Raymond Huber

ABOUT

In Brief

Raymond Huber is a writer, editor and teacher. Sting (Walker Books, 2009) is his first children’s novel, told from a bee’s viewpoint. Sharon Greenway (Magpies) describes it as a ‘…wonderfully imaginative story.’ A sequel (Wings) will be published by Walker Books early 2011, and a non-fiction picture book Flight of the Honey Bee. Huber has written English and Science workbooks, articles for the School Journal and short stories in Hideous and Hilarious (2007) and Showtime (2008), Random House NZ. His website is www.raymondhuber.co.nz.

In Detail

Raymond Huber (born in 1958) was born in Christchurch, and now resides in Dunedin. Huber has a Bachelor of Horticultural Science (1980), a Bachelor of Education (1991) and a Diploma in Children’s Literature (2001). He has been a social worker; a gardener; a primary school teacher; and has worked as a writer and editor since 2004.

He published In Motion, Technology Now (Thomson Nelson) in 2007, 13 Primary School Textbooks for ESA Publications (2000-2008) and Sting (Walker Books, 2009). He has written Readers for a US Core Literacy Programme, and has articles in the School Journal and Power Zone (US). He has had fiction published in Hideous and Hilarious (2007) and Showtime (2008), both published by Random House NZ. Huber was also the McGonagall poetry prize winner in 2005.

Sue Hoffart in a review of Sting in North and South writes, ‘May be the first children’s novel from a bee’s point of view…adventure with a sense of humour and a serious eco message.’ (June, 2009). Sharon Greenway writes in Magpies, ‘…wonderfully imaginative story. Huber has built a whole bee world distinguishing different bee species…It is because of his individualism that Ziggy becomes a hero and also finds his heart’s desire. A strong message that says it’s okay to be different.’

Vanda Symon comments on Sting, ‘particularly appealing to that often neglected group of readers – boys. My two loved it, and have re-read and re-read it.’ (Channel 9, July 2009).

The author writes, ‘Sting brings together my love of children’s literature and science. I wanted to create an adventure with a small hero who saves the world. Honey bees proved perfect characters and enabled me to sneak in some bee science. Inspirations were The Hobbit, Phillip Temple’s kea novels and Ian McEwan’s Daydreamer.’

Sting was listed as a 2010 Storylines Notable Junior Fiction Book.

Raymond Huber's junior novels Sting and Wings (Walker Books) feature the adventures of a honey bee, Ziggy. Wings was a finalist in the NZ Post Book Awards. The Sydney Herald review of Wings said: 'Huber creates courageous characters with whom readers will empathise instantly.’ A honey bee picture book Flight of the Honey Bee is due out soon. Huber has written readers for US schools, English and Science workbooks, articles for the School Journal and short stories. Raymond is also an editor and teaches writing to children and adults. His website has puzzles, poems, bee stories and teacher notes: www.raymondhuber.co.nz.

'What I really liked about the story, apart from the fresh, fun idea, is that the reader sees life from a bee’s point of view' - ABC radio

'The story zips along with plenty of page-turning excitement. It’s a superb chapter book for young readers.' – Jean Bennett

'A great adventure story that kids can read with wide open imaginations' – Dymocks