Emndeni teen author launched first book titled ‘The Belly Button’
Restoring love and peace amongst people.
Former Luyolo Primary School learner, Malaika Hlatshwayo a teen author from Emndeni launched her first book last Tuesday titled which seeks to educate about relationships between mothers and children, and how belly buttons help people to connect.
“The Belly Button is a story about a village where people did not have belly buttons and they fought and quarreled all the time. The Prince was very rude, he told the young women that they had to go and find a gift for his father the Chief because he was ill. In return, he would marry the one who would bring the best gift.
“Nozipho did not want to go but she was pushed by her family. She goes through a journey where she is uncomfortable, she helps an old blind lady who rewards her with belly buttons. Nozipho goes back to her village where she eventually marries the Prince because her gift was the best. When Nozipho returns to her village she is amazed to find out that the belly buttons have the power to connect people, promote peace, love, and happiness.’’ Explained Hlatshwayo.
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“The story highlights some important topics such as the fighting of parents, rude people, the importance of helping, going on an adventure and safety, living together in harmony as a community. The story also addresses the issue of parents forcing their children to do things so that they as parents can benefit and issues of children’s rights and child marriages.’’ She further explained.
Hlatshwayo is a self-published author under her mother’s company. “My mom helped me edit my book and getting it published. Home-schooling with my siblings provided me with time to harness my skills and work on other things.’’ She added
The 14-year-old- author, who is the only girl out of five children started writing in 2019, after getting sick in 2017, being hospitalised for three months, and having had an operation next to her belly button. The book was birthed after her short illness which her mother believes that the operation and the title of the book are somehow connected.
The belly button is suitable for children from 12 years going up and can be purchased via Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08WM22SGH
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