At just nine years old, Ezekial Falconer, a budding author and learner at Pharos School in Jeffreys Bay, has already published four captivating children’s books in the past year.
His stories, inspired by his playful adventures with toys and interactions with animals, have captured the hearts of many.
His first book, “The lion that was scared of his tail,” was published in 2024.
Ezekial shared that while playing with his toy lion, he was inspired to write a story about a lion with a tick on its tail.
Initially, the tick made the lion angry, but they soon became the best of friends.
To accompany the text in the book, he created beautiful illustrations that take the reader on a journey of heartfelt friendship and highlight the importance of treating others kindly.
“I sit at my table and play with my toys, and then I get a great idea to write some books,” said Ezekial.
“I love writing and drawing amazing pictures.”
Ezekial said that he generally begins his story by drawing pictures on a blank A4 page and then adds text to each picture.
This year, he wrote and published three editions of his book, “The Bee and the Wasp,” after he was stung by a bee and his brother, Gabriel, was stung by a wasp.
Since bees and wasps generally do not get along, he said that he was inspired to write a book about the unique friendship between the two insects.
“The moral of the story is to be friends and not to fight with others,” said Ezekial.
To encourage children of all ages to write their own books, he said that they can begin by drawing pictures that inspire them and then writing their ideas using words on A4 pages.
“Anyone can write a book; all they need is paper, a pencil, and ideas,” said Ezekial.
He said that he has already begun working on his next book and has gradually put pencil to paper to draw his ideas and work on the accompanying text.
Since he has been battling with mosquitoes recently, Ezekial said that he is looking forward to highlighting this experience in his next book.
He said that he is thankful for the assistance offered by the staff at Pharos School, who have assisted him with each book before it is published.
Ezekial said that he hands over his rough draft to his teachers, who then assist him in starting the process of creating a storybook.
“I want to thank my teachers for helping me with my books,” said Ezekial.
His mother, Catherine, said that the staff at Pharos encourage Ezekial and share in his excitement for each book.
“The school encourages writing, reading and drawing, and offers assistance to all learners,” said Catherine.
She said that the book can be purchased on The Green Box website at www.greenboxorders.co.za in the book section.
The prices of each book range between R30 and R50.
Catherine said that deliveries are done in St Francis Bay and Jeffreys Bay.
She further said that the books can also be bought and donated to Talhado Children’s Haven in St Francis Bay.
“Ezekial hosted a book reading at Talhado Children’s Haven, and we then handed over the books, which we hope will inspire the children to write their own books,” said Catherine.
She further said that children who accompany their parents to have their hair done at LIV Hair Studio in St Francis Bay can enjoy reading Ezekial’s books at the salon while they wait.
