WETA BUG SCOOP: 7 July 07 Well.... I just happened to stop by the design booth and snap Designers Chris Guise and Daniel Falconer working on a ...

...what the!? Gorgeous little children's illustrations! Where are the monsters, orcs and crazed sheep, you ask? Well, Daniel and Chris couldn't tell me much 'cos its all pretty top secret, but he did slip me these images...

These are from a new children's book that is going to be released later this year, titled 'Champ The Chopper', by Wellington author Rebekah Palmer. Featuring a little rescue helicopter, Champ the Chopper is the first book in a series written by Rebekah with illustrations done by Dan and Chris.

Champ is part of Kids Rescue, an organization run by kids. In each book Champ and the kids go on daring missions to rescue children in trouble. Wellington kids will be the first to get a glimpse of pictures done by Chris and Dan for a new children?s book coming out later this year. Sample pictures will be on display at a stall at the Storylines festival, to be held at the Wellington Town Hall on Saturday June 9 from 10am to 3pm.

Publisher West Egg Books will donate $1 from every book sold to a trust supporting real rescue helicopters in New Zealand. How cute is that?

The first stories have been edited by best-selling author Joy Cowley. She believes the series will be a great favourite with children: ?These stories are great,? says Joy. ?Children will love them ? especially little boys. What a gift they will be to schools and libraries. I think you?re on to a real winner with this series.?

More info to come soon - in the mean time, check out larger image pop ups of these cool characters at our Weta Gallery. And stay posted to WetaHolics for more reveals ... coming soon!