Mary-anne Scott’s captivating story, The Tomo, about a boy who takes on a dangerous rescue mission to save his beloved dog, is packed with heart-thumping drama. The legendary tale, a finalist in the 2022 NZ Book Awards for Children & YA, was inspired by the real-life experience of Mary-anne’s grandfather but has been brought into contemporary times. Mary-anne has written six novels including Spearo, Sticking with Pigs and Fantastic Mr Bean, and credits her ideas to her childhood, growing up in Hastings as one of nine children, and a love of reading. Her other passion is music, and she’s bringing her guitar along for this presentation about story-making and why bravery is at the centre of The Tomo.

AUCKLAND WRITERS FESTIVAL 2023, WAITUHI O TĀMAKI TUESDAY 16 MAY 2023 – 12.30-1.15PM KIRI TE KANAWA THEATRE, AOTEA CENTRE