Angel Star

Home
New Zealand
Auckland
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.

24/06/2025

This Sunday is the Aotearoa Children's Music Awards The Tuning Fork and there are so many performances from some of your favorite kids entertainers, including a performance from the cast of Hana the Glowworm.

Get your tickets from Moshtix today 🌟

15/06/2025

Thank you Auckland Philharmonia it was amazing to collaborate and create something quite magical! 🌟

🌟 We’re thrilled to share that Hana the Glowworm — created in collaboration with the amazing Chris Sanders — is a finalist for Recorded Music NZ Best Children’s Music Artist | Te Manu Taki Kerekahu o te Tau at the 2025 NZ Children’s Music Awards! 🎶🐛

This magical project brought together our orchestra, an incredible team of creatives, and a glowing story inspired by the Kawiti Caves in Northland. With over 70 musicians, youth performers, and even a mischievous stoat (voiced by Chris himself!), Hana the Glowworm has been a true community effort.

🎧 Listen to the nominated album here: https://music.drm.co.nz/hanatheglowworm

14/06/2025

It’s just TWO weeks from today (June 29) that the 2025 NZ Children’s music awards will be hosted by at the in Auckland. There will be performances from several of the finalists as part of the so get your tickets quickly from

And I am so excited that the Hana the Glowworm cast will be reuniting again to perform a song from the Tui Award nominated album!

Let’s GLOW for it!!! 🌟 🌟 🌟

12/06/2025

Check out the incredible full line-up of finalists for the Aotearoa Children's Music Awards across all categories! Congrats to everyone!

Announced today, finalists will be celebrated at the annual Awards on Sunday 29 June at Tuning Fork, Tāmaki Makaurau.

11/06/2025

🌟 AMAZING NEWS!!! 🌟 I am thrilled to announce that I am a finalist in the Best Children’s Artist category at the 2025 NZ Children’s Music Awards — for ‘Hana the Glowworm’ with Auckland Philharmonia! The winner receives New Zealand’s highest music honour, a Tūī Award.

This epic project began with research at the Kawiti Caves in Northland’s Waiōmio Valley back in April 2022 and has since involved hundreds of incredible people — from music producers and engineers to over 70 musicians, orchestral arrangers, an illustrator, choreographer, a director, theatre technicians, costume makers, youth performers, and more.

I am so proud of my daughters, Emerson (Hana) and Gabriella (Ruru), who were recording artists on the album alongside Kelly Lim Harris (Eel). I even snuck in a cameo as the mischievous Stoat!

A huge thanks to everyone who made this nomination possible, in particular my good friend and music producer Rikki Morris — I’ll be celebrating and recognising all the other amazing contributors over the coming days.

Big congrats to fellow finalists Levity Beet Music and LOOPY TUNES Preschool Music — it’s such a privilege to be alongside you. (Fun fact: I co-wrote a song on Levity’s Tūī-nominated album Levity Beet & the Aotearoa All Stars called ‘Monsters in the Room’ which features my daughter Gabriella singing!)… so maybe I’m a double Tūī nominee?!

A massive thanks to Recorded Music NZ, APRA AMCOS NZ, and Suzy Cato for supporting children’s music in Aotearoa. Also, thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way, watched a show and listened to my music – I really appreciate it!

This is my second nomination for Best Children’s Artist, after previously being a finalist in 2020, so keep your fingers crossed for me – I’ll keep you posted!

The awards will be held at The Tuning Fork on Sunday, 29 June.

You can listen to the Tūī-nominated album Hana the Glowworm here: https://music.drm.co.nz/hanatheglowworm

22/05/2025

Something’s cooking…. 🤔 😆

23/04/2025

It’s world book day! Go and check out the Chris Sanders collection of books, including the brand new Hana the Glowworm book. All books were illustrated by Natalie Conaty with the exception of Angel Star which was illustrated by Kat Quin. Enjoy 🌟

Visit www.angelstar.co.nz

18/04/2025

ONE WEEK to get your entry in for the 2025 Kōkako Award.
If you are a performer and/or songwriter, then this could interest you!

Entries for the second annual Kōkako Award for ‘Best Children’s Performance’ will close at 5pm on April 25th, so hurry and submit your entry.

The Kōkako Award is presented at the annual NZ Children’s Music Awards, taking place on June 29th at the Tuning Fork in Auckland. This award is a collaboration between Kiwi Kids Music, NZ Opera, and the Auckland Philharmonia. The winner will have their song arranged by the Auckland Philharmonia and will perform it with them at the Tunes 4 Tamariki Christmas show in December! How cool is that!

2024 winner Lydia Clark (Aged 11) says, “It was an amazing experience performing with the orchestra, hearing all the different musical instruments together makes such a beautiful sound – It was so much fun and I would encourage you to enter!”

We are not looking for recorded masterpieces – you can simply upload a phone recording of your performance. Check out all the entry criteria in the t’s and c’s before entering!

Entry details / t’s and c’s here (Link in bio also):
https://aucklandphil.nz/learn-participate/community-programmes/kokako-award/

BEST OF LUCK!!!

15/04/2025

If you are missing the magical music from Hana the Glowworm then you can relive it all now by listening on your favorite digital platform! All five original songs written by Chris Sanders and arranged by Auckland Philharmonia.

Link in bio
https://music.drm.co.nz/hanatheglowworm

Address

Auckland
0630

Website

http://www.angelstarbook.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Angel Star posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Angel Star:

Shortcuts

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.