Online Reporter
Nodumo Moyo, [email protected]
EIGHT-YEAR-OLD Australian-based Zimbabwean author and illustrator Aaliyah Gugu Chakalisa is proving that age is no barrier to creativity after launching her debut children’s book, The Fierce Footsteps, in Bulawayo.
Now available on Amazon, the book introduces young readers to a world built around kindness, friendship, bravery and self-confidence. It follows a group of characters as they navigate challenges in their relationships before discovering the value of treating one another with kindness and ultimately becoming best friends.
For Chakalisa, the story carries a simple but powerful message that she hopes young readers will embrace in their everyday lives.
“The message is to be kind, positive and always follow their dreams,” she said.
Having developed a passion for writing and drawing as early as Grade One, Chakalisa said her age influenced her decision to write specifically for children.
“I chose a children’s book as I’m only eight years old and can give a child’s perspective,” she said.
Chakalisa not only wrote The Fierce Footsteps but also illustrated it herself, completing the project in about three months. She first penned the story before bringing it to life through her artwork, and even hand-stitched the first copy using thread.
Her faith and desire to spread kindness were among the key inspirations behind the project.
“I want to sprinkle a bit of kindness to the world and encourage other young children to chase their dreams,” Chakalisa said.
The local launch, held at the Zimbabwe Music Academy on August 14, brought together family members, teachers and members of the community, who gathered to celebrate the young author’s remarkable achievement.
Despite this being her debut publication, Chakalisa is already looking ahead and working on more stories for young readers.
“I have already created another book and have multiple other projects underway for my peers,” she said.
