"Just Us", a children's picture book from 1944, featured the vibrant illustrations of Stopford G. Wrathall and verse by John Brent. Wrathall uses a combination of painted art, line art, and crayon sketches to illustrate children's adventures as delineated by Brent. "Just Us" was published by The Morning Post Printing House in Rotorua.
The 19 December 1944 The Bay of Plenty Beacon reviewed "Just Us",
Outstanding Production
What promises to be one of the most appealing books ever produced for juvenile readers and of interest to adults as well, is a book "Just Us", which has a distinct local flavour. Written by an Opotiki author under the pen name of John Brent and beautifully illustrated in colour by Stop Wrathall, the book, in verse form, shows a very fine understanding of the working of the young mind, and it's humour will be appreciated by young and old. One of the many subjects dealt with in the book is the family's war effort and this will especially interest ex-Home Guardsmen.
Mention of Hukuwai, Ohope and Peter Petersen's and a large illustration depicting children damming up a stream at Hukuwai Beach will especially appeal to local children but it's appeal will also be widespread, and it should sell well throughout the Dominion.
The verse, illustrations and general layout in "just Us", are far superior to most of the children's books which come from overseas. Wrathall's genius in depicting children at play adds largely to the success of the work. The Printers, the Rotorua Morning Post, have spared no effort in this first-class production and are assured of a quick sale of the limited number of copies available before Christmas.
Copies of this book are now available at the local stationers.
Click for larger view
In the 1950's Wrathall illustrated promotional material and cartoon maps of Waiheke Island and Rotorua.
Click for larger view
Wrathall and Brent collaborated on a follow up in 1954, Meet The Chactadee, published in England by WM. Collins Sons and Co. Ltd.
Sources: http://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/cgi-bin/paperspast, http://waihekenews.weebly.com/old-waiheke.html
