We had the absolute pleasure of hosting the incredible and truly "one of a kind" Donovan Bixley on Saturday, for a special story time at Book Hero.
From the moment it began, as over 30 kids and their grown ups poured into our bookstore, Donovan created an experience that was fun, engaging and genuinely inspiring for everyone in the room - adults and kids alike.
Our cosy little bookstore was buzzing, but we opened up our private event space out the back, which allowed for plenty of room for everyone to settle in and be part of the magic.
Donovan started by introducing the kids to his world of Kiwi mythology, bringing to life the ancient birds, dinosaurs and creatures of Aotearoa. It was more than a reading, it was a fully interactive experience - perfect for kids. One of the most special moments was when he shared some of his very first drawings from when he was a child. You could see the impact instantly. It showed the kids that everyone starts somewhere, and then he took it a step further by teaching them how to draw their own dinosaurs, right there in the session.
He read from his books, filled the room with energy, and created a connection with every child. He made time to talk to them individually, which meant a lot to both kids and parents. Afterwards, Donovan went above and beyond. He signed every single book and did not just stop at a signature. Each child received a personalised drawing, often a custom dinosaur, making every book a one of a kind keepsake of a memorable day.
We also loved the dinosaur decorations and other assorted pieces from our friends at Little Moa, which helped transform the space and added to the excitement of the day.
Reflecting back on the day, what sticks with us is Donovan's passion for bringing together the many stories and cultures of Aotearoa into one shared narrative we can all share in. His drive to get kids excited about reading and help build strong literacy from a young age is something we also completely support. And yes, we also bonded over a mutual love of Lord of the Rings.
What an amazing New Zealander, and what a very special event. Thank you Donovan!
If you missed out - relax, we'll be hosting more events in the future so keep your eyes peeled!
What an amazing New Zealander, and what a very special event. Thank you Donovan!
If you missed out - relax, we'll be hosting more events in the future so keep your eyes peeled!