I am a writer who lives in Auckland, New Zealand. When I’m not writing stories for children, I work as a school librarian, and previously wrote reviews of books, and volunteered on the management committee of a children’s literature organisation.

I had a very happy childhood growing up in South Auckland. I was a real book-worm and day-dreamer. We had lovely holidays as a family, visiting different places in New Zealand. I wasn’t very sporty; I did a bit of ballet, two years of horse-riding and then a few more years of dancing. What I really loved to do (besides reading!) was being on stage acting or dancing; at primary school, my friends and I would make up plays to perform for our class.

I began writing when my children were young. Seeing the wonderful stories on the shelves at the kindergarten re-introduced me to the joy of stories for children, and I just knew that was what I wanted to do! I completed a writing course and began the long process of being a writer which involves lots of writing, and sending stories out to publishers, and learning, and more writing, and meeting and becoming friends with lots of other writers, and more writing, and joining the best critique group ever, and receiving lots of rejection letters. Oh, and more writing…

Author Visits –
One of the best parts of being an author is getting to visit schools; I love talking to tamariki about books and being a writer.

If you would like to arrange a visit; let’s talk! Please get in touch via the contact form and we can discuss details and fees. Alternatively, you can arrange a visit via the lovely folks at ReadNZ: ReadNZ – Writers in Schools

Newsy Bits –
Suzy Cato Podcast (at 16:18mins)
Suzy’s Corner – The Littlest Lifeguard
The Sapling – The Mahy Questionnaire
Stuff/The Post – How to Avoid Your Child’s Summer Reading Slide
Eastlife Magazine – Farewell, Anahera
Waikato Times – What I’m Reading
The Sapling – Librarians of Aotearoa interview
The Howick Pakuranga Times – When Dad Came Home

Reviews –
“This book reminds me of going to the beach and seeing the lifeguards in summer. The message of this book is that no matter how small you are you still can help people. I think kids will enjoy this book because the illustrations are cool and the words are easy to read.
Kids Talk About Books video review

“There is a lovely message in the book about achieving and doing your best at your own level… It is surprising how quickly children progress in their learning, and books like this are a wonderful tool.” KiwiReviews

“The language is rhythmic and lyrical and the pictures are colourful and cute. The use of onomatopoeia (sound words) makes it a really enjoyable read aloud for children 4-6 years old.” Kids Books NZ

“With repetition and sprinklings of rhyme, and Lisa Allen’s distinctive pastel colours and gentle and positive style, The Littlest Lifeguard is a perfect summer read for the ‘Littlest’ in homes or schools.” What Book Next?

“Like a hug in a book, Farewell, Anahera is simply beautiful” What Book Next?

“It’s a beautiful story for young and old.” Kids Books NZ

“Congratulations to Vanessa Hatley-Owen for having the courage to tackle such a tricky but important subject.” Good Reads