Local author and illustrator duo, Hannah Tunnicliffe and Erica Harrison, met at the school gate where both their daughters attended primary school. They quickly worked out that they shared a deep love for children’s books and had talents they could combine to create them.
Their creation, a dog detective named Detective Stanley, gets his name from the bay where they live – Stanley Bay, Auckland. The sleuthing hound first featured in a school fundraising project they worked on together before the pair realised the canine would make the perfect star for a book series. They pitched the idea to London-based children’s publisher, Flying Eye Books, and managed to secure Detective Stanley a three-book deal.
Author Hannah Tunnicliffe states that Detective Stanley is a thoughtful, clever character, great at solving mysteries but not so great at making friends. She jokes that “Detective Stanley is an introvert’s hero!” The Detective Stanley series features references to Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot as well as lots of humour to keep parents entertained. Tunnicliffe says, “We hope the series feels both fresh and retro. It’s the kind of book you think you might have read as a child because it feels so nostalgic.”
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Hannah Tunnicliffe is the author of several books for kids and adults, including the trilingual picture book, Marjory and the Mouse. She is also an essayist, podcaster, speaker, and mental health advocate. Hannah lives by the sea with her family which includes one licky dog and an aloof cat.
Erica Harrison is an illustrator and children’s book designer. After studying for a graphic arts degree at Leeds Metropolitan, Erica landed her first job at Usborne Publishing – spending the next 12 years designing and illustrating too many titles to mention. She currently lives in Auckland with her partner and daughter.
Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum will be hitting shelves on the 2nd of April! They will be having a book launch at Dorothy Butler Children’s Bookshop on Monday 14 April at 1PM (open to the public).
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