Paul and the Magic Pencil
In 2010, John Parker's third collaboration with famous All Black Keven Mealamu produced the 32-page picture-book Paul and the Magic Pencil, about a boy who discovers that good things happen if he tries. This is Keven’s third illustration of books as Barfoot and Thompson’s Sponsorship Ambassador.
The first was a 32-page picture-book entitled Room 22 and the Giant Caterpillar, co-written by John with Room 22 at Massey's Colwill Schoolwhich won the inaugural 2008 competition run by Barfoot & Thompson to choose a story-line which could be made into a book.
The second picture-book in 2009 was The Weather Fish written by John from the winning story-line from Ahipara School in the Far North. All three books are provided, through the Magic of Reading programme, to every child who is admitted for one or more nights to the Starship Hospital in Auckland or the Children's Ward at Whangarei Hospital. And the proceeds from all public sales go to improvements at Starship.
Paul and the Magic Pencil is for sale from the Barfoot and Thompson website, and from Barfoot and Thompson branches.
In 2010, John Parker's third collaboration with famous All Black Keven Mealamu produced the 32-page picture-book Paul and the Magic Pencil, about a boy who discovers that good things happen if he tries. This is Keven’s third illustration of books as Barfoot and Thompson’s Sponsorship Ambassador.
The first was a 32-page picture-book entitled Room 22 and the Giant Caterpillar, co-written by John with Room 22 at Massey's Colwill Schoolwhich won the inaugural 2008 competition run by Barfoot & Thompson to choose a story-line which could be made into a book.
The second picture-book in 2009 was The Weather Fish written by John from the winning story-line from Ahipara School in the Far North. All three books are provided, through the Magic of Reading programme, to every child who is admitted for one or more nights to the Starship Hospital in Auckland or the Children's Ward at Whangarei Hospital. And the proceeds from all public sales go to improvements at Starship.
Paul and the Magic Pencil is for sale from the Barfoot and Thompson website, and from Barfoot and Thompson branches.
Keven & John with
Colwill School children
Colwill School children
... And again in 2011
The many entries from schools for the 2011 Barfoot and Thompson competition will be judged by John and other members of the judging panel in late May and early June. Assisted by John, the winning schools will have their short stories turned into a book illustrated by Keven.
The many entries from schools for the 2011 Barfoot and Thompson competition will be judged by John and other members of the judging panel in late May and early June. Assisted by John, the winning schools will have their short stories turned into a book illustrated by Keven.
The winning class in Waiau Pa's Room 15 in happy mood, 2010.
Poppa McPhee Gets The Eggs is 'absolutely brilliant'
So says Stuart Keith, senior Radio New Zealand National presenter and newsreader, of John's rhyming story about a lovable grandpop who bakes a cake by way of a car-yard. read more...
So says Stuart Keith, senior Radio New Zealand National presenter and newsreader, of John's rhyming story about a lovable grandpop who bakes a cake by way of a car-yard. read more...
Rights Available
As a result of rights reverting or as a casualty of mergers and takeovers, the following four titles by John Parker are available for re-publication.
As a result of rights reverting or as a casualty of mergers and takeovers, the following four titles by John Parker are available for re-publication.
Text and cartoon
Professor Ponsonby, McIntosh, and the Wool Bug, illustrated by Philip Webb, 64pp, ages 7-12. Originally published by Harper Collins for its Tui Turbo imprint. About an eccentric professor, ably assisted by his cat, McIntosh, who manages to save Baaville and its sheep from the dreaded Wool Bug. This title has been turned into a play, produced by the Orewa United Players.
ISBN 1-86950-133-0
Professor Ponsonby, McIntosh, and the Wool Bug, illustrated by Philip Webb, 64pp, ages 7-12. Originally published by Harper Collins for its Tui Turbo imprint. About an eccentric professor, ably assisted by his cat, McIntosh, who manages to save Baaville and its sheep from the dreaded Wool Bug. This title has been turned into a play, produced by the Orewa United Players.
ISBN 1-86950-133-0
Picture Books
Hurry-Scurry, illustrated by Philippa Stichbury, 21pp, ages 4-7. Originally published by Scholastic NZ for its Read by Reading imprint. A graphic rhyming text about racing home to beat a looming purple-black thunder-storm. Dramatic water-colour images. Useful text to complement weather projects.
This book is available from Scholastic +64-9 274 8112.
ISBN 1-86943-163-4
Hurry-Scurry, illustrated by Philippa Stichbury, 21pp, ages 4-7. Originally published by Scholastic NZ for its Read by Reading imprint. A graphic rhyming text about racing home to beat a looming purple-black thunder-storm. Dramatic water-colour images. Useful text to complement weather projects.
This book is available from Scholastic +64-9 274 8112.
ISBN 1-86943-163-4
Old Toby, illustrated by Julie Roil, 30pp, ages 4-9. Originally published by Scholastic NZ for its Read by Reading imprint. A rhyming text about the selective hearing of old Toby, a cat who sleeps through everything thrown at him from before dawn to dusk by the music-loving cat next door. A useful text to complement music projects, with bold edgy illustrations. A popular book as a read-to for younger children.
This book is available from Scholastic +64-9 274 8112.
ISBN 1-86943-106-5
This book is available from Scholastic +64-9 274 8112.
ISBN 1-86943-106-5
Books For Sale
Limited copies of the following title are available from John at $20 a copy, including postage. Ask him nicely and he'll happily sign them to nominated readers!
Limited copies of the following title are available from John at $20 a copy, including postage. Ask him nicely and he'll happily sign them to nominated readers!
Flash Ashley, illustrated by Jeffy James, 64pp, ages 8-13. Originally published by Harper Collins for its Tui Turbo imprint. About young Ashley Watkins, a thunder-storm enthusiast, whose encounter with a lightning-bolt transforms his head into a light-bulb and his speech into seventeenth-century English – which just happens to make him the ideal lead in the production of Romeo and Juliet. Good for introducing young readers into Shakespeare. This title has also been turned into a play, produced by Gecko Theatre.
This book is available from Wheelers Bookshop.
ISBN 1-86950-113-6
This book is available from Wheelers Bookshop.
ISBN 1-86950-113-6
Poetry Appreciation Classes
John has recently taken a series of well-received poetry appreciation sessions for selected college students at St Dominic's, Henderson. The sessions explore a wide variety of verse through fun activities rather than heavy analysis, and are tailored to students' interests and responsive to feedback. Please contact John if you would like him to take similar sessions in your school or college.
John has recently taken a series of well-received poetry appreciation sessions for selected college students at St Dominic's, Henderson. The sessions explore a wide variety of verse through fun activities rather than heavy analysis, and are tailored to students' interests and responsive to feedback. Please contact John if you would like him to take similar sessions in your school or college.
