A
compelling new children’s book mixes classic themes of friendship and
acceptance with the latest craze: vampires. Sam Pyar is the creation of
debut author Shalesh Vasan and new illustrator Duncan West, both based in
Wellington.
Young
readers are drawn into the story of Lucy’s mysterious school friend, Sam Pyar,
by deft, suspenseful writing and playful visual puns leading to a dramatic
ending.
Wellingtonian
Vasan brings his long-time love of films and graphic novels to bear on this,
his first book. He draws on international sources of inspiration – from the
work of American children’s book creator Don Freeman, to the Swedish film Let
the Right One In – to create a homegrown story full of heart. Vasan has
built his quirky and mysterious story around the eponymous protagonist of Sam
Pyar:
“The title
of the book definitely came first – then everything else came together slowly
but surely.”
West and
Vasan were inspired to work together when they met in their workplace, an
iconic Wellington institution. West’s work with children there has enabled him
to hone his intuitive grasp of how to engage younger readers using a dramatic
yet simple visual style.
Sam Pyar, which is published both in print
and as an e-book, marks an intriguing change of pace for established Wellington
publishing company, Phantom House Books. Owner and publisher Grant Sheehan
said:
"We
were so taken with Sam Pyar that we created a whole new imprint, Phantom
Tree House, in order to publish children's books. We know that kids and parents
read together on screen as well as in print, so we've made an e-book version of
Sam Pyar too."
Sam Pyar will be launched at Marsden Books
from 6pm on Tuesday 22 May in Karori, where Vasan lives. He says:
“I’m really
looking forward to launching Sam Pyar at my favourite local bookstore.
Please come along for a glass of ‘cranberry juice’ – strictly no garlic
allowed!"
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