Takahe popularity benefits young readers

Stunning takahe.

One hundred copies of Elwyn’s Dream, the winning short story in the competition for unpublished authors that was launched by Mitre 10, will be donated to nationwide charity Duffy Books in Homes.

The announcement comes as copies of Elwyn’s Dream, written by Ali Foster and illustrated by Viv Walker, looks set to sell out less than two months since the book was launched.

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 foster and chick rearing plan.

Random House published the short story in June 2008 and in six weeks almost all books have sold out making Elwyn’s Dream an early favourite for a pre-Christmas reprint.

According to Paula Arblaster, brand and strategy manager for Mitre 10, “Ever since we launched the Takahe Rescue sponsorship it was our hope that we would bring a touch of takahe magic to NZers.

“The sales success of this first children’s book that sheds light on some of NZ’s early takahe conservation history is a real thrill.

“We are delighted to now also make this offer to Duffy Books in Homes as a means to reach even more young NZers 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 stems from theTakahe Rescue Sponsorship. Elwyn’s Dream will be distributed to a lucky selection of some of our 500 schools between now and the end of the year.”