Taranaki author’s tale reaches new audience
At the age of 93, children’s author Barbara Hill has reached a whole new generation with a book she published more than 30 years ago.
Night is a Blanket was included in Government packs sent to more than 165,000 children across the country who are learning from home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But it has been so long since the author last read the book that she admitted she had forgotten how it went.
‘‘It’s a kid’s story, about the sky? I don’t know. I’ll need to read it,’’ she laughed.
Hill, of New Plymouth, has written a dozen children’s books and they have been read in schools for decades.
She said she was always surprised where her stories pop up and that this title, which she wrote in 1985 and published the following year, had been chosen.
Night is a Blanket is about a grandfather who makes up a bedtime story for his grandchildren about how the moon was formed.
Having a whole new generation being given her book in this way was incredibly special, Hill said.
‘‘I find it quite amazing. It’s a nice little story but I think I’ve been lucky.
‘‘I was very surprised this one is still around. I take it as a compliment.’’
Pauline Cleaver, associate deputy secretary early learning and student achievement, said the book had been chosen because it was engaging and accessible for all children.
Hill’s grandson, Tom Fastier, said his nan’s books were timeless and deserved to be read.
‘‘We’re surprised at the fact it’s been sent to 100,000 kids around New Zealand, but at the same time it’s something we can believe because they’re really timeless stories.
‘‘They age well because people are still loving them and all of her stories seem to stand the test of time.’’
For Fastier and his eight cousins, growing up with an author for a nan was something they never took for granted.
‘‘At school, to know that the class is about to read your grannie’s book or the library’s got your grannie’s book and you can rent it out and go study it was just the coolest,’’ he said.
Hill has written more than 140 poems and short stories, and even recorded some onto tape for her grandchildren to fall asleep to.
‘‘She was prolific,’’ Fastier said. ‘‘It’s not like the Night is a Blanket is a one off thing.
‘‘She has so many stories.’’