Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl (R) releasing “Nino’s Secret Friend” by Kevi Z. Kevichüsa (left), marking PenThrill’s 110th publication at The White Owl, Chümoukedima on August 27.
Marks PenThrill’s 110th publication
Morung Express News
Kohima | August 28
“Maybe there are no original stories. Maybe stories that inspire and move us do that because they all heavily borrow from the greatest story of all times, the one that started from the Garden of Eden, the story about love, covenant and relentless pursuit, heartbreak and betrayal and exile, all culminating at Calvary with sacrifice and restoration and maybe what makes a story great is the theme of redemptive justice.”
Kevi Z Kevichüsa remarked during the launch of her second children’s book, “Nino’s Secret Friend,” which was formally released by Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl in Chümoukedima, on August 27. Kevichüsa said her little picture book has all of these including disappointments, with some sacrifice and some redemptive justice. As readers go through the book, she noted that, “it may not be original” even while expressing that, “I did not set out to write an original book.”
Stating that it has elements of all the books she has read and loved, she pointed out that readers would find some similarities as they go through the pages of the book. She hoped that readers would enjoy the picture book whether it is mediocre or not even while highlighting that the problem is that, “we are so fixated on trying to be scintillating and trying to be impressive.”
“There is nothing wrong with mediocrity,” she stated.
In the meantime, she thanked PenThrill for adopting her book while acknowledging their “vision and commitment, making it so easy for those of us who want to get published.”
It may be noted that “Nino’s Secret Friend” marks the 110th Publication of PenThrill.
Kevi Z. Kevichusa, the author is a mother, wife, children’s minister, writer & illustrator, public speaker, and curator of children’s literature. She also serves on the pastoral team of Kingdom Culture Church in Dimapur. With a background in education, media, and advertising, Kevi is committed to connecting people, especially children, to their history and their roots through writing, collecting, and re-telling of narratives, stories, and the creation of art. Her first children’s book, “Nino’s Secret Garden”, which she wrote and illustrated was published by Barkweaver in 2021.
Addressing the launch, Viketuno Rio, Director of The White Owl said she has always held a special fondness for children’s books while pointing out that “they are simple and often carry a depth that surpasses our expectations, our curiosity, kindness and courage.”
Stating that Kevi has a very rare gift for crafting stories that appear effortless, she also remarked that, “this new story is filled with hope, wonder and reassurance.” Adding that the book is both beautiful and funny, she further stated belief that “it will not only touch the younger readers but also the adults who read alongside them.”
The launch, she said. “we celebrate friendship, the gift of creativity and imagination and the power of storytelling.” “May this book find its way to many homes inspiring and bringing hope to countless readers”, she added.
In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha stated that, “what excites me about children's books from Nagaland is that it gives more access to readers from Nagaland to read stories that are deeply connected to our roots” as opposed to children of her generation, who grew up reading foreign books. She said Naga Children’s Literature was critical to both inspiring and laying a foundation for aspiring writers to also write about things and stories that are locally relevant.
With the newly released book, she remarked that, “our children have this wonderful privilege to grow up reading books that connect us to our Naga roots.”
“It's not only the children who benefit from it but even us as adults, we have a chance to reclaim our lost childhood,” she added while wishing “Nino's Secret Friend” every success both in terms of sales and widespread readership.
Highlights of the event included dedicatory prayer by Alongla P Aier and special number by Koko Savino while Visasier K delivered the welcome note and also chaired the programme.
