Local artist and author Bruce Newcomb has written and illustrated a children's book set in Taranaki.
Bruce says the book is "aimed at adults and children who cannot remember the last time they finished reading a book".
Ten per cent of proceeds from the book's sales will go to fundraising for hearing dogs for deaf people, says Bruce, who used to train them. "Nowadays, I look after them on a weekend, they are at school Monday to Friday then have the weekend with me," he says.
The book, Kiwi and Roo, is on sale in Stratford and thanks to a donation from "a very generous person", these ones will have the entire cost donated to the hearing dogs, not just 10 per cent.
Bruce says he has deliberately used New Zealand-specific words and slang to help make the book more relatable to modern children, and has included a glossary in the back explaining the meaning of the words for non-Kiwi readers.
What is the book about? In the words of the first page: "Roo is going to New Plymouth which is up the boohai somewhere in New Zealand, to visit his old friend Kiwi."
Bruce says, "I want children to enjoy an old-fashioned book, not an e-book or a computer screen.
"This book talks about things children know and places they have been, so it will appeal to them."
Director of Paper Plus Stratford, Margie Hodgetts, who is selling the books on behalf, says that they have been selling the book in their New Plymouth store as well: "It has gone well there, so we are happy to have it in the Stratford store as well." Margie says that the fact the profits go to helping train hearing dogs is an added bonus. "You never know when you will need something like that, and they are part of the community," she says.
Kiwi and Roo is available for sale from local bookstores. Cash or cheque only as it is being sold on behalf with no profits to the store.
The Stratford Press has two copies of the book to give away. To be in to win, email editor@stratfordpress.co.nz or call the office on (06) 765 5471 and leave your name and phone number. Competition closes Wednesday, October 23.