Local Author’s Project: “Books for Kids”
When no one took up Bermudian author J. K. Aspinall’s idea to buy books in affordable case lot prices as gifts for charities sponsoring children, she set up her own project.
“Books for Kids,” a spin off from Some Child Books Publishing, is offering the author’s Banana Leaf Faerie Elf from Bermuda and Dizzy Loopy books for the price of $6.95, a sum below landed costs per book. These books have been retailing for over $18.00 each in retail stores. Launched recently at the City Market in Hamilton and St. George’s Olde Towne Market, the concept received positive feedback.
“A person purchases the book for $6.95, writes a dedication to “a great Bermuda kid,” and if they feel comfortable, can sign their own name. We’ll deliver books to a charity that is helping children at this important time of year,” said Ms Aspinall.
She has already collected books written to the children in the Sunshine League and is now working on books for another charity. “Their requirements are small, but if a larger charity would like books, we would gladly oblige,” she said.
“The more books people purchase, the more needs we can fill,” she said.
When asked why she was selling the books at such reasonable prices, she stated that it was better to move books off the shelves and place them in the hands of children who can learn about their own island.
“Asides, circulating books, in places where they are lacking, makes room for future titles. There is no loss. Everyone gains. The people who purchase feel good they’ve contributed. And the children, in this case, especially gain.”
“I visit stores and see vast amounts of imported literature, containing no association with our island or culture, let alone the sacred meaning of Christmas. We have such a rich heritage, a rich environment that is fast deteriorating, so every lizard, every flower and fish I write about, every vivid landmark I portray, is important in that it will cultivate respect and love for that creature or environment in that child.”
“The story I am promoting is the Banana Leaf Faerie Elf which features Ronnie Chameau, one of Bermuda’s most prominent craftswomen,” said Ms Aspinall. “The book contains not only a whimsical story line involving fairies but an important glossary that relates the history of the banana leaf doll—a history that every child in Bermuda should be made aware of. Ronnie is keeping alive a very important craft—a living, cultural heritage for Bermuda that stems back to Africa and slavery.”
While in England, Ms Aspinall approached the curator of the Slavery Museum in Liverpool. “They were elated with the Bermuda link and look forward to receiving a copy for their permanent collection.”
Although right on the eve of Christmas, it is Ms Aspinall’s intention to keep Books for Kids alive. She is offering case lot prices to companies who can record the name of their organization in the book as the recognized gift giver. “I am sure that some schools would love to have this type of sponsorship,” she said.
She went on to say that The Tree Frog and Poinsettia hardback book, in her opinion, the most beautiful she has ever produced, is available for the project in case lot prices. “This book makes an incredible gift. One that every child would cherish. It is truly a collector’s item in the realm of a fantasy Christmas story which promotes not only overwhelming love, but the Christ Child and Nativity—a rare commodity in Bermuda’s commercial book world.”
For more information, and if you wish to make a purchase for Books for Kids, contact Ms Aspinall at pina@ibl.bm, through Pina.bm or phone 293-2529. You can view all books online through the web site.
Read More About
Category: All
