It was proud moment for Year 5 student, Carter Tang when he saw his work published for the first time at the launch of this year’s Starship Foundation story book at a special function held at Eden Park.

Earlier in the year, Carter entered the Barfoot & Thompson 2013 Young Authors Challenge with his story about two unlikely friends - a hermit crab and a turtle. Carter was delighted when his story was one of six selected from 899 entries to be prepared for publication.  The winners were selected for stories that ‘involved the reader and had engaging characters, interesting situations, warming themes and satisfying resolutions.’ The other stories selected were written by students from Pukekohe Intermediate, Northcross Intermediate, Glen Eden Intermediate, Ramarama School and Redoubt North Primary School.

The six young authors were invited to attend a workshop with renowned children’s author, John Parker to be helped through the editing process. John suggested that Carter add some dialogue to his story to help establish the friendship between the two characters; a suggestion that Carter was pleased to work on. Once finalised, the stories were illustrated by rugby hero, Kevin Mealamu.

This is the sixth year that John and Kevin have worked in partnership to produce a book for Starship. ‘Room 23 and Mysterious Miss P – and Five More Fantastic Stories’ has now gone on sale with all proceeds benefiting  Starship Children’s Hospital’s Magic of Reading Programme, which provides all overnighting patients at Auckland’s Starship and Whangarei Hospital’s Children’s Ward with their own book to read and keep. Carter is proud to know that his work is helping such a good cause.

At the launch, Mr Cassie purchased a book for each Middle School classroom and two for the library. Carter was presented with his own copy along with a mounted poster promoting his story along with his favourite extract, ‘And when they reached the sand they watched the full moon glowing brightly and listened to the breaking waves and spent time together – just as friends should.’

Copies can be purchased online for $15 from Barfoot and Thompson 

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