After a sellout first release after its publication in New Zealand in 2013, ‘The New Old Farm’ has now been released in the USA. The book was written by NZ author Jennifer Somervell and illustrated by her sister Raglander Margery Fern. The cover was designed by Margery’s daughter Ezra Andre. Margery is deputy principal at Waitetuna School.
The New Old Truck explores the love affair of children on a farm with their aging truck and their campaign to save him, and includes historical information about the real Old Truck, a 1921 Republic and its origins in Michigan.
Reviewers have described it as ‘A magnificent children’s book’.
Following its US publication the book was rewarded with wins in Five Star Dragonfly Book Awards in both the Picture Books 6 & Older and Best Cover Design sections.
The complete list of awards for the book was:
Picture Books 6 & Older
- 1st Place – The New Old Truck
Best Cover Design
- 1st Place – The New Old Truck
Best Interior Design
- Honorable Mention – The New Old Truck
Historical Fiction
- 2nd Place – The New Old Truck
Picture Books 5 & Younger
- Honorable Mention – The New Old Truck
Linda F. Radke, president and founder of Five Star Publications, Inc. says she is committed to helping both established and aspiring authors of all ages reach new heights. Radke is proud to sponsor the Five Star Dragonfly Book Awards program, a prestigious national contest recognizing exceptional authors for excellence in writing and publishing. Featuring awards and cash prizes for winners in multiple judging categories, Five Star’s Purple Dragonfly Book Awards showcases children’s literature.
