Learning Media - Te Pou Taki Kõrero

Leprechaun Ice Cream

Leprechaun Ice Cream: Magical Tales by Kiwi Kids is the publication resulting from a competition for aspiring young authors (years 1–8), which was run by New Zealand Post in conjunction with the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards 2010. It includes the work of fifty Kiwi kids from all over the country.

An expert judging panel, including well-known New Zealand writer Kate De Goldi, selected the winning works from more than 7000 entries. The challenge for the competition was to “share your writing magic”, giving young writers the opportunity to interpret and explore the theme in their individual ways.

The book recognises the next generation of New Zealand authors by publishing the selection of winning stories and poems in a professionally illustrated format. The distinctive title is taken from one of the published stories, written by nine-year-old Kiara-Jade West.

The cover of the book draws on the branding created for the competition and uses colourful and humorous imagery – giving the publication the look and feel of a children’s trade book. Each story and poem in the book has a unique illustration and design of its own.

Above all, the book shows that New Zealand children have great creative potential. In the words of New Zealand Post Chairperson Jim Bolger, who launched the book alongside Prime Minister John Key:

“These stories range from happy to sad, from real life experiences to make-believe. They show our children have tremendous talent and imagination. This is a great initiative to help Kiwi kids share their creativity with other young New Zealanders.”