In just ten weeks, more than 240,000 copies of Joy Cowley’s new book, Tarore and Her Book, have been distributed to primary school aged children in New Zealand.

Initially the book was distributed by Bible Society in partnership with Churches Education Commission to Christian Religious Education teachers, but recently there has been an enormous response from secular primary schools to an advertisement in the Education Gazette.

“The response has been overwhelmingly positive with most schools ordering enough copies to give to every single child,” said Bible Society spokesperson Stephen Opie. “We’ve received many thank you emails from schools really excited about the book. They’re especially impressed that it’s a true story and it’s one of ours – it happened here in New Zealand.”

“Our prayer is that this story will have an incredible impact on the lives of hundreds of thousands of Kiwi kids as they learn, many for the first time, about God and the power of his peace and forgiveness.”

The project has been made possible through the support of many Bible Society supporters.  Beverley Hansen-Thorpe of Kingsway School said that teachers were “completely overwhelmed with the kind gesture.”  Tania Morrison, Deputy Principal of Leamington School said, “The ability to give the children a free book was a wonderful thing and they were very excited and grateful to receive it.”

The book is also available to Homeschooling families.  Sandra Dawson, Secretary of the Homeschool Auckland Sport and Cultural Association says, “It is fantastic to have such an amazing story available to so many, and to some families in the wider community who may not even own a book.  What an amazing service!”

Mr. Opie said the original print-run of 300,000 copies in English and 30,000 copies in Maori consisted of more than 650 boxes weighing more than 12 tonnes.

“And they’re still going out the door at such a rate we believe our supplies will be exhausted early in the New Year,” said Mr. Opie

A thank you from Waipara

"I hope mine is one of many emails thanking you for the beautiful publication, Tarore, that was made available for distribution through CRE this year. It was such a joy to present a beautiful gift like that to each student.
It is a story that really touches hearts when  we tell it in class.
We do appreciate the work of the Bible Society and the generosity of those who make such publications possible.
Every blessing and heart felt thanks"

John and Rae Graham
Waipara