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A woman living in Kingston has published her first children’s book.
In an exclusive interview with Nub News, Kulvinder Lidder, author of Wawa and Winnie’s Nose, says she has “always loved writing”, and after retiring from her career of over 40 years as a school teacher, decided she “might as well do it [publish a book]”.
Lidder explained that she would always make stories based on everyday experiences for her children when they were younger, but never had the time to write and publish a full book.
She said: “But now that I’m retired, I decided to follow my dream of writing a children’s book.”
The story of Wawa and Winnie’s nose was inspired by Lidder’s grandson who currently lives in Bermuda.
“My grandson came over one Christmas and had chewed the nose off his favourite Winnie the Pooh teddy,” she said.
Lidder added that the book is also a “personal thing” as all money raised from the book will go to Alzheimer’s research, a charity close to her heart because her husband’s side of the family has a history of dementia as does her own father.
‘Wawa and Winnie’s Nose’ is available to buy now on Amazon (Credit: Kulvinder Lidder)
She said: “It’s a condition people don’t really talk about, but I’ve started to notice people talk about it more, even in my gym.
“We need to speak about it and make people more aware of it, and possibly contribute to the research that’s ongoing. And I know at the moment it’s not preventable, but it can be slowed down.
“So, I’m not doing this to make money, it’s just something that is really close to my family.”
Speaking about why she chose to write a children’s book, Kulvinder said: “Well, I’ve always worked with children, and I think nowadays, parents are very quick to put their child on a tablet as well. Plus I enjoy reading children’s books.”
Lidder says Wawa and Winnie’s Nose is a “gentle, fun story about Jorah and his favorite teddy Winnie.
She added: “So when his nose gets torn, it becomes a who-done-it mystery, and it’s repetitive and perfect for young children.
“It explores teething and early childhood through a simple, engaging narrative for young children and parents.
“Although the story is inspired by my grandson who lives in Bermuda, the book itself has been written and published here in Kingston, making it a very special personal achievement for me.”
Writing and publishing Wawa and Winne’s Nose took the author a year to do, however, Lidder says her first book is “just the beginning of something [she has] started”.
She added: “It was initially just one book, but I’ve already started a second children’s book, which is also inspired by my grandson.”
She says she would also love to write a book about Alzheimers in the future if she garners the courage to do so.
Lidder said: “This journey has made me realise that it is never too late to follow your dreams or try something new.”
Wawa and Winnie’s Nose is available to buy now on Amazon here.
