Tania Norfolk
Writing is a big part of Tania's working life in research and education, but it's in creative writing she finds the joy of story-telling. She writes for both adults and children and has just completed her debut novel - a simmering coming-of-age tale set against a backdrop of sugar towers, treacle and weed-covered lakes - currently under representation by High Spot Literary Agency.
Tania has had two children's picture books published, Look! Said the Little Girl, by Scholastic and Grasshopper's Week, by Potton & Burton.
She has also had success in national and international short story competitions (See website).
Tania is currently working on a second novel, along with writing short stories and further children's books. She finds memory, place, light and texture rich sources for feeding the imagination and is lucky to live in Whakatū-Nelson where rolling hills and river valleys meet the ocean.
Genre:
- Adult Fiction
- Children's Fiction
- Short Stories
Skills:
- Academic Writing
- Proofreading
- Research
Branch:
Top of the South
Location:
Publications:
Look! Said the Little Girl
Published by Scholastic.
“Look,” said the little girl, “a ladybird!” “A ladybird!” said the old man. “What does she look like?” “Like a tiny turtle in fancy dress – a red polka-dot coat that’s hiding a secret.” “Wings?” whispered the old man. “Yes, wings,” whispered the little girl. “That is a very good secret.”
An old man and a little girl share their unique way of seeing and hearing the world around them. Join the happy pair, and a surprise third character, as they explore the sights, sounds and smells of the wondrous world around them - beautifully illustrated by award-winning illustrator, Aleksandra Szmidt.
"The writing is poetic, but not cliched, with fresh similes captivating all the senses. A flower is not simply a flower to the young girl, but a "pom-pom painted in gold, with eye-lashes dipped in white". The old man hears a butterfly as "a velvet flutter...a colourful quiet... Full of imagination and creativity, Look Said The Little Girl is simply delightful." - Rebekah Lyall, NZ Booklovers
"Tania Norfolk has written a captivating story that makes the world come alive though senses. Like a poet she uses similes to elevate how we absorb the world – and I am not talking old cliched similes but bright refreshing ones that pop in the eye and zing in the ear." - Paula Green, Poetry Box
"An old man with a walking stick ... and a little girl, who is very descriptive in her language, go walking in the countryside... beautifully illustrated... the ending is delightful and a surprise." - Bob's Books Blog.
Grasshopper's Week
Accompanied by his wise old friend Tree, Grasshopper journeys through the days of the week in a whole new way. He is joined by a host of loveable critters who crash, snore, wiggle and sing their way into Grasshopper’s week. Published by Potton & Burton.
“This is a wonderful children’s book. It brings together nature and the days of the week in a delightful story that made me smile.” - Linda Hall, Bay of Plenty Times.
“It’s beautifully illustrated by Chris and his charming pictures are accompanied by Tania’s equally charming, evocative text: ‘And in the wind, Grasshopper could smell old leaves … and lost secrets … and forgotten ice.’” - Hawkes Bay Today.
“t’s the sort of book that can draw children into the world of books at an early age, and keep them hooked for life.” - Alan Clarke, Nelson Mail.
“… for parents who want to read quality stories to their children. Chis Norfolk’s chalk pastel illustrations are outstanding. The tree is big gentle and wise and the grasshopper green and enthusiastic. I loved the moth and the tui is the parson bird extraordinaire. I hope we see more of this talent.” - Bob’s Books Blog.
“superbly illustrated and written book… a fun read for all preschool and primary ages, as well as for the grown-ups reading it.” - The Star Christchurch.