“Keron Flies His Kite” – A New Belizean Children’s Book

A children’s book called ‘Keron Flies His Kite’ was launched today by its author, Harold Young.  The publication is described as an inspirational book to motivate children of all ages. It was illustrated by a local artist and today a brief programme was held at the Image Factory to share the book with the public. Andrea Polanco found out that the proceeds will be used to help deserving students go to high school.

Andrea Polanco, Reporting

“Keron Flies His Kite” is the first children’s book written by Harold Young, a Belizean who resides in the U.S.A. It took about eight months to get the book done – but it was a labour of love inspired by Belize and a bit of Young’s personal life. Young says the book tells an inspirational story – while draws an appreciation for kite flying which was once a Belizean favorite.

Harold Young

Harold Young, Author

“It has an inspirational story, a theme that resonates with young people and adults. The idea is to do what you need to do, what you love today and not put it off until tomorrow. And if you do that, you will enjoy tomorrow much more and the rewards will be there. And the other aspect of the book is that it is very colorful. It is set in a kite-flying scene which is something that has been a tradition in Belize, even though it is not as strong as it used to be. So, it has a lot of kite-flying imagery, March winds, mango trees, so it is kind of tropical setting because you want to the kids to be a little outdoors more. So, that is the setting the story is in.”

Andrea Polanco

“Tell us a little about Keron – is he perhaps an inspiration from your own childhood?”

Harold Young

“Actually, the opposite. I was a huge kite-builder when I was a child. I used to give people kites – make them and give them out. So, I could understand somebody not having one and feeling left out. So, I really empathize with that feeling. So, this is where that came from. But the idea is that if you really want something, you can start; you can make a step and do it now.”

Marvin Vernon

Illustrator Marvin Vernon’s colorful, water-colour-like visuals complement Keron’s story about the kite. Vernon explains how he merged his talent with different sources of inspiration to enhance and interpret Young’s story.

Marvin Vernon, Illustrator

“One thing you can expect is the illustrations of the kites and that are really what he book is about – bringing back and making kites because that is something that sort of fallen out of popularity in Belizean culture and it really shouldn’t because it is fun experience. And it is definitely something people should start doing more.    I tend to draw inspiration from as many sources as I can find because I like to create something unique and don’t want to seem like I am imitating any one particular style. So, I look to other artists who have done watercolor styles, and also artists who do drawing and markers even and from there I took what I like and I developed my own style; as Harold described it and combined with my own interpretation.”

Young says he wants to share the story with primary schools across the country. And if you want to get a copy of “Keron Flies His Kite,” it is available for only twenty dollars. The proceeds go to the All Saints Alumni Foundation that provides scholarships for deserving children to go to high school.

Harold Young

“The book is available here today, of course; at the Image Factory Bookstore. And I have an ambitious plan where I am getting sponsors to sponsor the book and I am delivering two books to every elementary school across the country. I have already started and this will take about a year. So, I am going to give it out to the schools and hopefully it will stimulate people to donate and get more copies.”

Andrea Polanco

“For people in the Diaspora, how can they get this book?”

Harold Young

“On Facebook, they can use PayPal or they can use Facebook itself – they have a payment button on Facebook and that comes directly to me and I mail it out. I have done a lot of that before I came as people were pre-purchasing the book. So, I did that and that is still available.”

Reporting for News Five, I’m Andrea Polanco.