Article from Ian & Marie Munro

 

An update on our publishing venture, Nana’s Shed Books, since Marie spoke to the Club in April 2018.

 

Despite Marie’s illness we managed to published two more books at the end of last year – Nana’s New Porch – Te Mahau Hou o Kui and a second edition of our first book, retitled Nana’s Shed – Te Wharau o Kui.  Our first edition of the latter has now sold out, while 2018’s Bella’s Fringe continues to sell well.

 

As you might guess, both new books are bilingual. Early childhood centres and junior class teachers in primary schools, which are our biggest customers, are desperate for well-translated bilingual books and we have been fortunate to be able to contract one of New Zealand’s leading translators, Piripi Walker, to do the work. Piripi has translated a number of children’s books, including Margaret Mahy’s A Lion in the Meadow.

 

This week we have also contracted a second illustrator, allowing us to begin producing two books at a time and she will be working on a new series of books for the 18-month to two-year age group.

 

As well, we now have enough standing to be taken on by a national book distributor with reps marketing to retailers and libraries, which has lightened our load a little.

 

And then there was Covid-19! As with most other small businesses, sales have ground to a halt and the boxes of books just sit there looking at us. However, we’re still able to keep working on this year’s bilingual titles, Nana’s Veggie Garden and This Dog that is My Dog, for publication in October.

 

Note: We have a 20% discount on all our books for Tawa residents.

 

Ian Munro 027 448 9188