Mark Sommerset

ABOUT

In Brief

Mark is a full-time author/publisher who loves stories that make you laugh, think or dream. He spends a lot of time in his imagination and relishes the challenge of creating picture books for the enjoyment of kids and adults alike. His book Baa Baa Smart Sheep won the Children’s Choice at the NZ Post Book Awards 2011.

In Detail

Mark lives on Waiheke Island with his wife Rowan and son Linden. Over the years he has worn many hats including milk boy, barman, singer/songwriter, music consultant and copywriter. He loves to dream up story ideas and work with words, dressing up and stripping down his stories until there is no more to add (or nothing left to take away!). These days, when he is not writing or spending time with his family, Mark is often busy running Dreamboat Books, an independent publishing business established with his wife and creative partner Rowan for the purpose of publishing their own work. As a publisher as well as writer, Mark enjoys sharing his experience of self-publishing alongside the stories he creates.

FEEDBACK FROM SCHOOL / LIBRARY PERFORMANCES
“The whole of Whangarei seems to be abuzz with excitement due to your visit. Baa Baa Smart Sheep has been such a hit at our library events and throughout the community with both children and their parents. I’m getting such wonderful feedback and you have certainly left a lasting impression on the people you met in Whangarei.” Sue Scott – Whangarei District Libraries

“Just to let you know that the feedback I’ve had from teachers and students after your visit was extremely positive. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your presentations. Thank you.  We hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we did.” Jackie – Kaukapakapa Primary.

“Thank you for visiting. The kids had a great day and have been buzzing about meeting you. There has been some ongoing writing in the classrooms about dreams and some sequels to Baa Baa Smart Sheep I hear! Looking forward to your next book!” Jane Russell – Librarian – Kohia Terrace School

TWO LITTLE BUGS:
Up, up and away! Little Bug Blue has a wish. Little Bug Red has an appetite. Together they find out that getting what you always wanted is sometimes just the beginning
“A stunning book... playful, clever – absolutely superb.” John McIntyre – National Radio
“Terrific – the total package.” Graham Hepburn – NZ Herald Canvas Magazine
“A little Beauty full of surprises.” Linda Hall – Hastings Leader

BAA BAA SMART SHEEP
WINNER! – Children’s Choice NZ Post Children’s Book Awards 2011
Little Baa Baa is bored. When Quirky Turkey comes along the opportunity to make some mischief proves too hard to resist.
“Gorgeous… a triumph!” John McIntyre – National Radio
“Brilliant” National Library of NZ – School Services
“Very funny.” Lynn Freeman - National Radio

THE SILLIEST DREAM
"At night as I'm lying asleep in my bed, the silliest dream comes into my head..." Accompanied by her faithful teddy a young girl flies over frozen landscapes, visits Mars, and watches mice turn into stars. But what is her dream really all about?
Not a story so much as a series of intriguing ideas and odd imaginings... The dreamy artwork kept me returning to the book – it captures the strangeness of the scenes so well. Crissi Blair - The School Library

CORK ON THE OCEAN
After riding a sea horse, evading a shark and befriending an exhausted butterfly, Cork meets a wise old whale who shares the secret of staying afloat. An uplifting rhyming adventure tale of courage, friendship and the joy of positive thought.
"Beautiful, unique, charming. A book to be treasured" Herald on Sunday
“Quirky, romantic, philosophical, Zen-like - Absolutely delightful.” John McIntyre - National Radio

CORK AND THE BOTTLE
Having met on tropical shores, Cork and the bottle swirl out to sea into a world of dancing jellyfish, treacherous reefs and surly sea lions. A all-ages adventure that explores love, loyalty and the meaning of togetherness.
"Quirky, enchanting, luminous." Canvas Magazine

Find out more! Visit Mark’s website – www.dreamboatbooks.com

Click here to visit Marks Book Council page