Vale John McIntyre, champion of children's literature
Far more than 'just a bookseller', John was a cheerleader for children's literature.
We are very sad to mark the death of John McIntyre, co-owner with his wife Ruth of Wellington's iconic Children's Bookshop, and champion of children's books and writers. John died on Saturday 10 June, after a long fight with chronic illness. Read the Dominion Post tribute to John McIntyre.
John and Ruth established The Children's Bookshop in Kilbirnie in 1992 after John, a former teacher, saw the need for a dedicated children's bookshop. The shop has moved to larger premises three times, but remains in Kilbirnie where it is thriving today. It rapidly became a hub for writers and readers of children's books - child and adult alike - with John and Ruth hosting regular book launches, as well as ante-natal and pre-school groups, Friday night 'fairy godmother' readings and an annual Christmas tree book donation for Wellington's Women's Refuge. John had an extraordinary knowledge of children's literature, which he shared generously with customers seeking recommendations. Far more than 'just a bookseller', as he described himself, John was a cheerleader for children's literature.
Sarah Foster, co-editor of The Sapling, says that John's impact on the world of children's books in New Zealand was profound. 'His bookstore is not just another bookstore: it is a haven for all, both children and children-at-heart. His curation of books, and creation of community has made the store a destination visit for book lovers from all over New Zealand.'
For 15 years, every second Friday, John discussed the latest releases for children on Radio New Zealand - a slot that became required listening for readers and writers of children's books. Listen to John's final RNZ interview with Katherine Ryan on 26 May.
John understood young readers and had great faith in their intelligence and judgement. This mean that he set the bar high for those wanting to write for children. 'Good enough isn't good enough,' he said, 'it has to be excellent.' At the same time, in his roles as reviewer and bookseller, he managed to balance strong opinions and critical discernment with enormous generosity towards emerging writers, many of whom will remember his support with gratitude.
John was twice a judge of the NZ Post Children's Book Awards and served on the Board of Booksellers NZ from 2003 to 2009. Offering condolences to Ruth McIntyre, Booksellers NZ Chief Chair, Tony Moores spoke of 'the colossal contribution John has made to the professionalism and profile of the bookselling community and the importance of reading for all ages. Your support over the years has encouraged and enabled him to exercise and broadcast his passion to the wider community of young readers and together you have created a business with a reputation that far exceeds the sum of its physical parts.'
Our thoughts and sympathy are with Ruth and the McIntyre family. Messages for the family can be left on John's tribute page or sent to: The Children's Bookshop, Shop 26, Kilbirnie Plaza, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6022
John McIntyre will be farewelled at Old St Paul’s, Thorndon, Wellington, from 1pm on Friday, 16 June. All are welcome to attend. The family requests that donations be made to Kidney Health NZ in lieu of flowers.
Those wishing to honour John's memory and offer their support to Ruth are also invited to visit The Children's Bookshop, or its website and buy a book for John.