Page 53 - NZ Herefords Magazine 2018

HOW DID THE BOOK It’s been a huge opportunity for me, ANY FUTURE PLANS FOR
COME ABOUT? something I had never thought I would do. MORE BOOKS?
After the earthquake we were unaware I never thought I would have something I have done ‘Moo’. There won’t be another
the cows were trapped. We had no cell published and it’s a great feeling to know Moo book, but there may well be another
phone coverage or communication. The people appreciate what I have written. It book. Children’s books are fun, I’ve always
Newshub crew were flying to Kaikoura and just happened and I didn’t realise it would enjoyed reading them, so it would be another
a cameraman spotted the trapped cows. be a best seller – it’s been in the top 50 children’s book. Having grandchildren and
He apparently sent his film footage back Whitcoulls people’s pick and was the more time to read to them now makes it
to the newsroom and, unbeknown to him, number one children’s book for a while – even better. I have read and re-read both
that footage went global and then phone that was really exciting. ‘Moo’ books many times.
calls started from all around the world. A
zoo in Singapore even offered $2 million for WHAT DO YOU THINK MAKES
the cows! Of course we didn’t sell them. A GOOD CHILDREN’S BOOK?
There was huge media pressure to I wanted the story to be factual but fun,
save the cows, which of course we would not a terrifying account of the earthquake.
have done anyway, but the ground was Many children were very frightened, having
still very unstable with many aftershocks been through the earthquake.
still occurring. I wanted this book to be fun and easy
The cows were guided down safely to read and with the rhyming children can
and joined the rest from that mob, anticipate the next word. I wanted it to be
desperate for water – all stock water lines a kind story with a happy, positive ending.
were twisted and broken – stock water I have had some lovely feedback from so
was the priority to get reconnected. many people.
One sleepless night I jotted the story It was therapy for me (writing the book)
down, what I felt the cows would have and my part was certainly not arduous. The
felt or thought and what they would thoughts come completely randomly and if ABOVE: Moo and Moo and the Little Calf
have seen next morning with the seabed I get a sentence that works I jot it down. I Too illustrator, Deborah Hinde. BELOW:
lift and unrecognisable hillside after the have a lot of jottings all around the house. Moo and Moo and Can You Guess Who?
overnight earthquake. The second book tells the story of the
cows 12 months after the earthquake.
Publisher Allen and Unwin contacted me
with a story. I said I had already written it,
would they like to see mine? It all went from
there. A few months later, after the exchange
of many emails, the books were in the shops.
Allen and Unwin have been fantastic.

DID YOU EXPECT THE BOOK
TO BE SO SUCCESSFUL?
I think it was destined to be a success
because it and the Kaikoura earthquake
were so publicised, but I had no idea that
it would be so good. I think Allen and
Unwin published 10,000 copies initially
and reprints followed. The book is in many
countries and I have been told many times
where friends have sent copies.
Often I call in to a Whitcoulls or
Paper Plus and scan the shelves, and I
have signed in-store copies. I’m always
encouraged by their enthusiasm. I have
read to local schools and gifted books to
local fundraising events. I love receiving
pictures of friends’ children reading Moo.
I’m incredibly proud to think I have
books on the shelves. Money wasn’t part
of it. Moo is dedicated to my grandchildren
and if there are royalties they may see
some of it.
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