Children’s book Luna the Loon and her Marvelous Tune is a heartwarming tale of family, friendship and self-identity set in a beautiful and vivid rendering of the Aotearoa landscape.
It’s written by Chelsea Johnson Fischer and illustrated by Sharon Campbell and will be launched at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on August 31.
The public release coincides with the closure of Uxbridge’s Estuary Art and Ecology Awards.
Luna is a loon who sings beautifully but wishes she was special like her kiwi friend Kare, who has a unique long beak, perfect for digging for bugs on the forest floor.
When Kare is lost, Luna takes flight to search for him, discovering she too has unique skills and talents making her special in her own way.
Through her friendship with Kare, Luna learns to embrace her differences, while discovering the spirit of being a kind-hearted kiwi.
Johnson Fischer wants young readers to know “they are loved the way they are”.
“I hope all children know they should never change to be accepted.”
As recent migrants to Aotearoa, Johnson Fischer and Campbell met at a baby group at Howick Playcentre four years ago and decided to collaborate, bringing to life the story of Luna and Kare.
Johnson Fischer felt the story wrote itself, commenting: “As a lifelong reader, I had a story in my mind, just dying to be set free”.
“I saw my daughter in the future, with her Canadian roots, wanting to be a Kiwi like all her friends.”
Collaborating on the book was a pleasure for Campbell whose illustrations helped bring the story to life.
“Each page is inspired by the beautiful colours of New Zealand’s forests and nature. Many bush walks were with my children, gathering photos of trees and plants along with visits to the zoo to spot the kiwi!
“It’s a special moment to now see them holding the book in their hands and enjoying the creation.”
Families are invited to join the authors to launch the book at Uxbridge Arts and Culture at 1.30pm on Saturday, August 31.
A live reading by Johnson Fischer will be followed with a collage-based art activity with Campbell, inspired by Luna the Loon, Kare the Kiwi and other native New Zealand flora and fauna.
Books will be available for sale. The event is free with no need to book.
Luna the Loon and her Marvelous Tune is published by Tiny Seed Publishing and available online and at bookstores throughout Aotearoa.
