CHILDREN at the Grosvenor Library were treated to an afternoon of imagination and laughter when author Ekta Somera hosted a special storytelling session of her new children’s book, Lilly the Llama, on December 4.

Also read: Poetic verses for the outcast: Poet to launch new collection on The Bluff

The children’s reading area had a new look with numerous copies of the book, sweets and colouring activities from the characters in the story. According to Somera, giving life to Lilly was close to her heart.

“I feel like I have healed my inner child through poetry, and now I am writing stories that my younger self would enjoy. I have been an adult for too long, and now it’s time to be a child again,” she said.

Her latest book follows Lilly, a spirited young llama who always seems to land herself in a “puddle of trouble”, with plenty of exaggeration and playful fun. From crossing the road with chickens to dancing with friends on a party bus, Lilly’s adventures promise laughter, mischief and whimsy for young readers.

Somera said the biggest challenge has been to change her writing style from poetic emotional depth to the simplicity needed for children’s storytelling.

“Writing poetry is very subjective and often filled with depth and emotion, but writing for children feels very different. There needs to be a simple message or something they can learn, so I had to write with the innocence of a child in mind,” she said.

She also expressed her deepest appreciation to all who supported her through the process leading to her launch and reading session.

“I would like to thank my dad and my closest friend Alta Haffner for being incredibly supportive of all my endeavours. I appreciate the librarians at Grosvenor Library for their kindness, and the children for making the reading so special with their smiles. This is a full circle moment for me in my writing journey, and I am filled with gratitude,” she said.

As the children lined up afterwards to talk with Somera and flip through the illustrated pages, it was evident that Lilly the Llama had already trotted her way into the hearts of the young children.

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