New Zealand Children's author Des Hunt visited the library in celebration of Children' Library Week. Highly recognized in his field, Des has written such books as The Cry of the Taniwha, Frog Whistle Mine, The Crocodile Nest, The Peco Incident and The Naughty Kid's Book of Nature. He has been a finalist in the 'New Zealand Post Book Awards' a number of times and his books have featured on the 'Storylines Notable Junior Fiction Book' lists. Des Hunt's presentation was filled with tips and techniques on how to write a "WOW!"
book - a book that grabs you and doesn't let go even at the end - a book that propels you into reading more! Des initially started writing to "foster a fascination with science in young people", publishing a number of non-fiction books. However, in time he turned to writing novels and with the 'constructed' feedback of his students ("If I can understand how something works, I can do it better.") came up with a winning formula.
As he chatted he demonstrated his thoughts and ideas through science experiments - collisions and explosions that seemed like magic to me but that were firmly based on fact - a paradox, a clash of ideas that is also true about writing a good book. Des likened writing to cooking, how important it is to add just the right ingredients in just the right amounts at just the right time so that you don't end up with a "lead balloon" or as I heard someone say once, "a small, windowless building" instead of a cake! While talking about writing techniques, Des illustrated them both very clearly for everyone to see and rather subtly as he wowed us with chemistry and physics. He talked about the significance of little pieces of information weaving through a story - snippets that don't initially reveal their importance or role but that layer in suspense, assumption and clues vital to the shape and forward progression of the tale. He explained the importance of story elements that "pull together and push apart". Talking about them as the "forces of life", he spoke of such opposites as "friend and enemy", "like and fear", "good and evil" and how they create tension, conflict and concern.
Finally Des shared with us that he often reads a book a second time to "dissect it" - to find out how it works, what makes it so interesting. This kind of research helps Des ensure that one of his main goals as an author is met - "to make each book better than the last."
The Children's Library would like to thank Des Hunt once again for his generous time and awesome presentation. Read his books everyone, they will draw you in from the very first page and leave you excited, eager for the next.
Children's Laureate
CONGRATULATIONS to Julia Donaldson for receiving an MBE for services to children’s literature. The award was presented to children’s author and Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson on 13 October 2011 at Buckingham Palace, London.
Meet the Children’s Laureate, Julia Donaldson.
The what?
The Children’s Laureate – it’s a role awarded to a renowned children’s author or illustrator in recognition of their huge contribution to the world of children’s books and this year it has been bestowed on Julia Donaldson. It’s a huge honour and the first Children’s Laureate was Quentin Blake back in 1999!
So what do they do – what is a Children’s Laureate?
They’re a spokesperson for children’s literature, libraries, and reading. They hold the role for two years and in that time they tirelessly promote everything, really, to do with children’s books.
Is there a Children’s Laureate in New Zealand?
Now that’s idea! The role currently operates just in the U.K., but it is such a colossal achievement that it is acknowledged in many countries.
Who else has been a Children’s Laureate?
So far there’s been Quentin Blake, Anne Fine, Michael Morpurgo, Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Rosen and Anthony Browne.
So how does someone become a Children’s Laureate? Do they volunteer?
They’re nominated by a whole range of people and organizations such as libraries, literature associations and booksellers. A panel, that changes every two years, reviews the list of nominees and decides.