Mr Yipadee entertains Te Awamutu kids
Losing his job in radio prompted Dean O’Brien (aka. Deano Yipadee) to follow his dream to become a children’s author, musician and producer.
This week he visited Te Awamutu schools as part of his New Zealand tour.
On Tuesday he captivated a hall of 400 Te Awamutu Primary pupils in an hour-long performance.
Children and teachers were treated to readings of Dean’s three children’s books Nee Naw The Little Fire Engine, Stink-o-saurus and Jingle Bells, Rudolph Smells.
The whole hall sang along to the catchy tunes, heard toilet jokes and participated in games.
Dean’s music and cheeky storylines promote positive thinking in children and make audience members of all ages laugh.
He was invited to Te Awamutu Primary School by the school inquiry centre manager Amy Harrop.
She said the students were buzzing after Dean’s performance.
“They absolutely loved it. The show was full of all the things children adore.”
Dean decided to pursue a career writing and performing children’s music after being made redundant from his radio station job in England.
He has since released four children’s music albums The Animal Choir, The Yes I Can Club, Positively Nursery Rhymes, and World’s Greatest Christmas Party.
He has performed to children across the UK, Australia and New Zealand.
Dean loves sharing his music and stories with children and says his biggest fans are his two daughters.
“My eldest daughter really wants me to do a story about a mermaid, so that might be the next one.”