Media release – September 2008
New kids’ book illustrated by Weta to be released
Champ the Chopper fans don’t have long to wait now – a new children’s picture book illustrated by the award-winning Weta
special effects workshop is due out soon.
The second book in the series about a little rescue helicopter, Kids to the Rescue is written by local author Rebekah
Palmer with illustrations done by Weta artist Daniel Falconer.
The picture book will be launched at the Weta Cave in Camperdown Rd, Miramar, Wellington, on Saturday October 11 at 2pm.
(For directions and details see www.wetanz.com/cave.)
The first book in the series, Champ the Chopper, has proved very popular with pre-schoolers and early readers, says
author Rebekah Palmer. “It’s great for getting kids into reading, especially young boys. They love those helicopters!”
“Weta Workshop is thrilled that this series is continuing,” says Richard Taylor. “These stories remind me of the
excitement I used to feel as a young boy watching Thunderbirds. Rescue stories are great for providing kids with
positive action.”
An animated television series based on the characters is currently in development.
The books are available from all good booksellers as well as through the Life Flight Trust, which operates the real
rescue helicopter for the Wellington region.
For more information check out www.champthechopper.com.
ENDS