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In case you didn’t get enough time to read during lockdown, winter is the perfect opportunity to spend time in the company of books.
Author Karen McMillan already had a mix of bestselling fiction and non-fiction books for adults behind her when she turned her attention to writing for children.
This was such a hit with both children and reviewers, that it turned into the Elastic Island Adventure series, with the movie rights optioned and the script writing for a feature film underway.
The Millwater resident says her husband’s granddaughter, Milla, is mad about books, and for years had been asking when Karen would write children’s books.
“When she turned 10, I thought I had better get on with it, or my window would be gone!” she says. “It started as a bit of family fun and I continue to involve Milla in these books, and she helps me develop ideas for the series. It’s a great project for us to enjoy together. If you come around to my house, you will experience mad conversations about the characters that feature, including completely made up creatures who we talk about as though they are real.”
Far from home, the illustrations for the series are created in Russia.
The fourth Elastic Island Adventure book, Alphabet Resort, was published on June 1.
Like the others, it is a fast-paced adventure, ideal for children aged 8-12.
“Before Covid-19, I did a lot of school and festival events around NZ and Australia, and the fantastic thing about Elastic Island Adventures is how much it encourages children with their own creativity.
Children often write to me and share that after reading one of my books, they have started to write their own stories,” Karen says.
“In the latest story, each building in Alphabet Resort is named after a well-known children’s author, which is a device to include information about other writers that are suitable for the age range. So I hope when children read Alphabet Resort, they can also find suggestions for other books they might like to read. The premise is that every two years a building gets renamed after an author, and people are asked to submit names of authors who might be suitable for this honour. I have a fun segment in the book when it comes to renaming the ‘M’ building!”
Hibiscus Matters has two copies of Alphabet Resort, published by Duckling Publisher, to give away.
To be in to win, ‘like’ Hibiscus Matters’ Facebook page and message us with your name and contact phone number. Alternatively, write your name, address and daytime phone number on the back of an envelope and post to Alphabet Resort Giveaway, Hibiscus Matters, 21 Florence Ave, Orewa. Entries close June 19.
The book will be available from Paper Plus in Orewa, or www.karenm.co.nz
