Kids hang on author’s words
The young ‘uns visiting Global Veterinary Services this morning know exactly what noise kiwis make, says author Jonathan Short.
The 21-year-old illustrator was reading from his new book Devon the Dog’s Adventure, and the group of 25 students from nearby Great Beginnings pre-school was most enthusiastic.
“They let me know they knew the answer,” he said. “They’d heard the story before and were a great audience.”
The Gordonton clinic was decked out with comfy cushions and featured other special guests – two baby rabbits, two cats (Fluffy and Mohumed) and George the dog. Clinic co-owner Chris Gore says it was a great morning.
“The kids loved it, and really got into the story.”
She said she was impressed when she learned that Hamilton-based Jonathan had written, illustrated and published the book and asked him to come read it at the clinic. “This was educational, innovative, and about animals. It fitted right in.”
The children listened to the two vets talking about their work and were then treated to home-made guide-dog shaped biscuits and teeny cup cakes. (Well done Chris and Ruth!)
Jonathan says he’s working on the next book which will feature Devon’s adventures on a farm. It probably won’t be too far away – “I started selling this book six weeks ago, and always thought when I’d reached 300, I’d send the next to the printer. I’ve sold 210 now.”
With a graphic design degree from Waikato University, Jonathan works part-time as a designer, as well as at New World, Rototuna, where copies of Devon will soon be on sale
For more information click this handy link.
- Number 8 Network has a signed copy of the book to give away – the first person to send us an email with Devon in the subject line, gets it. And you don’t even have to make the noise a kiwi makes.
