By Deanna Harris
A top-selling children’s book inspired by the September earthquake is once again bringing comfort and much-needed funds to Canterbury children and their families.
Quaky Cat is the brainchild of children’s author Diana Noonan and her desire to help Canterbury following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake on September 4.
In just two months Ms Noonan teamed up with Christchurch illustrator Gavin Bishop and Scholastic New Zealand to create the picture book and have it published by December.
Since then it has been one of the top-selling children’s books in the country, with about 11,000 sold nationwide, and 50 percent of Scholastic’s proceeds - plus the author and illustrators' royalties - are being given to the Christchurch Women’s Refuge and Te Tai Tamariki, a Christchurch-based literacy programme.
These two charities have received a share of about $50,000.
Scholastic also gifted 15,000 copies of the book to year 1 and 2 children in the Christchurch region at the end of 2010.
Publishing manager, Diana Murray says they received overwhelming support and thanks from Christchurch parents and teachers.
“Everyone is completely frazzled. To receive out of the blue such a lovely book is very much appreciated. Its message is very important, particularly for those children who have lost their homes as well and the pictures are beautiful. Thank you so much,” said a Christchurch parent.
This fundraising is now in a new phase, with a second print currently underway which will be sold in New Zealand and Australia, plus Scholastic in the US is planning to publish Quaky Cat to be sold around the world.
“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,” says Lynne Andrews, Christchurch & Upper South Island Scholastic manager.
Scholastic will be donating funds from worldwide sales of Quaky Cat to the Christchurch Mayoral Earthquake Appeal administered by the New Zealand Red Cross as well as the Christchurch Women’s Refuge and Te Tai Tamariki.
“Through Quaky Cat, we can all support the children and families affected by the devastating Christchurch earthquakes,” says Ms Andrews.
Quaky Cat can be purchased at book stores nationwide. Click here for more information.
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