All Black Keven Mealamu is not only a star on the rugby field - he has also made his mark in the realm of children's books, helping to illustrate a story that will help raise funds for Starship children's hospital.
Super Sparrow and the Black Cat Plus Five More Heroic Tales was launched at a star-studded event last night.
Mealamu joined fashion designer Kiri Nathan, acclaimed artist Hannah Jensen, Wellington-based commercial illustrator Dean Proudfoot and renowned painter Tracey van Lent to contribute illustrations to the stories that explore what it means to be a hero.
The book was written by 11-year-old Lucy Li from Tirimoana School in Auckland. She and Mealamu had a final read-through ahead of last night's launch, attended by Mealamu's Blues and All Blacks teammate Jerome Kaino and Silver Ferns and Mystics players Maria Tutaia and Anna Harrison.
All funds raised through sales of the book will be given to the Starship Foundation. To order a copy and find out more about it click here.
