Granity School welcomed ex-local and author, Juliet Cooper for a very special visit in July.
Juliet used to live in Granity, and during her time here, was inspired by the whanau of kororā (Blue Penguins) who lived under her cottage. She wrote a children’s book about them and decided to launch it back in the place it all began.
“Due to the story being based in Granity, I thought it would be special to launch it there” she said.
Granity School Principal Gemma Rout said it was a privilege to have Juliet at the school. “Juliet has written a wonderful picture book, and we were very privileged for her to be releasing her book right here at Granity School” she said. Juliet donated four books as a gift to the school. She asked for two of them to be used as awards to children who show consideration and kindness. “There’s a message in the story about the fledgling chicks rafting up and looking after each other” she said. The other two books are now pride of place at the school’s library. Beautifully illustrated by Mike Howell, “Penguins Under the Floor” is retailing for $25 from commercial outlets. Juliet’s book is also available through Granity School for the special price of $22, with $2 from each sale to be donated to the school.
An extract from the Juliet Cooper’s book “Penguins Under the Floor”… Pa had done all he could do to build two beautiful brick burrows. They were warm, dry, and dark but still, Peter and Pippa preferred to live under the Little old cottage with the red roof and the green door. What else could he do?? Would the next generation of Little blue penguins at Granity, find them attractive and use them to raise their family, out of the clutches of Guts-ache the cat?…
We will be paying a visit to Granity School in September with Mena the penguin detection dog and everyone is excited!
