Young NZ Author

"When Ben started showing a passion for writing and wanting to write at home everyday, I started looking for an after-school writing class to develop his talent. But I couldn't find many. That's when I realized that our society rewards many other children’s activities. Sports have games throughout the year, certificates for the best players, and medals at the end of the season. If your child loves dancing or playing an instrument, you can enroll at a dance studio, or you can easily find music lessons with competitions and concerts in the end of the year. These children are being trained, are improving their talents, and somehow getting recognized and rewarded. There is nothing like this for children who love to write. In 2015 I decided to self-publish 'Weirdo' - as Ben’s reward and recognition. It was like giving him his certificate, his medal."

Recent books by young New Zealand author - Ben Spies

Ben's first book - Weirdo

NZ$16.00

Written by: Ben Spies

Illustrated by: Robert Spies

Weirdo is a story about a boy who recently lost his parents. He now lives by himself. He has no friends at school and everyone thinks he is weird. Well, there are some pretty weird things he does sometimes... But can Ugine be happy again? Join him on this funny, weird adventure and find out!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ben Spies wrote ‘Weirdo’ when he was nine years old. A wild imagination and a passion for writing were the main ingredients that inspired Ben to start writing books. Since Weirdo, he hasn’t stopped writing and his new book – ‘The Magic Pencil’ followed soon after.

Connect with Ben: Facebook, Website

BOOK INFORMATION

Format: Paperback

Pages: 66

Publication Date: 1 April 2017 (3rd edition, revised and updated)

Category: Children’s Fiction/Children/Junior Fiction/Kids Other

For ages: 7+

Publisher: Spies Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-473-42495-4

Edited by Kat Betts

Cover by Luke Kelly

Typesetting by Luke and Vida Kelly

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The Magic Pencil

NZ$18.00

Written by: Ben Spies

Illustrated by: Robert Spies

Meet Bob. He found a Magic Pencil one day on his way to school and now his life will never be the same again. The Fakeys want to take over the world! And they will do anything to take the pencil from Bob. Will they succeed? Join Bob and his friends in this amazing adventure as they embark on an unexpected journey to save the world!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ben Spies wrote his first book, Weirdo, when he was nine years old. The Magic Pencil followed soon after at age ten. The true point of difference in Ben’s books is that they are written by a child, for children. Through a child’s eyes and with a child’s voice.

Connect with Ben: Facebook, Website

BOOK INFORMATION

Format: Paperback

Pages: 160

Publication Date: June 2017

Category: Children’s Fiction/Children/Teenager/Junior Fiction/Kids Other

ForAges: 8+

Publisher: Spies Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-473-37777-9

Edited by Richard Bradburn

Cover by Luke Kelly

Typesetting by Luke and Vida Kelly

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The World of Greek Mythology LAUNCH OFFER - $20

NZ$20.00

NZ$21.00

Written by: Ben Spies

Ever wondered what the Greek myths look like through the eyes of a child?

Eleven-year-old author, Ben Spies, writes his version of some of the most thrilling tales from Greek mythology.

From Titans to Olympians, The World of Greek Mythology delivers an action-packed retelling of the myths, from how the world was created to a personal take on some of the greatest and mightiest gods and goddesses.

Ben adds his quirky humour to each chapter as we follow the drama of the legendary Trojan War and the epic voyage of Odysseus. But be warned: the gruesome world of Greek mythology is not for the faint of heart… get ready for bloody battles and horrible deaths.

If you love Greek mythology, or you’re keen to learn more, this book is sure to delight and captivate your imagination

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ben’s passion for writing led him to become a published author at the young age of nine with his first book, Weirdo. The Magic Pencil followed soon after, at age ten. The World of Greek Mythology is Ben’s third book and he shows no signs of slowing down. Go to www.spiespublishing.co.nz and see what’s coming next.

Connect with Ben: Facebook, Website

BOOK INFORMATION

Format: Paperback

Pages: 232

Publication Date: November/2018

Category: Children’s Fiction/Middle Grade/Teenager/Junior Fiction/Young Adult/Kids Other

For ages: 10+

Publisher: Spies Publishing

ISBN: 978-0-473-45586-6

Edited by Helen Vivienne Fletcher

Cover by Luke Kelly

Typesetting by Luke and Vida Kelly

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Awesome review from Booksellers NZ for The Magic Pencil. Check it out below. We also had a great review from the NZ Book Council School Library that you can read here.