New Zealand Writers

KIPPENBERGER, Mary

Riotous and thoughtful, she is a much-loved performer.

KIPPENBERGER, Mary (1951-) is a children’s writer and storyteller. Best known for her performances and children’s tapes, her first book, The Christmas Kitten, was published at Christmas 2002.

Born in Lower Hutt, Kippenberger began her career as a horse trainer, before becoming a primary school teacher, and later a social worker. Since 1991 she has worked as an actor, and since 1994 as a storyteller. She is also a Writers in Schools writer for the New Zealand Book Council.

Kippenberger’s has published two children’s tapes: 'Ever So Slightly Wicked Stories and Songs'(1997) and 'Odd Tales and Songs from Te-Rangi Farm' (1999).

Kippenberger is much loved by children, with the Librarian at Te Rangi Rangi Tangohau comments that 'the children were absolutely enthralled with [her] storytelling.' Briege Rendell, HB Children, Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator, writes 'you made us laugh, you made us cry but most of all you made us think.'

Mary Kippenberger lives in the Hawkes Bay.

LK

Updated Information

Cover Wee Wee with illustrations by Sunset (2003) is about four year old Michael who is always in trouble. It can't be all his fault, can it?

Kippenberger's latest children's book is Pita Pekapeka P.P. and the Four Naughty Boys, illustrated by Sunset (Te-Rangi Books, 2005). This book also includes a CD with the narrated story and some songs.

Kippenberger released Pita Pekapeka PP Acrobat Bat , illustrated by Sunset. (Te Rangi Books, 2007) All about a little super-bats visit to the circus in the hope of being an acro-bat.