Announcing new children’s book on fair trade
Coinciding with international fair trade day (12 May, 2007) New Zealander Diane Abad Vergara has written a children’s
book exploring the issue of fair trade.
Medellin, COLOMBIA 27 April, 2007 – A truly global book produced over five continents Zapizapu Crosses the Sea goes on
sale this week.
Zapizapu Crosses the Sea is about four children divided by immense oceans (yet linked through the sale and purchase of
zapizapu) who discover what it means to pay a fair price.
The script and colourful illustrations (aimed at 6 years plus) work together to simplify the concept of international
trade and personify those involved around the world from grower to consumer. In its rawness we discover that the simple
yet important concept of ‘being fair’ is important for children and grown ups alike.
Author Diane Abad Vergara was born in Wellington grew up in Te Awamutu and these days (when not working or travelling
overseas) lives in Auckland. She is married to a Colombian and they have one son. This year Diane is living in Colombia
where she is gathering material for a documentary which also explores fair trade, in particular the sale of coffee from
Colombia to New Zealand. This month in fact she is filming a group of New Zealand coffee buyers (organised be TradeAid
NZ) as they visit coffee growing regions in Colombia.
“I originally produced much of the script for the book to be used as part of the documentary. It didn’t fit with the
documentary so instead of throwing it out I thought I could try publishing it instead,” says Diane. “Like many of us I
have bought coffee brands produced by some of the world’s biggest exploiters and most likely munched my way through many
chocolate bars containing cocoa picked by the hands of a six year old in Africa. The good thing is – now I am aware. I
understand that I have the power to make purchasing decisions that will tilt the balance, even just a little, in favour
of the poor,” says Diane. “I believe that making fair purchasing decisions is the first step and something that we are
all able to do, even children. This should go hand in hand with significant changes at a higher level by altering the
unfair rules of world trade so that they work for both small and large scale producers.”
South African born artist Ria van Rooyen who now also lives in Auckland generously offered to do the artwork.
ends