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  • Published: 1 October 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143772545
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $36.99

Oh Boy

A storybook of epic NZ men



OH BOY is the perfect book to accompany our best-selling GO GIRL. Chock-full of stories about brilliant Kiwi men who followed their dreams and made the world a better place, it's an inspiring and essential storybook for children of all ages – grown-ups included!

There are many kinds of hero! OH BOY is a striking collection of true stories about amazing New Zealand men who busted stereotypes and broke through obstacles to follow their passion.

Heroes can wear rugby boots or ballet shoes.

They can go on adventures, build rockets, or save lives.

They can change the world with a shovel, a microscope or an idea.

And YOU can become one of them!

Just some of the amazing men whose stories are featured in this book are Billy T James, Bret McKenzie, Bruce McLaren, Edmund Hillary, Ernest Rutherford, Fred Hollows, Jemaine Clement, Jonah Lomu, Kelly Tarlton, Liam Malone, Neil Finn, Peter Jackson, Richie McCaw, Steven Adams, Taika Waititi, Willie Apiata, Witi Ihimaera – and many, many more. Find out all about how they rose to the challenge and overcame obstacles and stereotypes about what men can do!

Their stories are accompanied by equally fabulous portraits specially created for the book by ten exceptional New Zealand-based illustrators: Ant Sang, Bob Kerr, Daron Parton, Elliot O'Donnell (aka Askew One), Fraser Williamson, Michel Mulipola, Neil Bond, Patrick McDonald, Toby Morris and Zak Waipara.

A companion volume to the number-one bestseller GO GIRL, OH BOY is essential and inspirational reading for New Zealanders of all ages. And that includes you too, grown ups!

  • Published: 1 October 2018
  • ISBN: 9780143772545
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 208
  • RRP: $36.99

About the author

Stuart Lipshaw

Stuart Lipshaw is managing editor at New Zealand’s biggest publishing house, Penguin Random House NZ, and works with many of New Zealand’s finest writers to make incredible books.
Writing a book of his own was a lifetime dream come true – Oh Boy: A Storybook of Epic NZ Men published in October 2018 and was named a 2019 Storylines Notable Non-Fiction Book.
Stu lives in Auckland, New Zealand with his wife Bridget and their three energetic boys, Marcus, Eddie and Zach.

Also by Stuart Lipshaw

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Praise for Oh Boy

Both aspirational and inspirational...For kids who are just a little unsure about their place in the world, [this book] throws some light on it and says these things are possible.

Joan Mackenzie, Radio Live

It’s conversational, but with a storybook-like quality. It speaks directly to the reader and it’s really enjoyable to read...it will serve as such an inspiration to our young people — boys and girls included.

Rachel Eadie, Children's Book Review, Nine to Noon

We’re all about incredible women, but amazing men need to be celebrated too. Oh Boy: A Storybook of Epic NZ Men by Stuart Lipshaw (Penguin, $45) is a counterpart to the popular Go Girl book, featuring the stories of those who prove there are many ways to be a top Kiwi bloke.

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New Zealand has long punched above its weight in so many areas, and this book shows we should be proud of our contributions in all areas. These men have put us on the map for many different reasons. I was shocked there were many I knew very little about. Even a PIRATE! I know, right?!

Alan Dingley, The Sapling

The beautifully written little biographies focus on just some of the aspects of these trailblazers' lives and each is accompanied by a distinctive portrait drawn by a number of gifted New Zealand illustrators. These stories affirm that old-fashioned stereotypes can be broken - boys can be ballet dancers and girls can speak out. Delightful to read aloud, these luscious keepsakes will motivate young Kiwis aged 5-10 to go for their dreams.

Ruth McIntyre, Australian Women's Weekly

This is one of those books boys—and girls—are likely to remember into adulthood.

Linda Thompson, Wanganui Chronicle

This book is full of New Zealand heroes - sportsmen, adventurers, scientists, creators, musicians and more. Each mini-bio is accompanied by illustrated portraits from some of our best illustrators. Full of information and inspiration, it is a wonderful companion to Go Girl, and highly recommended for all readers.

Storylines Christmas List 2019

Awards & recognition

Storylines Notable Non-fiction Award

Awarded  •  2019  •  A Storylines Notable Non-fiction Book