Author Ross Murray with his book Goldilocks and the Three Polar Bears. Photo/John Borren
Story's serious message is not overpowering, with a great storyline readers will enjoy, writes Jamie Regan
Good books often have two key things; a clear message and a connection with the reader.
Those two points are exactly what Mount Maunganui-based author Ross Murray has covered with his children's book, Goldilocks and the Three Polar Bears.
The book focuses on the effects of an oil spill in the arctic, and how humans can impact the environment. From the perspective of a child, the reader is shown how little care people can have for the environment and the wildlife which inhabit it. The girl in the story experiences a fascination with the polar bears she sees. She is heartbroken when she learns their habitat has been destroyed, and that humans are the cause of this. This offers a powerful message to the reader about how the damage we cause to the environment today could impact future generations.
The book would be useful in educating children about human impact on the environment, and to get them interested in being environmentally friendly. The story engages children while also offering a powerful incentive to look after wildlife. However, the theme is not overpowering, and has a great balance of a serious message with a good storyline.
Murray, predominantly an artist who has worked in advertising and publishing, was inspired by the Rena disaster and his daughter when writing his first picture book.
"I'm an illustrator, but I enjoy writing as well. Creating a picture book is something I suppose I always wanted to do, but it was the seeing the aftermath of the Rena spill that motivated me," he said.
"For our society to shift from being dependent on using fossil fuels to sustainable energy sources requires a lot of change, and awareness is key to that.
"I wanted to create something to encourage children to think about the way we live and about the world we live in."
The book has been published by Craigmore Creations in Portland Oregon, where it has received great reviews.
"I had really encouraging feedback on it (from the US). I'm not sure when it will be available in New Zealand, but I think especially here in the Bay of Plenty, the book will have a special resonance with people due to what happened with the Rena."
Murray's work is greatly influenced by his daughters. He has dedicated Goldilocks and the Three Polar Bears to his first born Ella, who the girl in the book is based around.
Being a parent was certainly inspiring and a great motivation to create something and maybe get people thinking about the environment more.
As an author and as a father, he said it was hugely rewarding to receive the first copies of the book in the mail and read them to his daughters. From the conception to the publishing, the whole process has been extremely satisfying for Murray.
"As a parent, you spend quite a bit of time reading to kids. There are so many picture books out there, and it's nice having one of my own I can read to my kids. It's really special. As an illustrator, the whole point of my job is to communicate to people. It's just nice having one of my books out there and sharing a story."
Murray is already gathering ideas for a second book, also with ideas aimed at children.
"I have been working on what I hope will be my second book, which is completely different in style and tone from this one.
"As I dedicated Goldilocks and the Three Polar Bears to Ella, I want to create my second book for my younger daughter Millie."
Murray hopes his book will motivate people to think about how oil drilling effects the environment, and the negative impact the use of fossil fuels will have on future generations.
Half of the author proceeds from sales will go straight to Greenpeace.