Exciting news – my book The Grumpy Mole arrives from the printers in the first week of September. This rhyming story is aimed at children aged 2 – 5 years, and it’s all about kindness and forgiveness.

The beautiful pictures are by Auckland artist and designer, Minky Stapleton. Earlier this week, at the Christian Booksellers book fair, I received enough interest in The Grumpy Mole to indicate that it will be a best seller. Mums, Dads and Grandparents will have fun reading the story to their children.

‘Vivid imagery’ ….’fast-paced action’. These are phrases reviewer Karen Seth uses to describe Henry Appleton Boy Hero in the latest Read NZ School Library online.

In giving the book a ‘Highly Recommended’ stamp, Karen says: ‘John Evan Harris creates an enticing world with vivid imagery and fast paced action that young people will be ensnared by. The story is supported by sketches, great for students who like a little help with visualising.’

(Pictured: Charles Cummings’ sketch shows Henry propelling dime novelist Johnny Slick out of the way of a charging beast.

To read the full review go to https://www.read-nz.org/school-library/henry-appleton-boy-hero-and-the-burgess-gang

Young actor Marlon Mair has been recruited to be the ‘face’ of Henry Appleton, Boy Hero and The Physician’s Gun. The picture shows Marlon, dressed in period costume, getting ready for a photo shoot with photographer Bridget Webber and casting director Greta Gregory.

“Marlon has just the right ‘look’ for Henry Appleton,” says author John Evan Harris. “Open, honest, adventurous and cheeky.”

Marlon’s photo will be used to promote both books which feature Henry Appleton’s adventures in Nelson in 1866, including his encounters with the ruthless Burgess Gang.

Henry Appleton, Boy Hero is now officially launched and hitting the bookshops. The celebratory cake has been cut (see photo), and John Evan Harris’s second book is now available for all to enjoy.

John Evan Harris’ second book, Henry Appleton Boy Hero and the Burgess Gang will be officially launched on Feb 12. Boy Hero is a prequel to The Physician’s Gun, and tells of young Henry’s exploits before and after his encounters with the murderous Burgess Gang. It’s a very readable yarn which will appeal to adventure-loving readers aged 10 – 15. The retro cover – referencing the dime novels of Henry’s era – is by Laura King, and the internal drawings are by Charles Cumming, who illustrated The Physician’s Gun. Boy Hero is published by Roiall Emerald, and distributed by Nationwide Books.

John Evan Harris, author of The Physician’s Gun, spent two days in Whangarei on a Sibling Retreat with his fellow writers, brother Peter (The Girl and the Guardian), and sisters Penelope (The Adventures of Romy) and Rosie (The Barn Chronicles). “It’s a wonderful privilege being able to spend time with my siblings, encouraging and inspiring each other in our writing projects,” says John.

Physician’s Gun author John Evan Harris pictured at the Takapuna Library for the Children’s Writers’ Festival on 23 September with fellow fiction authors Karen McMillan (left) and Yvette Carol. John focused on historical fiction, Karen on children’s adventure, and Yvette on fantasy.

For an interesting backgrounder on The Physician’s Gun author John Evan Harris, click on this interview from NZ Book Lovers online.

NZ Booklovers interview

On Saturday morning 23 September, John Evan Harris (The Physician’s Gun) will join fellow authors Karen McMillan (Elastic Island Adventures) and Yvette Carol (The Or’in of Tane) for Children’s Writers Festival at the Takapuna Library.

From 10.00am they’ll talk about their books – and sign and sell them!

Teacher’s lesson plans to be used with The Physician’s Gun have been sent to three dozen schools which have previously received copies of the book. Prepared by experienced intermediate and secondary school teacher Jan Zane MA, the plans are designed to promote discussion in History and English. They can also be used to spark consideration of contemporary ethical issues.

It’s now nine months since we launched The Physician’s Gun. (See photo from Auckland launch.) The book is now available at many

bookshops around the country, and on Amazon (as an e-book or print-on-demand paperback.)

Copies of The Physician’s Gun have now been sent to more than 40 schools around New Zealand. They will be available for students to find in the school library.

“I believe this book is a great way for young students – especially boys – to be encouraged to read,” said author John Harris. “And when they read of all the exciting and sometimes terrible things that happened in the 1800s, they cannot fail to become interested in learning more about our history.”

Latest positive review comes in the just-published issue of Magpies magazine. “The Physician’s Gun is a lively yarn, with plenty of jeopardies and hair’s-breadth escapes, which will appeal strongly to young males.” – Trevor Agnew

The Physician’s Gun is ‘more than an action-packed western,’ says a review in the latest Kete magazine. ‘It has grit, wild spirit and a uniquely compelling story ripped out of Aotearoa’s colonial past,’ says reviewer Cullen Wilson.

PICTURED: Henry Appleton’s fanciful sketch of himself as a Western hero. (Illustration by Charles Cumming, from the book.)

The Physician’s Gun is now available in good bookstores, and also via Amazon, Mighty Ape and Fishpond.