exercise book, which Mr Harris left beside Ben on the veranda of Nathan's home for him to discover on Christmas morning. But the 18-chapter book was so well received, Mr Harris' daughter and son-in-law decided to have it published and 300 copies are on sale in Perry's Book Shop and from Mr Harris himself.
An official launch was held on Sunday night.
Mr Harris said he was a bit embarrassed, but proud, by the attention.
"I wasn't given the option [over it being published] ... but, I'm quite proud of it now."
The story took about three months to write, with the biggest challenge taking the 20 photos of the truck on its adventure.
Photos include Ben negotiating the Butter Factory Corner and making his way through St Arnaud snow.
Mr Harris also included his father, Ern Harris, in the book, as the fictional builder of Ben.
However, Mr Harris said he had no plans to embark on a fulltime writing career. "This was a one off."
- The Marlborough Express
