Huber, Raymond

IN BRIEF

Raymond Huber is a writer and editor. Sting (Walker Books, 2009) is his first children’s novel, and the book is told from a bee’s viewpoint. Sharon Greenway describes Sting in a review in Magpies as a ‘…wonderfully imaginative story.’ Huber has been involved in educational writing and he has written articles for 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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Huber, Raymond (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. The work has also been recently listed as a finalist in the junior fiction category of the 2010 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults. Results will be announced in May.

Wings was published in 2011 by Walker Books. Zac Harding reviewed the book, 'Wings is a great sequel to Sting and is once again full of action and adventure...The story is told from Ziggy’s point of view and he’s a cool character who’s very brave and loyal. If you like animal or adventure stories you’ll love Wings.' Andrew Rumbles wrote in his review of Wings, 'This is an adventure story that kids can read with wide open imaginations... Great plots, clear action and strong relationships make for a great story. The main characters just happen to be bees!'

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Media links and clips

• Raymond Huber’s website
• Otago Daily Times article about Raymond Huber

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