Sarah katie wants to be a gymnast is a children’s illustration book all about gymnastics.
I had the idea for writing a book on a recent visit to the UK. I had some time on my hands and I started thinking of ways to further fuel children’s passion and love for gymnastics.
I had a character in mind, very similar to a younger version of my sister of the same name. A shy little brown haired girl who loved being upside down. I bought some air dry clay and made up a doll of the little girl who would soon become the star of the book.
I had someone in mind for the illustrations and I knew it would only be a matter of asking the question to get her on board. Tiana Kotzur, an ex-gymnast and coach who is now studying graphic design at Wagga Wagga has done an amazing job of bringing Sarah Katie to life and grasping the essence of the little girl I hoped to portray through the book; a little girl who will hopefully touch the hearts of many.
The colours are bright and the book is fun for children of all ages, although specifically aimed at children aged 3-7 years. Anyone who loves gymnastics will enjoy following the adventures of Sarah Katie as she enters into the wonderful world of gymnastics.
The story is fictional but I wanted the gymnastics references to be a true representation of what it might be like for a little girl starting out on a gymnastics journey. At the back of each book is an educational section where children can continue learning all about this beautiful sport long after they leave the gymnastics hall, adding further to their experience and knowledge. The book is the first in a series of six and book 2: Sarah Katie’s first gymnastics lesson is well underway and I hope that it will be in print in time for Christmas.
The link below will take you to the Facebook page which has more detail and contact information for orders. The website, which will have gifts, merchandise, tips for parents and much more is under construction and coming very soon. This has been an exciting adventure so far for me and for Tiana and I have loved seeing the smiles on children’s faces on the videos and photos that parents have sent through. So too have I loved hearing about teachers reading it to their students and participating in the activities as a group and discussing the pros and cons of climbing on furniture. I have loved hearing that children are able to read it themselves as a result of it being young reader friendly and I love knowing that I am helping inspire a generation of children who, through this amazing sport and their experiences, will have developed a set of foundation skills that will help set them up for life.
Just Maybe I Can 