Tui tale spreads message

ROBERT CHARLES/Taranaki Daily News

WELL RECEIVED: First time author, Jan Pendergrast, left, Caleb McNicholl, 9, illustrator Ruth Reinsfield, and Amanda McDermott, 7, got together at the Inglewood library yesterday for the launch of Tui's Friends.

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Territorial tui at her Tauranga home became the inspiration for a new children's author.

Tui's Friends, by Jan Pendergrast, tells the story of a bully-boy tui who chases away all those who dare to come near.

"It really happens in my garden," says writer Jan Pendergrast, who lives in the bushline at Oropi, near Tauranga.

Mrs Pendergrast was at Inglewood Library and Service Centre yesterday for the Taranaki launch of her first book, which has a strong local connection.

Her illustrator, Ruth Reinsfield, publisher Carolyn Aish and book binder Kylie O'Keane, are all from Inglewood.

And the book was very well received by those it is intended for.

Bookworm Amanda McDermott, 7, took no time in reading the story and enjoyed the rich illustrations of native birds.

"It looks very cool," she says.

Mrs Pendergrast says the book, loaded with alliteration, also contains a message about bullying for her young readers. "If you want to have friends you must be friendly," she says.

The book is also the first for artist Mrs Reinsfield, whom Mrs Pendergrast approached to do the artwork.

"I said to her, `Have you ever thought about illustrating a children's book?' and I gave her my story."

The sequel, featuring other native birds such as the shining cuckoo, is already in the planning stages.

"All the ideas are flying about."

- © Fairfax NZ News