Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Bahrain-based Indian illustrator Rekha Salin has joined American author Kathleen Davis in creating a children’s book aimed at encouraging little ones to be brave and to let go of their fears.
The BRAVE picture book, targeting children aged four to eight, was inspired by the bedtime fears experienced by Kathleen’s own children.
“I wrote this book in response to my two small children,” she said. “They were not brave and, in fact, were terrified and waking me up throughout the night.
“I thought there was no way my children were the only ones dealing with these fears. I wrote BRAVE with the hope that children would read the book and feel just that ... brave.
“Nothing is worse than being a child and night-after-night going to bed scared. And, nothing is worse than being a parent and night-after-night having a scared child!
“I hope that this book helps children feel more confident and less scared. I hope that it helps children understand that they are all superheroes and have nothing to fear.
“Lastly, I hope that this book helps children always remember that they are loved and safe. They are strong. They are loved. They are brave.”
Florida-based Kathleen, a retired teacher, had spotted Rekha’s work on social media and contacted her to put her vision in colourful book form.
In less than two months, Rekha, a former accountant with corporate experience, created the artwork digitally and sent it to Kathleen.
“It’s very exciting and fulfilling to see what you have been working on for so long finally getting a life,” said Rekha who lives in Mahooz.
“I am really humbled and thankful especially to my kids, Aayush, 10, and Aaradhya, seven, who literally posed for me.
“They were my biggest critiques. Last but not least, I am thankful for my husband, Salin Kumar, a sales manager, who put up with all deadlines and even took care of the kids’ tests during my submission timeline.”
The 24-page book was published on December 2 and has already received positive global reviews.
For example, William Hatfield, who reviewed the book on December 6 in the US and purchased a few for family and friends, wrote on Amazon that he found it ‘inspirational, encouraging and not just for the little ones’.
Rekha, who has worked on other publications in the past, added: “I have always wanted to work on stories and articles that are focussed on diversity, as well as building positivity and self confidence in children.
“This book was just that. It shows there is a superhero in each one of us. I’m hoping the message gets through and would love to see children enjoying the book just in time for Christmas.”
For other books that would make great festive gifts, see pages 4 & 5.
