Angel Star

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Angel Star

Chris Sanders (AKA Angel Star) is a number Tui Award nominated songwriter and author. It is for this work that Chris received his NZ honour.

With 5 self-published picture books with music Chris is best known for his 111 Ambulance Song and Mittens - Official Song about the famous Wellington cat. Chris Sanders is an award winning children’s musician, performer and self published author of 5 books, with a 6th on its way later in 2021. In December he released ‘Mittens Official Song’ about a very famous Wellington cat known for randomly tur

ning up and making himself comfortable in people’s offices, homes, gyms, nightclubs and has even been known to jump in to cars whilst they sit waiting at traffic lights! The adventurous cat was given the key to the city of Wellington by the Mayor, had his own exhibition at Wellington Museum and was even up for New Zealander of the Year against Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The song was a chart topper, reaching #1 across all genres in the NZ iTunes for 2 days – above the likes of Six60 and Dua Lipa. Plus it made it in to the NZ Official Hot Singles Charts for Christmas at #12 and #34 in the Top 40 Official NZ Music Chart - the highest charting kids song in 2020. Mittens Official Song was also nominated 4th in the Global Funky Kids Radio Awards and was announced in May 2021 as a winner at the International Songwriting Competition out of over 26,000 entries! In March 2021 Chris also released the final part of his Teddy Bear Hunt project with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra – a 4 part video series angled for children aged 7-12 to inspire their creativity and involvement in the arts. The aim, to nurture the next generation of songwriters, musicians, illustrators and creative producers by imparting practical steps and positive reinforcement. And with the covid levels lifting in New Zealand Chris has also returned to live performances, securing a residency at Whoa Studios where he is performing a new show with puppets Mr Tibbles the Cat and Dormouse and has also relaunched his ‘Who Wants to be A Superhero’ show teaching kiwi kids how to react in an emergency. More history about Chris Sanders

In 2020 he was nominated for a prestigious Tui Award as Best Children’s Music Artist along with a nomination for Best Children’s Music Video at the New Zealand Children’s Music Awards. That same year he was given a New Zealand Honour from the Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy ‘The Order of St John Priory Vote of Thanks’ for his charitable services to St John NZ through music and books. Chris released his first picture book with music in 2016, a beautiful story called ‘Angel Star’ which told the story of a young girl guiding a little star from the sky down to her family home – a story of sibling love, affection and guidance. The song reached #1 in iTunes and #3 in the Official NZ Music heatseeker chart. In 2018 he released the song he has to this day become best known for in his home country of New Zealand, the ‘111 Ambulance Song’. Also available in 000 (Australia), 911 (USA) and 999 (UK) versions, the song helps children to know what to do in an emergency and become life savers! The song reached #1 in iTunes and #2 in the Official NZ Music Heatseeker Chart and the book which followed ‘Call For The Ambulance’ has also been a top seller. The 111 Ambulance Song was written for the national St John Ambulance service, as part of their St John in schools program and has helped teach children vital skills as well as raise thousands of dollars for this incredible charity. Chris has since written the popular stage show musical ‘Who Wants to be a Superhero’ which launched to 18 sell out shows in January 2020 and he performed the song with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. Also, in 2018 Chris released his debut album/picture book ‘These Memories Make You and Me.’ The album features 8 songs and 6 lullabies and takes parents on a journey from the very first moment they hold their new born baby in their arms, to watching their baby grow and wondering where all the time has gone. The sentimental album is perfect to share together as a family. In 2019 Chris’ released his fourth self published picture book with music, The Lonely Book. Illustrated by Natalie Conaty (Weta Workshop) The Lonely Book is a funny song with an important moral about not judging a book by its cover, looking for the treasure inside everyone and being kind to one another. In 2020 Chris has continued to write and develop more songs and books. In late October he launched the ‘Teddy Bear Hunt’ song with the picture book ‘The World’s Greatest Teddy Bear Hunt’ being released in December. During lockdown the Teddy Bear became a symbol of comfort and joy to children and their family. Many hours were spent walking around neighbourhoods hunting out Teddy Bears (and the odd Penguin, Elephant and Robot!) It was a chance to get out, enjoy some fresh air and exercise while sharing quality time with loved ones.

20/12/2024

Yesterday I had the honour of being invited to be one of 3 judges at the Gladstone Primary school end of year talent quest! That is one very talented school!!! 🌟

It was great to meet my fellow judge Claire from and Ku Fu Panda (not in photo because it had to sneak off to eat some bamboo🤣 🐼).

The overall winner was a young girl called Amani who had a hilarious puppet and ventriloquist act, which had the entire school in stitches! Definitely one to look out for in the future.

I wish I had more photos and videos to share but alas I was busy judging. Thanks for having me Gladstone School!

04/12/2024

The wrap up is out! A BIG THANKS to everyone who has listened to my music over the past year!! I truly appreciate all your support. Feel free to have a listen across many other platforms too such as and many more!

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

25/11/2024

Come along to this show at the The The Tuning Fork Dec 8, 10am! It’ll be so much fun and lots of chances to sing along! 🌟

This is the Karaoke version of Jingle Bells that we'll all sing together at SOUNDS FUN for kids at The Tuning Fork - Christmas Singalong with:Me - Suzy CatoC...

14/11/2024

Such an amazing visit to Gladstone Primary, what an awesome school and fabulous teachers! Last year some of the children created a stage show based around my story/song ‘The Lonely Book’ which they performed at their assembly. Sadly I was in the uk at the time, so today they put on a special screening for me and got to ask LOTS of great questions about publishing a book and writing stories and songs. I was truly amazed at how the kids created costumes for the characters in the book. So inspiring! ⭐️

Here I am with the costume that was made for the Lonely Book himself.

Can’t wait for my next visit to Gladstone Primary!

The Lonely Book was illustrated by
Song recorded by

25/10/2024

After 3 years in the making I am so excited to be releasing ‘Hana the Glowworm’ Children’s Musical that I have written in collaboration with Auckland Philharmonia! It launches at the Dame Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre Aotea Centre on April 5 and the Bruce Mason Theatre on April 12.

This show is perfect for kids 6 and under, with storytelling, music, singing, amazing illustrations (by Natalie Conaty) and so much more.

4 of the songs recorded with the APO at Auckland Town Hall and produced by Richard Morris have already been released with 2 more coming in the next few months. So you can start learning them here https://open.spotify.com/album/2N6JJOR3HI2pO9otHGWbtd?si=g-E6uwJ5T0uJyAS-DDPeKQ

You can grab your tickets here https://aucklandphil.nz/concert/tunes-4-tamariki-hana-the-glowworm/?

I can’t wait!!! 🌟

23/07/2024

Back in the studio with my good pal yesterday, laying down some guide vocals on the finale song in the ‘Hana the Glowworm’ project. There will be 4 different singers in this final song. This one is going to be epic!

I’m so excited that after completing this song that the next thing to focus on is the live shows starting in 2025! Bring the whole thing to life on stage. Can’t wait! 😆

20/07/2024

Ready to rock event!

14/07/2024

Just one week to go until the Sounds Fun event with and Mr Roberelli, so make sure you get your tix fast because I am told it’s nearly sold out!

08/07/2024

An important update from Suzy Cato about our show at The Tuning Fork on Sunday 21 July! 🌟

24/06/2024

Make sure you book now, apparently tickets are selling fast for this one! Can’t wait for the gig The Tuning Fork - details in shared post

Join us at our next Sounds Fun for Kids session on Sun 21 July!

This time we're joined by the highly praised children's music producer and songwriter Mr Roberelli & award-winning songwriter and author of Angel Star, Chris Sanders! Hosted by the one and only Suzy Cato 🙌

🎟 Get your whānau tickets here - bit.ly/sounds-fun-july

18/06/2024

I can’t wait to perform at The Tuning Fork with Suzy Cato and Rob Wigley on July 21! More details coming soon! 🌟

LET’S SHINE THE TORCH ON SOME AMAZING LOCAL TALENT COS IT’S TUESDAY!

Chris Sanders is an award-winning songwriter, author, and founder of Angel Star Publishing. Notable songs and books include Teddy Bear Hunt (With the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra), Mittens, The Lonely Book, and the one that started it all – Angel Star, which he wrote for his young daughters.

He has been nominated for a Tūī, Best Music video, and received honours in the Funky Kids Radio Awards and the International Songwriting Competition.
I especially love how he harnesses the power of music for charitable endeavours, too, such as with the project ‘Who Wants to be a Superhero—Ambulance Musical’ for which he received an NZ Honour, 'The Order of St John Priory’.

His recent BIG project is a glowing collaboration with Auckland Philharmonia - a musical about an adventurous glowworm called Hana, along with free educational resources for NZ schools! This features a song performed by his daughter Emerson. Another collaboration to tune into is ‘Monsters in the Room’ with Levity Beet Musict, which features his daughter Gabby! You can catch Chris live on stage soon with me for the next Sounds Fun show at The Tuning Fork!

✅ Go give his page some LIKE love
✅ Find out more about him at https://www.angelstarbook.com
✅ Follow him on FB
✅ Subscribe to his channel on YouTube
✅ Listen to his music on your fav music platform
✅ Share them with your friends

06/06/2024

EXCITING NEWS! The next set of FREE educational resources for primary and intermediate schools across New Zealand are available now on the Auckland Philharmonia website! Whether you are a teacher, home schooler or a parent looking for some additional music education linked in with an amazing story about Hana the curious and adventurous Glowworm then you will love all the resources. Click the link to access them today

https://aucklandphil.nz/learn-participate/school-programmes/hana-the-glowworm/hana-the-glowworm-resource-request-form/

And if you want to education to be backed up with a visit from writer Chris Sanders then reach out on the website www.angelstar.co.nz or pm through Facebook 🌟

31/05/2024

Time is precious! So make sure you spend lots of precious time with your family this long kings birthday weekend! ❤️

Illustration by
Song by Chris Sanders (on the album ‘These Memories Make You and Me’)
Produced by

21/05/2024

It was great co-write a song ‘Monsters in the Room’ with and to be part of this album full of amazing collaborations with other Kiwi Kids Musics songwriters and performers!

The song I wrote with Levity also features my daughter Gabs 🙌

The album includes other collaborations with .smith.148 and Mr Roberelli!

Go have a listen to ‘Levity Beet and the Aotearoa All Stars’ now on all digital platforms 🌟

17/05/2024

In 2019 I released The Lonely Book (a song and a picture book). Although the book/song is quite funny, it has a more serious message, to stop bullying!

The Lonely Book sits on a shelf whilst all the other books do what they can do to make him look more drab and bedraggled so he never gets chosen. A very hungry caterpillar nibbles around the edges, a tiger spills his tea on the front cover, James throws his giant peach at him and he is strung up in charlottes sticky web!

Thankfully he is discovered by a young lad who doesn’t judge a book by its cover and discovers the treasures that are inside.

So, being Pink Shirt Day, if you see someone today (and everyday for that matter) who is being bullied then speak up, stand together, stop bullying!

🩷 🩷 🩷

Illustration by
listen to the song
https://open.spotify.com/album/0zmR8EAmoXC1KiUVnlbMjp?si=jXngQR9BRRKlMxJaN7nUOQ

16/05/2024

Check out this fabulous story about the Kokako Awards that I helped to create in partnership between Kiwi Kids Music, Auckland Philharmonia and New Zealand Opera.

The winners main prize is to perform their song with the Auckland Philharmonia at the Tunes For Tamariki Christmas Concert later this year at The Auckland Town Hall and Bruce Mason Theatre.

All the finalists were exceptional and I am confident that Iisha Harris, Lydia Clark, Aria Clarke, Tiahuia Wara and Talia Perkins will all go on to be successful performers and musicians.

Thanks to Kea Kids News and nzherald.co.nz for the story 🤩

Reporter Shane interviews the finalists of the brand new Kōkako Award, a nationwide songwriting contest whose winner’s song is going to be performed by the Auckland Philharmonia!

15/05/2024

What an incredible day of recording the last 2 songs in Hana the Glowworm musical at the Auckland Town Hall with - and I am still pinching myself to think the 5 songs I wrote have been turned into a beautiful overture…what an incredible honour to have worked with such talented arrangers and musicians throughout the 3 year project.

I can’t wait to release the last 2 songs (but you’ll have to wait until later this year) along with details of when the musical launches! 🌟

If you want to listen to the 4 songs already release then go to the link in bio (or search Hana the Glowworm on all digital platforms)

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Auckland
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Website

http://www.angelstarbook.com/

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Chris Sanders Kids Musician and Author

2020 Tui Award Finalist as well as reaching the final for Best Music Video at the 2020 NZ Children’s Music Awards, Chris Sanders is one of New Zealand’s top children’s entertainers, songwriters and authors.

Since bursting on to the Children’s music scene in 2016, Chris has self-published 4 picture books with music including ‘Angel Star’ and ‘The Lonely Book.’ As well as releasing over 30 songs including his NZ on Air funded hit debut album ‘These Memories Make You and Me’.

But he is best known for his book and song ‘Call For The Ambulance, Feat. 111 Ambulance Song.’ Since releasing this very catchy #1 kids hit tune in 2018 for St John NZ Chris has gone on to write and produce the stage show musical ‘Who Wants to be a Superhero’ which helps turn children in to heroes by teaching them how to react in an emergency and dial 111. The production launched at Whoa Studios to 19 booked out shows and is set to tour New Zealand later in 2020.

In December 2019 Chris was awarded a New Zealand Honour ‘The Order of St John Priory Vote of Thanks’ from the Governor General of New Zealand for his charitable services to St John NZ through his children’s music and literature.