Students Join Forces to Launch New Children's Book
Tuesday, 18 September 2018
A children's book authored and illustrated by two University of Worcester graduates will be launched at a special event at The Hive this weekend.
Kevin Brooke's third novel, Max & Luchia: The Game Makers, published by Black Pear Press, is set in a fairy-tale world of castles, knights, spirits and dragons, in which brother and sister, Max and Luchia, play a unique game which leads them to make the biggest decision of their lives.
It has been illustrated by Seraphim Bryant, who will graduate alongside Kevin in November. The pair met on the University's Creative and Professional Writing degree, which Seraphim combined with Illustration and Kevin with English Literature.
"Seraphim and I studied together a lot," said Kevin, of Bevere Close, Worcester. "We had a great connection and it was an obvious partnership. I'm really pleased with how the book has turned out and am grateful to everyone who has been involved."
A special book launch will take place at The Hive on Sunday, September 23rd from 4pm, when children and their parents can hear Kevin read extracts from the book, alongside pupils from Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, where Kevin is Patron of Reading.
University of Worcester Law student, Kayleigh Cooper, specialist baker of vegan, allergy and gluten-free cakes, will be providing catering for the event, while landscape, nature and event photographer, Jodie Stilgoe, who works at Worcester Students" Union, will be taking official photographs.
"It's a real joint venture," Kevin said. "And is testament to the atmosphere that is created at the University in working together."
Kevin, who joined the University as a mature student to pursue his passion for writing, added: "I didn't start reading books for enjoyment until I was 25. I feel I really missed out and so I want to encourage children to read and get a passion for it early on."
Kevin's first book, The Roman Citizens from Class 6B was utilised as a resource in a school in Malvern in 2016, and he regularly uses his second book, Jimmy Cricket, as a resource to encourage reading in schools. Kevin also delivers young writers" workshops and encourages his students to enter competitions, such as the recent Rotary Young Writers and the WorcesterLitfest Young Writers" competitions.
The book launch is free to attend and will take place in The Studio at The Hive.