With 7 self-published picture books with music Chris is best known for his musical Hana The Glowworm which he wrote in collab with Auckland Philharmonia 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 turni
ng 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.
