Writer lets the monkeys out

16 June 2010
I let the monkeys out, a picture book written by Avis Hunter and illustrated by Andrew Keogh, is based on Avis’ childhood memories.

In the book, the narrator lives near the Dunedin Botanical Gardens. Every night she sneaks out to visit the monkeys that live in cages, and one night sets them free.

The 18-page book was launched in Dunedin, where both the artists live. Avis works at the Connections Education and Development Centre and Andrew at Studio 2.

Avis wrote the text and then gave it to Andrew to illustrate. When she saw her words brought to life in his colourful pictures, she immediately gave the thumbs-up.

I let the monkeys out is Avis’ fourth publication and follows her autobiography, My Life, and picture books A Cat called Tim and Cat’s Story.

Avis’ life story became the subject of a play called Avis, written by playwright Simon O’Connor. Avis toured Otago and Southland for two seasons several years ago. Now aged 69, Avis has lived her whole life in institutions. The place where she lived the longest was Cherry Farm Hospital, north of Dunedin.

Copies of I let the monkeys out are available from Connections Centre at a cost of $22. Contact Kay Murray (T: 03 487 8940 E: ).