Introducing Mr Moriarty’s Magnificent Orange Tree

Sometimes the most magical stories are found not in faraway lands, but right outside our front doors. My new children’s book, Mr Moriarty’s Magnificent Orange Tree, is about just that. Learning to notice the extraordinary in the everyday. It is also a story that has existed in my mind for years, and this is my first attempt at writing a book so the story can be shared with others.

Set in a familiar New Zealand neighbourhood, this story invites children to see their local streets, gardens, and people as a landscape worth exploring. It’s about marveling at something as simple as an orange tree, discovering the joy of community, and realising that wonder doesn’t always come from a screen or a special trip. Sometimes it’s right there on the corner.

I wrote this book to give tamariki stories that feel local and authentic, with subject matter they can see and relate to. Reading becomes even more exciting when the characters, settings, and details reflect real life in Aotearoa.

Ultimately, this book is about connecting, with neighbours, place, and the little details that make everyday life rich. I hope it encourages children (and adults too) to slow down, step outside, and find delight in the ordinary.

If you'd like to purchase a copy for yourself or a loved one, then please reach out by email. I have a small print run of this book available.

P.S

As a test run into self-publishing, I’ve used AI-generated illustrations to bring this first edition to life. This decision wasn’t made lightly. As an artist myself, I deeply value the work of illustrators and don’t believe AI can replace their creativity. My aim here was to create a visual brief and bring the story into the world quickly, as a first step. My intention is to illustrate Mr Moriarty’s Magnificent Orange Tree in full in the future.