03/06/2026
Many people across Taranaki know and love Mr Pip, the friendly ginger cat who made countless hospital visits a little brighter.
What many may not know is that Mr Pip would also occasionally pop into Te Rangimarie, bringing smiles to patients, whānau, volunteers and staff alike. Like all great therapy companions, he seemed to know just when a little comfort, connection or distraction was needed.
We are honoured to be one of the charities benefiting from the sale of Helen Brown's upcoming book celebrating Mr Pip's remarkable story. A donation from every book sold will help us continue providing specialist hospice palliative care for patients and those who love them.
Thank you, Helen, for highlighting a very special Taranaki cat and for supporting our community in such a meaningful way. 🧡
Be sure to pre-order your copy and you may even find yourself illustrated within its pages!
It seems that Ross the Cat is not the only famous feline in New Plymouth… and Helen’s next book due out later this year celebrates another remarkable local moggy. Yes, it’s the turn of Mr.Pip, the friendly ginger cat at Taranaki Base Hospital, to get the Rumpus Books treatment.
Expect a charming tale of connection and community, once again beautifully illustrated by Simon Chadwick. There may even be sightings of his fluffy sidekick, Pablo, too. And you might even grace the pages - simply by purchasing a presale copy via the website!
That’s right, if chosen, Simon will draw your likeness into the book (as he did with the Taranaki locals in ‘Treasure Beyond Measure’ and ‘Ross the Cat’) Any copies purchased before 30th June 2026 will be entered in the draw. One copy = one entry.
Even more special, a donation from the sale of each book will be gifted to Taranaki Hospice and the Taranaki Rescue Helicopter Trust.
This will be a limited print run so be sure to get your paws on the next Rumpus Books publication, due out November 2026.
“Mr Pip has made some very dark days brighter… He made such a difference to our experience at the hospital.”
“Seeing him in the waiting room made the whole procedure bearable.”
“Hospital visits can be distressing, but when we hunt for Mr Pip, anxiety turns into a positive experience.”
“He brings smiles and a sense of calm to a high-stress environment.”
