Author discovers hidden talent

GOT TALENT: Masterton's Maria Hook with her children's book Henry's Got Talent?, all about discovering your gifts and passions.

In Maria Hook's first book, an adorable hedgehog named Henry discovers he's got talent.

But it's not just the spiky hero who finds hidden gifts: his story took its writer and illustrator on a similar journey of self-discovery.

Kuripuni resident Mrs Hook launched her picture book, Henry's Got Talent? last month -- kicking off her children's series, "Maria Hook's Eden Stories".

The series, in which she plans to include a character "for every letter of the alphabet", is inspired by Bible stories, with tales told from an animal's perspective.

The moral of Henry's Got Talent? rings true for Mrs Hook -- who took up writing after years of self-doubt.

"For a long time, I thought I didn't have any talents," Mrs Hook said.

"But then I started to try out different things: I've always loved children's stories, so I thought I'd try writing my own.

"And I found I loved writing, and I was good at it."

Working on the book was also a transformative experience for illustrator, and Mrs Hook's close friend, Crystal Mcfie.

"Crystal kept saying 'I can't draw'.

"Even after she'd finished all the illustrations, she still said she couldn't draw.

"Then, she showed some people at King Street Artworks, and everyone went, 'um, yeah, you can.'"

In the book, Henry, one of the critters in the Garden of Eden, envies the abilities of his best friend and his sister -- who can burp the alphabet and blow impressive bubbles, respectively.

He walks into the woods and gets lost -- but sings to cheer himself up.

He then meets Berney the Bear, who says he has "a wonderful voice", and encourages him to keep singing.

Mrs Hook read the book to the Year 1 class at St Patrick's School -- where the children took its message to heart.

"It was lovely -- they had a huge discussion about what they were good at, and what talents everyone else in the class had."

Mrs Hook said she wrote the book while "in bed one Saturday morning" and finished it in two hours.

Ms Mcfie later came on board as illustrator, after being encouraged by her children.

Eventually, the book was approved for publication by Greenlees Print -- an emotional experience for Mrs Hook.

"When I found out, I burst into tears -- it was an awesome feeling."

Mrs Hook is working on her next two books: the tales of Brittany, a badger about to board Noah's Ark, and Celia, a caterpillar who doesn't like her colour.

"But she meets her grandmother, who has turned into a butterfly -- and realises she's going to be fine."

Henry's Got Talent? is on sale at Aratoi.