contributed by Ms Daniela Demicoli, Assistant Head
About a year ago, Mr Paul Gatt, president of the National Foster Care Association Malta, contacted me and asked me if I would be interested in writing a book, with the aim of explaining to Maltese children what fostering is and to promote its value.
I could not refuse! This was such a noble experience which I could not ignore. Besides, after having translated a number of books from English to Maltese, I now felt a strong urge to publish my first original work.
I wrecked my brain and found inspiration from my own son. My book targeted Year 4 students and my son was that age. Like other children, he has a great love for animals. So I thought my story would revolve around animals in a forest, particularly a little bear called Orsu, who ends up having to part from his beloved mother. What will happen to Orsu? Who will now take care of him? Will he find peace and happiness?
Orsu’s story, “Xorti tajba għal Orsu” is aimed at Year 4 students. Another two books were published with the same aim, namely “Ix-xewqa ta’ Luke”, written by Stephen Lughermo and Diane Farrugia, and “Il-Komponiment tal-Malti”, written by Sandra Vassallo Hili. The former targets year 5 students while the latter is ideal for Year 6 students. All proceeds will go in aid of NFCAM to help it in its invaluable work.
All three books were cleverly illustrated by Mr Chris Cardona, our school librarian. He has done such an exceptional job in creating three very different styles to make each story stand out. He had no easy feat in so-doing, but the end result is one to be proud of indeed!
This was an experience that all of us in the team will treasure forever as, besides the intrinsic value in this project, it has helped us foster new friendships and it has given us satisfaction which no sum of money can replace! I look forward towards helping out further in these endeavours and towards publishing more original stories too!
