Internationally Acclaimed
Children’s Book Authors Martin Baynton (The
WotWots, Jane and the Dragon,) and Terri Baynton (Mr Bear Branches and the Cloud Conundrum) Launch Their New Picture
Book –
Dragon Island
Dragon Island is an enchanting book dealing with the difficult issue of Saying No to Violence –
Bullying Prevention Advisory Group and Newtown School to create resources to
accompany book
Dragon Island is a new collaboration by father
and daughter creators, Martin and Terri Baynton and is an enchanting new book
from Scholastic NZ that deals with the difficult issue of saying no to
violence. At one level it is a simple tale of courage and conviction, at another it
is a tool children can use to discuss aggressive behaviour through a story that
is childcentric, life-affirming and engaging.
Dragon Island was written by Martin
Baynton (Jane and the Dragon, The WotWots)
and illustrated by his daughter, Terri Baynton (Mr Bear Branches and the Cloud Conundrum). Both have distinguished
careers creating books for children, but Dragon
Island is their first collaboration on a picture book.
Children’s
Commissioner Dr Russell Wills, the Principal of Newtown School Mark Brown, and
the Bullying Prevention Advisory Group (BPAG), are delighted to be supporting Dragon Island.
Dr
Russell Wills has announced an initiative by BPAG and Newtown School in
Wellington to create a package of resource materials to accompany the book. These will be designed to make the book a
powerful tool for parents, teachers and everyone dealing with the consequences
of violence in the lives of our children.
"Bullying is preventable", said Dr
Wills. “"Bullying harms both the bully and the victim If schools and communities work together we
can markedly reduce bullying and our children will thank us for generations to
come. Dragon Island is both a lovely
story and a resource for teachers. Children will love the story of Norman, the
brave dragon who wants to create things. Teachers now have a resource to
introduce an important conversation with students about standing up to bullies.
Martin
and Terri have created a book that will become a wonderful addition to the
package of anti-bullying material available.”
The
book is published by Scholastic NZ and is available in print in New Zealand and
Australia with a simultaneous worldwide release online as a digital book.
“We feel honoured
to have published Dragon Island,” said Lynette Evans, Publishing Manager at Scholastic New
Zealand, “and we couldn’t be happier with the response to the book from those
who have already read it. Books that focus on issues can be a challenge for
publishers in today’s market, but Dragon Island’s gentle message is brought to life through
a beautifully written story with playful illustrations that are bursting with
detail and character. Martin and Terri have created a quietly confronting book
that is witty, engaging and uplifting. We hope it will inspire and give courage
to those who may need to follow Norman’s lead.”
Scholastic has been bringing the best in children’s books
to New Zealand for more than 50 years, and is recognised as the world’s market
leader in children’s publishing. The publishing team works with New Zealand
authors and illustrators to create books that children love to experience, and
that adults love reading with them. They believe that finding the right book at
the right time can light an emotional spark within children that motivates them
to read more, understand more and read joyfully. When that happens, the world
opens and everything becomes possible.
The Office of the Children's Commissioner
advocates for the best interests of all children and young people in New
Zealand and looks to ensure all of their rights are respected and upheld.
Martin
Baynton (left) has had a long and distinguished international career with over thirty
titles published around the world. His Jane and the Dragon book series was
first released in 1986 and has never been out of print. In 2006 it was adapted
for TV by Pukeko Pictures, the New Zealand screen production company
established by Martin and his business partners, Richard Taylor and Tania
Rodgers. Pukeko Pictures is an exciting New Zealand success story as a growing
TV company. Their preschool show The
WotWots, developed and executive produced by Martin, has sold to over a
hundred countries and garnered international ‘Parents Choice’ awards.
Terri
Baynton’s picture book Mr Bear Branches
and the Cloud Conundrum was a finalist on both sides of the Tasman last
year in the Australian and the New Zealand Children’s Book awards. Terri was
the lead writer on the hit preschool series The
WotWots, writing over half of the 78
episodes, and was a writer and script editorial assistant on the Jane and the Dragon TV series. Terri has
several new children’s titles and a novel in development.
Talented Bayton father & daughter team
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