ASTANA – Eleven-year-old author and illustrator Maide Akan, who lives in the capital, presented her book “Aysu and a Magic Bag” at the Open Eurasian Literature Festival & Book Forum in London in late November. The book, which addresses environmental issues, is the first in the series and was published by Hertfordshire Press.
Photo credit: press service of OEBF.
“The children’s fairy-tale is filled with non-childlike arguments about environmental protection which could not fail to arouse the interest of the public, including the youngest participants of the festival. It is surprising and quite remarkable that this serious global problem is not indifferent for the young generation. In her book, Maide tells the amazing story of a girl whose life is no different from ordinary children, until one day she meets a magic bird. This is how the extraordinary adventure of Aysu begins and her efforts to preserve the environment. Written with a charm and elegance that belie her young age, the story by Maide Akan is a skilful blend of fantasy and more contemporary human problems. Beautifully illustrated by the author, the book about Aysu is sad and a little bitter, but it is full of youthful hope for the future,” said the festival organisers.
The story is a wonderful tale about magic and adventure which will be interesting for both children and adults, noted Eurasian Creative Guild Chairman David Parry. Even the history written about Central Asia will be charming for English-speaking readers.
Photo credit: weproject.kz.
In addition to writing books, Akan is engaged in eco-design and she showcased AYBAG, her own collection of eco-bags. The brand’s motto is “Protection of the environment is not only for adults, but also for children.” The youngest participants received bags as gifts.
The talented young writer was marked at the festival poetry evening “Voices of Eurasia” and awarded with the international association’s “Generals of the World for Peace” medal. Akan is currently working on the next story in the series and new designs for her bags.
Hertfordshire Press, which published the book and supports the festival, is part of the Silk Road Media Group. Founded in 2002, it specialises in publishing scientific and popular literature by Eurasian authors, as well as the re-releasing of important works of the past which are unavailable in English.
