The dazzling stars above Wairarapa have been a source of pride and interest to the people of this region for many years. As far back as the 1860s, a Featherston farmer named Stephen Carkeek, built a house and an observatory on his property so that he could indulge his sky-watching hobby at close quarters. At some point Carkeek’s house has disappeared but the ruined remains of his observatory are still there. Today, Carkeek’s observatory is recognised as the earliest private observatory in New Zealand.
Inspired by this fascinating story, Tania Atkinson and Viv Walker, creators of the popular Over the Hill to Greytown, chose Stephen Carkeek to be the subject of their next rhyming picture book. The Lost Star of Featherston is based on fact to some extent but the tale itself is largely made up. Stephen is still a farmer and an astronomer but this version concerns his imaginary hunt for a fallen meteor in the company of his horse, his dog and his young bilingual (English/Te Reo Māori) speaking neighbour. The bird, the Banded Dotterel, once common in the area but now sadly endangered, also makes an appearance.
Richly illustrated with Viv Walker’s bold and amusing images, The Lost Star of Featherston, is further distinguished by facts pages that clearly explain just what in the story is true and what isn’t!
Because of the variety of topics that this book covers, a range of children will find it appealing regardless of their tastes. If your kids or grandkids are into history or if you want to encourage them without boring them silly, if astronomy or conservation or talking animals is their thing or if they merely like a good story, then The Lost Star of Featherston is the title to put on your shopping list this Christmas. Go see your booksellers about it today.
