In 1934, a young boy named Derek Challis discovered a collection of poems in his Christmas stocking written by his mother. Derek and his mum didn’t live together, but she loved him very much. His mother was one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most talented authors, Robin Hyde who wrote many books for older readers using a penname, Iris Guiver Wilkinson. Hyde was also one of the first women who worked as a war correspondent, reporting on the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Derek adored these poems by his mother. On the front page of the manuscript of these poems, Hyde wrote that she “…hopes to have them printed with FUNNY PICTURES, ONE FINE DAY.” In 2023, that fine day finally arrived, and these poems have now been published as a beautiful book with funny illustrations!
Wairarapa writer and filmmaker Juanita Deely made a film about Robin Hyde and her son Derek, called A Home in This World, and became friends with Derek. Deely went on to edit this book of poems The Uppish Hen & Other Poems! The brilliant illustrations are by a Glenorchy artist, Dine. This wonderful book is published by The Cuba Press and is available to buy directly from The Cuba Press and good bookstores, or to borrow from the library.
Earlier this year, our kids’ blog writer Joseph had the wonderful opportunity to interview Juanita Deely, check it out here!
At Wellington City Libraries, He Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, we hope that everyone has all have a great Christmas and gets to spend plenty of time with their loved ones, and to remember everyone that we hold dear.
The Uppish Hen & Other Poems / Hyde, Robin (ed. Deely, Juanita)
A previously unpublished collection by Robin Hyde, one of NZ’s finest authors/ journalists, written for her son, Derek Challis. Richly illustrated by Glenorchy artist Dïne.
Young adults and older readers should also check out the brilliant Iris and Me by Philippa Werry, which won the Young Adult Fiction Award at the 2023 New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. We are lucky to have also had the opportunity to speak to Philippa about the creation of this book — watch her full interview with our Fiction Specialist Neil here.