Feature Children's Authors
These are just some of the many authors we have showcased in our libraries.
Have fun exploring the links.
Vince Ford
Vince FordVince is the author behind the very funny and extremely popular books 2MUCH4U and the sequel SOMUCH2DU. Vince’s latest book Boyznbikes, written for boys and teens, is a finalist in the Junior Fiction section of the 2007 New Zealand Post Book Awards. Read more about Vince Ford and his writing.
New Zealand Authors
Did you know that September has been chosen to celebrate New Zealand books and New Zealand writers? From Hairy Maclary to The Whale Rider there are some awesome stories by Kiwi authors. So, head into your local library and look out for great reads by Joy Cowley, Fleur Beale, Maurice Gee, Brian Falkner, Gavin Bishop and Shirley Corlett, to name just a few. Ask a librarian to help you find a good book. While you’re here, click on your favourite author below to find out more about him/her.
Anthony Horowitz
Seen the movie?? Now read the book – STORMBREAKER is Anthony Horowitz’s first story about 14 year old super spy, Alex Rider, recruited by Britain’s top secret intelligence agency to help rid the world of evil. If you like STORMBREAKER, there are five more in the series…and counting. Anthony is one of England’s busiest writers and spends up to 10 hours a day writing in a shed in his London garden, kept company by his Labrador dog, Lucky. He is currently working on a major supernatural series, THE GATEKEEPERS, which was inspired by this thought - “Would it be possible to write something like Lord of the Rings – but to set it here, now and in the real world?”. Click here to read more about our feature author and his stories.
Emily Rodda
If magic and fantasy are your thing, Emily Rodda is the author for you. The Deltora Quest books are favourites of children all over the world, and it’s easy to see why – three young heroes, magical gems, dragons and a battle between good and the evil Shadow Lord. Of course there’s more to Emily Rodda than Deltora Quest. Other popular titles are the Rowan of Rin series, Finders Keepers and Pigs Might Fly, among many others. Whatever she writes, Emily Rodda just seems to know what children want to read. Now..…how much do you know about the author? Is Emily Rodda her real name? Which country is she from? Click on this link to find the answers
Emily Rodda's website
Terry Deary
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Terry Deary has blasted his way into children's reading all over the world with his Horrible Histories series. This year he has 14 of the most borrowed top 20 children's non-fiction titles in British libraries (probably very similar here in NZ). He's now spending time making a live action Horrible Histories television series.
Terry Deary also writes fiction stories. Look out for his latest title coming soon - Horror stories: Terribly True. Visit Terry Deary's website to have a wickedly wonderful time!
Paul Jennings
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Paul Jennings is one of the most popular authors for children at Hutt City Libraries. He has a quirky sense of humour and most of his books are collections of short stories, a real bonus for those who find a thick novel too daunting. Go to the Paul Jennings website to find out more about him or see all his books listed here.
Parents - Paul Jennings has written a book for you too. It's called “The reading bug: …..and how you can help your child to catch it” and you can find it at 649.58 JEN in the adult non-fiction. A parent recently told us it was "inspiring" in helping to get their child reading.
Colin Thompson
Colin Thompson's picture books are an amazing feast of colour and detail. He has also written chapter books - look out for The Floods and Future Eden. Visit Colin Thompson's official website to find out all about this awesome author and illustrator. You'll find his books in the junior graphic novel and junior fiction section of the children's library.
Rev. W. Awdry
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The Rev. Awdry made up the Thomas the Tank Engine stories to entertain his son who was at home sick. He wrote them down on scraps of paper and added simple drawings of steam locomotives. More than 60 years later these stories are favourites of children all over the world. You can find them under AWD in the purple junior easy fiction section of the children's library.
Brian Jacques
If you like animal stories and fantasy try the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. Follow the adventures of the animals living in Mossflower Woods where the good guys are mice and the bad guys are rats. The books are aimed at older children but have fans of all ages.
Find Brain Jacques' stories in the library:
Look under JAC in the junior fiction and teens section of the library. Just ask a librarian to help you.