Author gifts books to Tauranga children

Debbie McCauley's at the launch of her children's book Motiti Blue. Photo/file

Tauranga children's author and librarian Debbie McCauley has gifted copies of her books to two deserving organisations.

The children's ward at Tauranga City Hospital and Homes of Hope now have copies of 'Motiti Blue and the Oil Spill: A Story from the Rena Disaster' and 'Taratoa and the Code of Conduct: A Story from the Battle of Gate Pa' in their collections.

"Both places make a valuable contribution to our community," Ms McCauley said.

"I've spent time with my daughter in the children's ward at the hospital so I appreciate how much they strive to keep sick children entertained and the important place of books within their range of resources".

Homes of Hope is a charitable trust providing safe homes for children.

"They do great work" Ms McCauley said.

"Telling stories from our own backyard in order to educate and improve children's literacy is extremely valuable but, more importantly, I feel that telling these stories gives our children a sense of identity and stories to be proud of".

More than 50 copies of Ms McCauley's book on the Rena Disaster have been given away as part of a free package to local schools.

"It's great to be able to do this.

"The schools have really appreciated the gesture and having more local content in their school libraries".

Schools that haven't yet received their books were still able to take up the free offer and can make contact through the Mauao Publishing Facebook page.