Mr Phelps immortalised in children’s literature

“Hey Tracey, do you think Lance would mind if I wrote a children’s story about him?” That was how Phillip Percy tested the water to see if Lance Phelps was up to the limelight of being the main character in Phillip’s newest children’s book. Tracey, Lance’s wife, gave the thumbs up as long as Ned the dog also featured. And so Mr Phelps’ Fish Truck was born.

The story, written by Phillip and beautifully illustrated by his father Dale, follows Lance and Ned’s trip to the iconic South Wairarapa coast in their big white truck and how they transport fish from Ngawi through the Wairarapa valley to the processing factory. After their busy day, the two head back home to Ferry Road for a well-earned treat of New Zealand fish and chips for dinner.

“It is a pretty cool feeling to be telling children through our books about the wonderful role models, like Mr Mills and Mr Phelps, that we have in our communities”, said Phillip. “It makes it even better that the setting for these stories is such a special corner of the world”.

The books are available at P&K Clothing and The Wine Centre in Martinborough, and from other retailers around the Wairarapa or online at www.martinboroughstories.co.nz.