A compilation of stories and poems for children designed to get young minds engaged is being launched by the Horowhenua Writer's Group this week.
With story titles such as The Great Ice-cream Incident, Could I Touch the Sky?, Sophie's Night Out and Zooming Seagulls many of the stories have been written from a child's point of view, says co-editor Marian Rego.
She said the 29 stories and poems in Read With Me are aimed at pre and early primary school ages, chosen for their ability to lead into discussion between child and reader.
Rego, a former teacher, has already written and published a number of books, including a number of children's books drawing on her inspiration from her own children, grandchildren and children she's taught.
"We were looking for quirky humour, suspense and a pattern where there was a problem, a development and a solution. These are themes and life situations children can relate to," she said.
To encourage more people to write for children, the Group opened up the challenge to non-group members as well, giving would-be authors a two-month deadline to submit their work.
Co-editor Bronwen Gunn, who also illustrated most of the book, said they both read everything and allocated it to the 'yes', 'maybe' and 'no' piles to compare notes.
"It was challenging at times. Some leaped out at us and were obvious choices, and some grew on you after you'd read them a few times."
The total 100 entries, whittled down to 29, are mostly from Horowhenua writers. Two hundred copies of the book are being printed for the launch.
The books will sell for $10 each to keep them affordable, said Gunn.
The Horowhenua Writer's Group has been in existence since 1982 and published members' adult fiction, non-fiction and poems in the past. This is its first children's book.
¦ Read With Me book launch, Saturday November 5, Te Takere Open Space, 2.45pm.
Books can also be purchased direct from the Horowhenua Writer's Group which meets the first Thursday of the month at Thompson House, 1.30pm, or email Bronwen Gunn at rfgunn@gmail.com