RAISES $100,000 FOR CHRISTCHURCH Scholastic announces that Quaky Cat, the children’s picture book created in the aftermath of the September 4 Christchurch earthquake, has now raised $100,000 for Christchurch. Written by Diana Noonan and illustrated by Gavin Bishop, Quaky Cat has brought comfort to Christchurch children and their families since its publication in December 2010. No one involved with the book’s production could ever have envisaged that, less than six months later, Christchurch would be struck again, this time by an even more devastating earthquake. Proceeds from sales of Quaky Cat, including all of Noonan and Bishop’s royalties, have been donated to the Christchurch Women’s Refuge ($25,000) and Te Tai Tamariki Children’s Literature Trust ($25,000) with Scholastic’s contribution ($50,000) going to the Christchurch Earthquake Mayoral Appeal. 15,000 copies of the book were gifted by Scholastic to year 1 and 2 children in the Christchurch region.
Bob Parker with Scholastic Publishing Manager Diana Murray
Te Tai Tamariki Chairperson Rosemary Bonkowski, with illustrator Gavin Bishop and Diana
Quaky Cat has consistently appeared in the NZ Top 10 bestseller list, alongside books by authors such as Jodi Picoult and Nigel Latta, and is also being sold by Scholastic worldwide, with funds continuing to be donated to Christchurch. In the words of Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, Quaky Cat “is a book our very brave children (and adults) will treasure”. Scholastic is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology, creating quality products and services that educate, entertain and motivate children that are distributed through a variety of channels including retail stores, school book clubs, book fairs and libraries. www.scholastic.co.nz
Women’s Refuge with Diana
Simply email promotions@academy.net.nz with “QUAKY CAT” in the subject line by 12 August 2011 to be in to win a copy of this book.
www.canterburytoday.co.nz August/September 2011 | 17