One hundred copies of ‘Elwyn’s Dream’, the winning short story in the competition for unpublished authors that was launched by Mitre 10, has been donated to nationwide charity Duffy Books in Homes.
 
  ‘Elwyn’s Dream’, written by Ali Foster and illustrated by Viv Walker, look set to be a popular children’s book for Christmas and we know why!
 
‘Elwyn’s Dream’ tells the true story of the late Elwyn Welch who, in the 1950’s, was called upon by the then Wildlife Service to help in breeding takahe. Elwyn Welch became a well-known personality around Masterton as he trained his bantam hens to sit on ‘any old egg,’ as part of his innovative fostering and chick rearing plan.
 
Random House published the short story in June 2008 and in six weeks almost all books have sold out!
 
According to Paula Arblaster, Brand and Strategy Manager for Mitre 10 “Ever since we launched the Mitre 10 Takahe Rescue sponsorship it was our hope that we would bring a touch of takahe magic to New Zealanders.  The sales success of this first children’s book that sheds light on some of New Zealand’s early takahe conservation history is a real thrill.  We were delighted to now also make this offer to Duffy Books in Homes as a means to reach even more young New Zealanders who may one day make a difference to this iconic bird.”
 
Linda Vagana, General Manager of Duffy Books in Homes said “Conservation books aimed at children help to create a sense of pride and affection for our native iconic species but they are often hard for our Duffy kids to access.  Duffy Books in Homes is very appreciative of this gesture that stemmed from Mitre 10 Takahe Rescue.  ‘Elwyn’s Dream’  has been distributed to a lucky selection of some of our 500 schools between now and the end of the year.”
 

Photo:
Children at Hornby Primary School in Christchurch look excited at the prospect of reading Elwyn’s Dream following the delivery of the book, along with the free Takahe poster donated to Duffy Books in Homes by Mitre 10.