Umkomaas author turns words into wonder
Ekta Somera recently published her first children’s book, 'Lilly the Llama: Party Drama'.
Get ready to meet Lilly the Llama and go on an adventure full of excitement and wonder, all through the power of reading.
Umkomaas poet, author and now first-time illustrator Ekta Somera recently published her first children’s book, ‘Lilly the Llama: Party Drama’, and the playful story (targeted at children aged two to seven) is about a pink llama whose adventures are full of surprises and fun.
“I was drawn to writing a children’s book because I wanted to create something that speaks to curiosity, imagination and the early stages of self-discovery,” explained the author.
“Poetry has always been my way of expressing emotion and complexity, but children’s literature offers a completely different kind of magic. It gives me a chance to shape how young minds see the world.”
The short story follows Lilly as she explains how she ‘ended up in a puddle of trouble’, adding her own playful exaggeration to every moment.
One minute she is crossing the road with chickens, and the next she is dancing with friends on a party bus.
Somera said that the book is filled with colourful chaos, gentle humour and the kind of unexpected turns that keep young readers entertained.
“It is so important for children to read because reading encourages the use of imagination, and stories give children safe places to explore big feelings, learn about others, and see reflections of themselves in different worlds,” she said.
“Books also help develop their empathy, and it nurtures their passion for literature and art.”
She also mentioned that what makes this book unique, is that she was able to illustrate each character herself – and that each one represents a little piece of her inner child.
“Imagination and friendship are central themes in this book, and I think Lilly will be a relatable character because children like using their imagination to tell stories,” she added.
“I hope this encourages them to embrace their flair for storytelling so that one day they might want to write and even publish their own books.”
Lilly the Llama: Party Drama is the first in a series of children’s books, with more adventures featuring Lilly in Barry the Bear and Zazu the Zebra, coming soon.
The book was launched in December at the Grosvenor Library on the Bluff.
To find out more about the book and the author, email ekta.somera@gmail.com and follow the author’s journey on TikTok at @ektasomera.
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