Pretty amazed that Freestyle: the Israel Adesanya Story has made the shortlist of the 2023 NZ Children’s Book Awards in the non-fiction category. Never did I think I could reach this level but I’m grateful to have one of my books recognised this way. Not for the ego but because it means more people can…
I’m working with children from Manurewa West School on a bilingual (Māori and English) book about Matariki. As part of the project we went out to Kurawaka Animation Studio in West Auckland and the children got to learn digital illustration skills from Stan, Dean, Wailer and Jayden. It’s an awesome program they’ve got going teaching…
This week we’re launching a beautiful book written by Rotuman children to celebrate Rotuman Language Week. Did you know that Rotuma has a really close relationship with Fiji? This is Marieta and she writes about how her Grandpa drinks kava, sings Fijian songs, and supports the Drua super rugby team! #rotumanlanguageweek2023
Rotuman Language Week 2023. Look at the results when you search for Rotuman books in Auckland Libraries. Ay? Not even one children’s book! Imagine growing up and never seeing yourself in books in the library. That changes this week! I’ve been working with Rotuman families and together we’ve made a bilingual book for children celebrating…
“I cant believe that I’m now an author.” “My favourite part was writing my own thoughts about the topic.” “I’m so excited that my piece of writing can go worldwide.” Some of the thoughts of children at Kauri Flats School who I worked with to publish a book called Awakeri. We launched the book at…
When positive role models inspire (breathe life into) the next generation it’s always powerful. Janine Williams and her husband Charles are amazing – you can see their murals and sculpture all over NZ and in NY, France, China and the Pacific too. Janine is Ōtara-raised and shared wisdom with young writers at her old school,…
I’ve seen a few Book Week parades, where children dress as book characters, but I haven’t seen any do it the way Flat Bush Primary School does it. Dress as people you admire and are inspired by – they could be book characters, might be someone in your own whānau. Parade together as a whole…
I’ve been working with children from the Hindi College in West Auckland. We’re making a book that teaches children what to do in a flood. It’s been awesome learning Indian culture from these children and teachers and finding fun ways to incorporate their culture into the story. The project is one of four I’m doing…
Today we celebrated the launch of Stand Your Ground, a book I did with young people at Sancta Maria College. This was the first book I made sponsored by the Oceania Literacy Trust which is a trust a few of us started to help improve literacy and wellbeing in our young people. “The students who…
I’m working on a new children’s book about Ibrahim Omer who is the first person with African heritage to be a member of the NZ parliament. Ibrahim grew up in Eritrea but then he became a refugee in Sudan before being relocated to Aotearoa. It’s an inspirational story and I can’t wait to share it…
These are some of the children I’ve been working with to write a Chinese story teaching children what to do in a thunderstorm. They are members of the New Zealand Multicultural Arts and Sports Center, a group dedicated to the cultural and educational development of young people from the age of three. They provide free…
Today we celebrated Tuvalu Independence Day with the launch of 8 new bilingual Tuvaluan children’s books. The books represent each island in Tuvalu and are written by 8 Tuvaluan young women. As well as the writers the team that made these books is Sagaa Malua (project paramount chief), Alamai Sioni (cultural advisor), Chad Robertson (illustrator),…
Today we launched my new children’s book Freestyle: the Israel Adesanya Story at City Kickboxing, Izzy’s home gym. This photo is with Izzy and Ant Sang the awesome illustrator. You can get a copy here: https://readingwarrior.com/product/freestylethe-israel-adesanya-story/ “I like the idea of having my story written for kids because I know how hard things were for…
I did a talk at Ashburton Intermediate today – told the children a story about how a book about rocks changed someone’s life. After the talk these four boys came sprinting into the library asking where the books on rocks are. ‘Why do you want to read those?’ I asked the boys. ‘We want knowledge,’…
Spent the morning at Flat Bush School with inspirational alumni Willie Maea, Samson Vaotuua, Greg Va’afusuaga, Jay Paniani and Dr Julienne Faletau as they returned to visit their old school. The Writers Group of children interviewed these tuakana for a book of inspiration that will be called Flat Bush Forever.
“When I have enough money saved and have created a name for myself, I would love to start my travels. First I would like to go to Paris and visit sights like the Eiffel Tower, try French food and also attend fashion week. You never know, perhaps I could even have my own show in…
I’ve spent the last two days in Napier and Hastings encouraging young people to believe in themselves and find out who they are through reading. Finished at Hastings Boys’ High School whose motto is Ākina. This motto was given to them by local iwi and is a call to paddlers who may be losing energy…
On Thursday I was blessed to participate in a rangatahi programme for the uri of Te Ahiwaru – Hapuu of Ihumaatao called Te Ara a Hape. This Kaupapa was designed to support rangatahi and whānau to re-engage with education and inspire their tamariki post COVID. I felt so happy for those rangatahi in the program…
Awesome day today launching our book Star Dreaming – a book inspired by the stars of Matariki, written and illustrated by children at Sylvia Park School. These young writers share stories of family, of special places, of proud moments, of loved ones passed, and dreams for the future. Check it out here if you’re interested…
First day of our project working with Tokelau youth and their families to make some bilingual Tokelau children’s books 🇹🇰 So Tokelau children can go into a library and find books they can see themselves in, written by Tokelau writers, illustrated by Tokelau artists. Where to find stories? I encouraged the young writers to fehili…
Awesome time sharing stories about the power of reading with children at Te Totara Primary School. Question of the day: “What’s the downside of being a writer?” Answer: Hustling to make a steady income! “I loved your presentation, David. It is so inspiring and will connect with a lot of students. I’ve just been waylaid…
I did a zoom sharing talk as part of the Reading Oceania conference recently. Whenever I’m blessed to do presentations I’m always proud to represent my home town Māngere, and let everyone know about the village that raised me.
Today I received an awesome message from David Ackery, librarian at Waitakere College. “I finally got around to getting a copy of The Reading Tribe. What a great book! So unique, and so NZ. And so much material there for librarians to use to drive reading engagement. We made it into a feature display at…
Today we’re back to work making Tuvalu children’s books with Sagaa Malua, Alamai Sioni and the master Chad Robertson. I love this work because we know it makes a massive difference for children to see themselves represented in literature.
When an older generation of Ōtara legends come around to inspire a younger generation. That’s what you call tuakana-teina in action. Speaking words of life into young spirits today at Dawson Primary where I’m working with these children to write about inspirational Ōtarians. An architect, a Kiwi league player, a business mentor, an actor, an…
Today Kedgley Intermediate School launched the book we made together celebrating their incredible alumni. A supercity mayor, Black Ferns captain, successful businesswomen, entrepreneurs, writers, MMT captain, world class singers and more have come from this wonderful South Auckland school.
This term I’m working with some inspiring children and their whānau at St Francis Catholic School in Auckland. We’re making a book about Matariki – how it inspires them in their lives.
I always love sharing stories with young people about how reading can literally save and change your life. Today I was at Wesley College – blessed and inspired by these talented young people.
I’ve just released 4 new books in the Pasifika Superheroes bilingual series: 2 Samoan and 2 Tongan. These books come with narration as well so the children can listen to them being read in Samoan, Tongan and English. Art by the awesome Chad Robertson. Check out more of Chad’s work over on IG https://www.instagram.com/silverink_art/. Check…
I’m working on a children’s book about UFC champion Israel Adesanya. The illustrator is the amazing Ant Sang and you can see more of Ant’s work here: http://www.antsang.co.nz/. This is a sneak peek from the drafting stage, can’t wait to see the final artwork!
