Residents of Te Herekiekie St, Tūrangi, will be treated on Saturday, March 13 to a double celebration — the launch of a children's picture book set in the 2004 Tongariro River flood, and the 100th
Historic 'Old Truck' hits the road again for Tūrangi book launch
Described as "a beautifully written tale of natural disaster, perseverance, clean up, rebuild and a fish-farting old truck", the book includes information and photos of the real flood, a glossary of truck terms and tips on preparing for natural disasters.
Old Truck and the Flood was created by John's sisters: writer Jennifer Somervell and illustrator Margery Fern, through the Covid lockdowns of 2020, and with the assistance of Creative NZ.
It is the sixth title in the award-winning Tales From The Farm picture book series, and a sequel to their popular first book, simply titled Old Truck. That book told the original story of John's labours of love restoring Old Truck and the revised version of the book, The New Old Truck, won two firsts and a second place at the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards in the United States.
The real Old Truck still lives with John in Tūrangi and is 100 years old this year. The incredibly rare vehicle - John has not been able to find another restored 1921 Model 10 Republic anywhere in the world - has been restored three times since his grandfather, Hawke's Bay farmer Gordon Somervell bought it second hand from the Hastings District Council in 1938 for the sum of 25 pounds.
Jennifer says Old Truck and the Flood "takes readers on an emotional journey from fear and abandonment, through to the joy of recovery and restoration".
She and Margery believe the book will help children negotiate difficulties in their own lives. It touches on themes of perseverance, of the power of friendship and helping one another, and of moving through tragedies to eventually become stronger.
Creating the book was a family affair with Jennifer's husband Ken Fletcher doing the research and the book design by Margery's daughter Ezra André.
The book launch has resonated with the local community, with all the residents of Te Herekiekie St invited. Over 100 people are expected. John and Nico have had Old Truck going and hope to be able to give rides on it to children at the launch.
Margery says there will be a bagpiper, music, an introduction to Old Truck by John and then she and Jennifer will read the story on a big screen.
"We thought we would tell the whole story because this is the Tūrangi community's story as well as Old Truck's and then we're going to interview a few people that were there [during the flood] and cut a truck cake.
"It's a beautiful story and one of the biggest things for me is that it honours John who has put endless amounts of work and money into Old Truck."
Jennifer says when she and Margery began the book last year they didn't initially realise that Covid-19 complications meant it would be released on Old Truck's 100th anniversary, but to be able to celebrate both at the same time was wonderful.
"John had always wanted to have the launch at his place anyway and it was such a great opportunity and so special to him and so it's a double celebration."
Copies of the books are available at Naylors Bookshop in Tūrangi; Collaboration in Taupō; and online at talesfromthefarmpublications.com. The recommended retail price is $21.99.