Library news
Award-winning Raglan author Sarah Johnson will be visiting the libraries in Waikato district these school holidays for a series of author talks. She has been publishing her work for over a decade, and often collaborates with beloved kiwi illustrator Deborah Hinde to make her children’s books come to life.
Johnson has written books and short stories for children and adults, as well as educational books and radio plays that have been published overseas. In 2020, Johnson and Hinde collaborated on The Garden’s Secrets together – a picture book inspired by and set in the Hamilton Gardens which was released to much acclaim. In 2011 she received the Storylines Joy Cowley Award, which recognises exceptional contributions to children’s literature and literacy in New Zealand.
Johnson will be visiting five libraries around the Waikato in the second week of the school holidays to read from her unreleased new picture book that is hitting the shelves in November. The author talk events are suitable for children, and for adults who have an interest in learning more about her process, writing and the publishing world.
“It’s such an amazing opportunity to be able to host Sarah,” says Raglan Library Coordinator Nicky Standley, “she is one of Waikato district’s most iconic authors, and we’re so excited to be able to provide a space for her to share her work and knowledge with our communities.
“We hope that these events encourage an ongoing love for literacy in children, and inspire anyone who is considering writing their own book.”
Johnson will be visiting Raglan, Ngaruawahia, Huntly, Te Kauwhata and Meremere libraries during her author talk tour. All events are free and open to the public, with no tickets or booking required.
Event details:
• Raglan Library at 10AM on Wednesday 12 October
• Ngaruawahia Library at 10AM Thursday 13 October
• Huntly Library at 12PM on Thursday 13 October
• Te Kauwhata Library at 12PM on Friday 14 October
• Meremere Library at 2PM on Friday 14 October