A nine-year-old Walworth school girl wrote and published her first book last year and is now doing live storytelling for other children to inspire them to follow their dreams.
India Jones Ayreh, who lives in Walworth, has a passion for creative writing and started writing a book when she was just seven.
‘India Won’t Go To Sleep’ is all about a young girl who is desperate to stay awake, but when she finally falls asleep she dreams of a magical world.
India told us she never thought at her age she would be able to get it published: “I thought that at eight years old it would just be my mini book that I have,” she explained, “like a secret book and only my family would read it.
“I feel amazed and so excited to publish it.”
“She always has a pen next to her and loves writing,” a close family friend explained, “but when she started writing this we all read it and thought wow – this is really good.”
“It’s a tale of a girl with a wild imagination and has lovely bright illustrations – a perfect bedtime read.”
She officially released it last year, when she was eight after she and her family decided to self-publish the book on Amazon.
The family friend continued: “Coming from a lower socio-economic background, it’s difficult to know where to start when it comes to the world of publishing. So her family and friends have helped her to get it published herself online.”
“We want to show her that anything you put your mind to, you can achieve.”
India said she hopes children get to read the book and enjoy it.
And so far, her wishes have come true, as the book has received rave reviews since coming out. One buyer said: “This story is brilliant. What better way to get into a young child’s mind, than using another young child’s mind.”
India has started doing live storytelling for other local children, where she reads the book and answers questions about it.
“We’re so proud of her,” the family friend said, “her confidence is growing and she is getting so good at public speaking which is an amazing skill to have at such a young age.”
“Children’s books haven’t always been very representative of other races and cultures.
“You can’t believe it unless you see it. With her book, young black girls can now see an author and a character who looks like them which will hopefully inspire them.”
She added that Southwark Council had been ‘amazing’ in supporting India’s achievement.
Her next storytelling event is on Saturday at Dulwich Library, part of the Southwark Festival of Words. It is free entry and local children are encouraged to attend with their families.
This interactive session will be followed by the opportunity for you to write your very own story.
It will take place this Saturday, June 24, at Dulwich Library, 368 Lordship Lane, SE22 8NB from 2 pm. There is no need to book – just turn up on the day.
Click here to see the book on Amazon.
