Phyllis (Phyl) Wardell (1909-94) was a Christchurch writer of children’s mystery and adventure novels set in remote corners of New Zealand. Her books were well-known to New Zealand children at the time and were jointly published by Reed and in England.
Phyllis (Phyl) Wardell (1909-94) was a Christchurch writer of children’s mystery and adventure novels set in remote corners of New Zealand. Her books were well-known to New Zealand children at the time and were jointly published by Reed and in England.
Elsie Locke (1912-2001) was a writer, historian, environmentalist, and peace activist, but is best known as a writer for children. Her historical novel The runaway settlers has been in constant print since its first publication in 1965. Many of her other children’s books deal with New Zealand history, including The end of the harbour (1968).
Elsie Locke. The runaway settlers. Auckland: Blackwood & Janet Paul; London: Jonathan Cape, 1965.
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The latter is illustrated by Kātarina Mataira (1932-2011), a visionary educationalist and key figure in the revitalisation of te reo Maōri. The dust jacket design is based upon one of her drawings.
Elsie Locke. The end of the harbour. Auckland: Blackwood & Janet Paul; London: Jonathan Cape, 1968.
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