Author, Niepusino Liegise, Director of The White Owl, Viketuno Rio, Publisher, Vishü Rita Krocha seen with other participants and children during the launch of “Magic Words Playground” at The White Owl Book Lounge at Chümoukedima on November 14.
PenThrill’s 129th Publication ‘Magic Words Playground’ by Niepusino Liegise released on Children’s Day
Morung Express News
Chümoukedima | November 14
Having taught early readers for almost a decade, Niepusino Liegise has seen firsthand how challenging the transition can be from being a little kindergarten child to becoming a learner who is ready to read independently. This has been a driving force for her to author a Level 1 Children’s book, titled, “Magic Words Playground,” that was published by PenThrill and formally released on the occasion of Children’s Day by Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl at the White Owl Book Lounge on November 14.
By the age of six, Niepusino Liegise remarked in her author talk that, “some children are already reading confidently, some are still learning, while others are still trying to understand how letters and sounds come together to form words.”
Stating that for many children, this can be a time of confusion, frustration and even feeling a little overwhelmed, she said that this is where “The Magic Words Playground” comes in, which has been written especially for early readers.
Highlighting that it uses simple words, basic sight words and digraphs, she expressed that she has also tried to create a setting that feels familiar to children, with names and situations they can relate to. Towards this end, she exuded hope that these little touches will make children curious.
“I hope they will make them want to turn the next page, discover the next word and, most importantly, enjoy the experience of reading,” she added.
At a time when screens are slowly taking the place of books in many children’s lives, she further exuded her sincere dream to help bring the joy and culture of reading back to our children. Also underlining the need to introduce books to children early, she urged to make reading a habit. She also hoped that the book brings joy, curiosity and happiness to every child who holds it in their hands.
Addressing the launch of the book, Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl dwelt on the importance of reading while citing how as a mother of 4 young children, she has also come to see how urgently we need to help children read and read well.
Congratulating the author on a much needed children’s book, she also commented that, “for over more than a decade, Niepusino has watched, listened to and learned from children, and now she has turned that experience into a book.”
In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha remarked, “at any stage of our lives, the books we read matter” especially citing children as books have the power to change one’s perspective of the world around them. Even as adults, she stated that just because they grow older, it does not mean that they have to leave behind the powerful literature of childhood behind.
As someone who reads, writes and publishes books, she stated conviction that children’s literature should have a special place in every adult reader’s life. While adulting is not easy and enjoying the process could be even more daunting, she expressed that reading children’s books provides an escape and also invites them to remember what it was like to be a child with childlike wonder and curiosity.
Stating that while books are meant to be enjoyed, she also said that they provide readers with important life lessons that can be especially shared with young children.
She said that “Magic Words Playground” is one such book, written in simple language, something that every writer should strive to do, and that it is beautiful, meaningful and laced with lessons that are so important especially for young children to grow up learning.
“This book offers kindness, friendship, respect and the beauty and joy of sailing through life together”, she added.
Stating that the book marks PenThrill’s 129th publication, she also recalled that three PenThrill book titles namely Maria by Visemenuo, and two plays in English and Sütsa called The Tragopan’s Song and Aigha Le by Inakali Assumi, marking PenThrill’s 126th, 127th and 128th publications were released at the recently concluded Nagaland Literature Festival in Kohima.
She also underlined that one of the greatest responsibilities for readers is to pass the reading life onto the next generation of readers, who will not only learn from, explore and enjoy the stories that have already been written, but in the same manner pass down books and continue to impact the next generation of readers.
Highlights of the event included prayer by Sedeleü Peseyie, former Principal of Greenwood Higher Secondary School Dimapur, recitation by Agnes Zhuvi Wotsa, special number by Ariah Zeliang and Asei Thezieseinuo Kesiezie while Diezenino Terhüja, NN Nagi School, English Department chaired the programme.
