Reality vs fantasy in children’s fiction
The Dorothy Neal White Collection is a research collection of children’s books that were enjoyed by young New Zealanders before 1940. The Friends of the Dorothy Neal White Collection support the work of this and other children’s literature collections held in the National Library of New Zealand.
Date: Tuesday, 22 October, 2019
Time: 5:30pm for drinks and nibbles, 6:00pm talk
Cost: A gold coin donation from non-members is appreciated.
Location: Te Ahumairangi (ground floor), National Library, corner Molesworth and Aitken Streets, Thorndon
Contact Details: friendsdnw@gmail.com
‘Children don’t want fantasy, there’s no demand for it.’
When Eirlys Hunter finished her first Junior fiction manuscript in 1997, a publisher rejected it on the grounds that ‘children don’t want fantasy, there’s no demand for it.’ JK Rowling soon proved that publisher wrong, and since then there’s been an explosion in fiction for children that is set in worlds that diverge from the reality of their lived experience. Why is this?
In this informal talk Eirlys Hunter will discuss what fantasy is, and speculate on what fantasy can offer readers (and writers) that realism cannot.
The Dorothy Neal White Collection
The Dorothy Neal White Collection is a research collection of children’s books that were enjoyed by young New Zealanders before 1940. The Friends of the Dorothy Neal White Collection support the work of this and other children’s literature collections held in the National Library of New Zealand.
About the speaker
Eirlys Hunter has published seven books for children, and her most recent book ‘The Mapmaker’s Race was a finalist in the 2019 NZ Book Awards for Children & Young Adults. She teaches Writing for Children at the International Institute of Modern Letters, Victoria University of Wellington.
Seeking Summer Pocket Money
Are you planning to go away over the holidays?
After doing really well for the last couple of summers and absolutely loving it, our enthusiastic 13-year-old is once again offering her services for pet and plant care over the coming summer.
Over the last few summers, she has managed to earn enough to buy herself a cake mixer, a Fitbit, roller skates, clothes, an assortment of fun items, endless packets of Mentos, and even funded all her spending money for an overseas trip, with enough left over to last her through the year. 😊 While she isn't sure what next year will bring, she is eager to save up a few dollars to make the most of whatever opportunities come her way.
She's keen to take care of small pets and birds, water pot plants and gardens, walk friendly dogs, and more. She is available immediately and throughout the summer until the end of January. Please consider her if you're planning to be away for a few days or a few weeks.
Rates are negotiable, and references are available from happy customers, several of whom have kept her on for weekend work throughout the year.
As always, she will be fully supervised! 😊 Text me at 0226206258 to arrange an introductory visit. 😊
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
The tiger who came to tea
Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions.