Twenty four Kennington children have been published as authors in an anthology book featuring artistic contributions from British and Kenyan youths.
Cosmic Cats, published by Oxford eBooks, a Kennington based company, features work from pupils at Mumias School in west Kenya and St Swithun’s Cof E primary school.
The collected stories were selected by authors Julia Golding and Sylvia Vetta, along with teachers Lesley Maskell and Paul Gamble.
The book is set for release on World Book Day, and in the run-up to the launch, a connection with Kenya will be made via a zoom call on March 6.
A public launch party will also take place on March 9, from 10 am, at the Apple Café in St Swithun’s Church Hall.
Illustrator Korky Paul developed the book's design, which was endorsed by Winnie's Cat Wilbur as ‘Purrrrr-fectly pawsome!
Ms Vetta said: "I’m more than delighted with the finished product because the former children’s laureate, Michael Rosen has endorsed Cosmic Cats on his Facebook and Twitter accounts.
"When I wrote for The Oxford Times I had the privilege of interviewing him. Michael told me that the evidence, from everywhere in the world, is that children who read for pleasure, do well academically."
A presentation from illustrator Korky Paul will begin the day, which will continue with a display of the children's artwork at the Kennington Village Centre Library.
The books, priced at £8, will be available for purchase and signing by the young authors at the event.
All profits will be sent to the Nasio Trust to support the construction of its first community library in a region of west Kenya.
Ms Vetta added: "My story is evidence of the role libraries play in social mobility for kids whose parents can’t afford to buy books.
"I wouldn’t have passed my 11+ and enjoyed the life I’ve had without access to Luton Central Library.
"That’s why I’m passionate about libraries and so are Michael and Korky! Cosmic Cats will be the first book in the Musanda library so that the children will know that they belong there."
Cosmic Cats is expected to be available in several Oxfordshire bookshops after the launch.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here