School Visit to Apii Te Uki Ou

A Special Author Visit

Acclaimed New Zealand author Karen McMillan recently visited Apii Te Uki Ou, delighting students with the magic of her Elastic Island Adventures series. Hosted by Pacific Resort Rarotonga, she held a lively reading session from the Rarotonga-inspired edition. McMillan also shared insights into her creative process and the inspiration behind her much-loved characters.

The Importance of Reading

During the visit, McMillan stressed the vital role reading plays in developing strong writing skills. She explained, “If you want to be a writer, you’ve got to read. I don’t know any published author that doesn’t read books. So read, read, and read, and if you haven’t found the right books that you like, go and try some other books.” Her words encouraged students to explore widely and find stories that inspire them.

Adventures in Rarotonga

The Rarotonga edition of Elastic Island Adventures follows Kiri, Jed, and twins Emma and Ethan, who travel with Blong the Cat and Heathcliff the Dog. At first, they expect a relaxing island escape. However, they soon face challenges, including a grumpy gecko named Mighty Moko at Pacific Resort Rarotonga and the mysterious theft of the island’s black pearls. With help from the wise Mana Tiaki, the children solve clues and race to save the pearls.

Characters with Personal Meaning

McMillan revealed that her four main characters reflect different parts of her personality and imagination. “Kiri loves swimming and music, while Emma is dreamy and loves books. They’re a blend of my personality,” she said. She also noted that the series is expanding into real-world locations. Rarotonga marks the first, Fiji will be next, and more destinations may follow.

Inspiring Young Writers

McMillan’s visit formed part of her ongoing efforts to connect with young readers in the Cook Islands. By engaging with them directly, she hopes to nurture a lifelong love of reading and writing. She reflected, “The enthusiasm of the children is just wonderful, isn’t it? And I really hope that this inspires them with their own creative writing.”

For more information on Elastic Island Adventures, or to purchase a copy, visit karenm.co.nz/rarotonga.

About Karen McMillan

Karen McMillan is a respected New Zealand author with a diverse body of work, including both children’s fiction and adult non-fiction. She is best known for the Elastic Island Adventures series, which introduces readers to the magical landscapes of the South Pacific.