Sarah Charteris' children's book series Chopper and Frank the Rescue Dogs is based on her real pets, pictured in one of their Wairoa-based Charteris Choppers machines.
Sarah Charteris' children's book series Chopper and Frank the Rescue Dogs is based on her real pets, pictured in one of their Wairoa-based Charteris Choppers machines.
A children’s book fundraiser for Gisborne’s rescue helicopter is set to bring adventure and fun for young readers these school holidays.
The second book in the series Chopper and Frank – The Rescue Dogs was released this week.
Titled A Mahia Mission, the latest instalment follows the father-and-son pair asthey respond to a call-out for a missing farmer.
With teamwork, Chopper’s skill and a touch of Frank’s signature clumsiness, the story captures the excitement and importance of rescue helicopter missions.
The book series started in September last year as a fundraiser for Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust (EHRT).
The first book, An East Coast Mission, was produced by Wairoa-based helicopter company Charteris Choppers.
Author Sarah Charteris co-owns and operates the business with husband Blake, and was inspired to write the books after Cyclone Gabrielle.
The second instalment of the Chopper and Frank - The Rescue Dogs series has been released, with part of each sale going towards the Eastland Helicopter Rescue Trust.
The characters are based on the couple’s two German short-haired pointers, who are an integral part of the Charteris helicopter team.
“I had always thought Chopper and Frank’s personalities would make lovely characters for a children’s book, and after seeing the tireless work of emergency workers during the cyclone, I thought the books would be a great way to celebrate what they do,” said Sarah, who has a background in journalism and creative writing.
“Chopper is a dear old gentleman, and Frank is such a goofball. They really are an unlikely rescue team, but kids just seem to love that they can see the dogs in real life and that it is them in the helicopter.”
Both books feature local landmarks and appeal to young readers through rhyming and a repetitive format.
“I have read hundreds of books as a parent, and you get to know what the kids like. They love a rhyme, they love bright pictures, and they love to know the words so they can read along with you.
“There is a consistent phrase that features several times in each book, and that has become the catchphrase of Chopper and Frank.”
The first book sold more than 1000 copies and has so far raised close to $8000 for the EHRT.
Sarah is hoping the second book is just as successful.
“We had local families and businesses bulk-buying books and donating to the helicopter to give to patients as well as other local organisations, which was just amazing.
“It is a unique, long-lasting way to give back to your community and support such an incredible and integral life-saving cause.
“You wouldn’t believe how much this service must fundraise every year to keep in the air. We all know someone who has needed it at some point, so why not get behind it and spread a love of books at the same time.”
The books cost $25 each, with $5 from each sale going to EHRT.
Books can be bought at Ballance Street Bookshop, Easts at Makaraka, Books on Parade, in Wairoa, and Wairoa Farm Vets. They are also available online at www.chopperandfrank.co.nz
Businesses interested in sponsoring and donating books can contact Charteris at chopperandfrank@gmail.com
Charteris will be reading the books at H.B. Williams Memorial Library in Gisborne on Friday, April 10, and the Wairoa Centennial Library on Tuesday, April 14.
A colouring competition is also running through both libraries and bookshops.
A photo competition to win a $50 prezzie card and Easter hamper is also being run. To go into the draw, buy a copy of A Mahia Mission and send in a photo of yourself reading it to an animal friend.
