#WeRead – Edenvale author spreads message of hope

Edenvale resident Philippa Spencer partnered with Pinocchio Educare Centre to create a children’s book.

Written by Philippa, the book incorporates illustration made from learners who attend the centre.

Loné Muller, principal of the school, said when Phillipa approached her she was immediately interested in the idea.

Also read: #WeRead: Prioritise reading for this year’s Book Week and Fair

“I loved this idea. Sometimes children from the centre come up to me and tell me that Christmas is just a normal day at their homes,” said Loné.

“When I hear this it breaks my heart.”

Phillipa said one of the reasons she decided to write the story is because there are very few SA Christmas stories.

“Children are shown images and told stories of Christmas overseas, which is vastly different to SA Christmases.”

One of the title’s Philippa has in mind for the book is Father Christmas Needs His Summer shorts.

Also read: #WeRead: Children talk about their love for reading

The story starts with a child looking at a shop window and looking at images of Christmas celebrations overseas.

“While looking at the store, the child is confused as this is not the Christmas which they know,” said Philippa.

“While confused, the child says: ‘What a worry, what a muddle, what a mess’.”

This is repeated in the Sesotho and Zulu languages as “Inkinga, mathata, a problem, oh yes”, which is carried on throughout the book.

She said the inclusion of SA languages in the book is to make children feel like it is their story as it incorporates some of their language.

Also read: #WeRead: Relebogile a published author at 10 (VIDEO) 

Phillipa said in the story she steered away from the expectation that children will receive Christmas presents and focused on spreading a message of hope.

Although this is Philippa’s first book, she has worked as an early childhood development educator at St Andrew’s School for Girls.

As a teacher, Phillipa said she would create stories for the children and often got them involved in storytelling.

Also read: #WeRead: ‘Books will survive the digital age’

“We need South African storytellers. I hope this book inspires children to either write their own stories or create illustrations for books.”

Although the story is almost completed, Philippa appealed to the community for advice or assistance in getting the book published.

She hopes to have hard copies of the book as well as e-books available for purchase before Christmas.

After the book is completed, Phillipa hopes to create a series of short stories with the educare centre, which will keep copies in their library.

Also read: #WeRead: Support the NEWS’ children’s book drive

Loné said the funds raised through the sale of the books will go towards covering running costs of the educare centre and the welfare.

Contact Philippa at philippa.spencer1970@gmail.com for more information or to assist with the project.

#WeRead #ReadBecause #CaxtonCares #BuyABook