Young and gifted | 11-year-old pens children’s book to join fraternity of BVI authors
By Esther Durand, BVI News Staff
Meet Chelsea Simpson. The 11-year-old is perhaps the youngest author in the British Virgin Islands following the launch of her book, ‘The Story of Five Besties’ — a tale about friendship, bravery and kindness.
“I feel happy and excited,” Chelsea, a grade six student at the Cedar International School told BVI News during her book launch at the CB Romney Tortola Pier Park on Thursday evening.
“It was very hard because I didn’t want to grow up too quickly because I really want to enjoy my childhood. But, at the same time, I felt that I wanted to put something out there,” the young author said while describing her journey to writing the book.
The story tells the tale of five friends who went to the beach and experienced an unfortunate turn in the weather.
“They got lost at sea, and they find each other again and goes safely back to shore,” Chelsea explained.
The youngster’s mother Misty Ellis-Simpson — a fellow author — explained that the journey started when she overheard her daughter singing in the bathroom with her toys.
She said after having a conversation with Chelsea, she encouraged her to document the song which she made up about the five friends. That jingle transformed into a book, and in the space of six to eight months, the book was completed and is now being sold for $20.
“I love her creative side. For me, I am always saying what is she up to next? It’s quite cool having her as a new little author,” said Simpson who added that the book is now available at Island Services Limited in Pasea Estate and will also be sold on Amazon.
Commendations
In the meantime, Education Minister Dr Natalio Wheatley commended the young author.
He said: “I think it is absolutely fantastic that Chelsea at 11 years old has published a book. I think it really speaks well as to where the BVI is going that we can have persons publishing books at 11.”
He continued: “I hope that she is an inspiration to others that we can understand that we don’t have to just read books. We can write books. We don’t have to just consume culture, we can be creators of culture. She is certainly someone who is very creative, she has a vast imagination, and she has a great support system, and that allowed her to take her dream and turn that into reality.”
The Education Minister then pledged to support the young author by purchasing copies of the book for circulation to the territory’s schools.
“I am looking forward to what else she has to offer. The sky is the limit for her,” Dr Wheatley added.
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Congrats little one. Looking forward to purchase two of your books. What a wonder thing.
Well done Chelsea.
Congrulations young one. You have a great gift and wonderful career and life ahead of you, if the forces out there allow you to bloom, grow and prosper.
Now i know the following statements will receive some negative feedback for two reasons: (1) some don’t see racism, because they fear the truth they speak and live each day, and (2) some are not bothered by it.
Do not have the space to give this the treatment it truly deserves, but nonetheless, the publishers have utilize the same ugly racial supremacy techniques they been using for centuries.
That is where the pale skn, blue eye person is in large form and in the forefront and the person of color is tiny and in the foreground. That there, folks, is how they represents inferiority versus superiority of the races back then.
It is damn shameful and sad that they will chose that little innocent child work to continue to perpetuate their devilish inferiorty complex.
Hence, whether they make one uncomfortable, or whether some think they should never be exposed, ugly truths are ugly truths.
“and the person of color is tiny and in the foreground,”
Should be, “and the person of color is tiny and in the” background.
Sad they are still believing in and practicing that evil inferior devil work. Worst, they chose the cover of an innocent little Black child’s work to perpetuate their evil.
Sad indeed!!
Racism is all around us, but sometimes, people read meaning into something which is a figment of their own imagination. I think this is one of those occasions. I think the book cover portrays a beautiful group of friends of different ethnicities.
In some instaances you opinion may be correct. In this one, it is completely wrong.
or those who have studied the subtles of white supremacy and how it is manipulated in media, what is o that child’s book cover is a startling example.
And, it is a very shameful and decietful by the publishers to such evil to that child’s work to pus their white supremacist agenda.
Let itstated here and now, white people, you are not superior to any other race on earth, period!!! Get over your pale self and learn to live with everyone.
I’ve long noted examples of the point you are making about the cover art — there are millions of them, racist and sexist as well.
But on this cover, I see the largest child in the “foremost” foreground is actually a dark-skinned girl wearing glasses. I think this cover was done mindfully and I think in this instance you are wrong to fault it.
Indeed, that was noticed. However, it was discarded as a distraction to hide the hide the real true intent.
Mere distraction it was/is.
Anonymous, you should have put your real name on your post.
You see what is in your own mind. This book is self published.
Congratulations this is awesome.
Take up space little one. Take up your space in society. Brilliant job!
Congrats to the little author!
Wow looking at this lovely book I think the author embraces diversity in a natural way. Maybe she didn’t looking that far in life but I’m inspired by her story.
“Anonymous”, you are right on point!
However, with regards to proper diagramming, the last figure tends to be quite diminutive, while those in the forefront is largest.
While the book’s cover may not be in keeping with politically correct Africoid concepts,let’s rejoice when the very young amongst us can become an author!
And that should be all that matters!
Anonymous, you should have put your real name on your post.
T’ist just another story until imagination becomes reality.