Sommerset, Mark
IN BRIEF
Mark Sommerset is a full-time children’s book author and publisher who 'loves stories that make you laugh, think or dream'. His first book Cork on the Ocean (2005) was followed in 2008 by Cork and the Bottle, both illustrated by Rowan Sommerset. The Herald on Sunday described Cork on the Ocean as 'Beautiful, unique, charming. A book to be treasured'. Baa Baa Smart Sheep (2010) won the Children’s Choice at the New Zealand Post Book Awards 2011.
ProfilePlace of residence: Waiheke Island, New Zealand |
About the Author
Sommerset, Mark (1968 –) is a full-time children’s book author and publisher. He lives on Waiheke Island with his wife Rowan Sommerset and son Linden. Over the years he has worn many hats including milk boy, barman, singer/songwriter, music consultant and copywriter. He was born in Christchurch and attended Westlake Boys High School in Auckland, and graduated with a Bachelor of Management Studies from Waikato University.
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.
His first book, Cork on the Ocean was published in 2005. 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. The Herald on Sunday described it as 'Beautiful, unique, charming. A book to be treasured' and John McIntyre on National Radio said the book was, 'Quirky, romantic, philosophical, Zen-like - Absolutely delightful.'
Cork and the Bottle was published in 2008. 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. Canvas Magazine described it as 'Quirky, enchanting, luminous.'
Mark and Rowan self-published Cork on the Ocean in hardback and subsequently signed with Random House who publish and distribute Cork and the Bottle and the paperback versions of each book.
Baa Baa Smart Sheep (Dreamboat Books) was published in 2010. Little Baa Baa is bored. When Quirky Turkey comes along the opportunity to make some mischief proves too hard to resist. It was winner of the Children’s Choice award in the New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards 2011. John McIntyre on National Radio said the book was 'Gorgeous… a triumph!' and National Library of NZ – School Services said it was 'Brilliant.'
The Silliest Dream (Dreamboat Books) was published in 2011. "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? Crissi Blair wrote in the The School Library, '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.'
Mark Sommerset is available to visit schools as part of the Writers in Schools programme.
writers in schools information
Mark Sommerset is available to visit schools as part of the Writers in Schools programme. He is able to speak to children aged up to 9 years. He is happy to read his stories, talk about being a picture book writer and discuss the process of self-publishing.
Feedback from Writers in Schools visits
'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
