The Girl Who Made Friends With A Mouse, A Lizard & An Ant

One day, I walked into Adya’s room to find her sitting with a notebook and pen in hand. I asked her “what are you doing sweetheart?!”. Adya said “I have written a story but its very boring”. So, I asked her to read it out to me. It was the 1st chapter of this book. I actually liked it except of course it was too short. So I said to her, “I want to know more about what the Girl and her friends did! I wonder if you could write a chapter book”.  “Like Roald Dahl Chapter books??”, she asked as her eyes shone. The very next instant, she had started planning this chapter book and decided it would have 7 chapters - because she was going to be seven soon! And that the last chapter would be about the Girl’s birthday party. Chapter 2 and 3 came soon and the rest of the chapters came as we took a walk along the reservoir close to home. I never once had to suggest any idea and thank God I did not. Adya’s ideas were  better than mine at the time. I was particularly drawn to her chapter about the beach. No doubt influenced by her visit to the zoo as part of ‘Open Week’ in the weeks before! But amazing that she weaved them into her story. I take pride in the fact that except for this page, all the words in this book are Adya’s.


Adya even researched and illustrated her book. Her little fingers were not able to colour them so I pitched in to help. Except for the cover, which was a collaboration, this book is written and illustrated by Adya.


I share this story with obvious pride but also hope for anyone who is reading this and is inspired to write their own stories. For I have come to believe there are wonderful, fantastical stories in each child - waiting to be told .... and illustrated.