Calling all budding artists: Lauren Beukes' book needs beasties

Cape Town – Award-winning author Lauren Beukes is working on her first children's book, and children can help design the "beasties" to be included in it.

The author, best known for her books The Shining Girls and Broken Monsters, is joining forces with the children of NGO Shine Literacy and children across South Africa to help bring the characters in her book of rhymes to life.

The book, The Bostik Book of Unbelievable Beasties, is a partnership between the adhesives company and the author.

The project is open to children between the ages of 6 and 12 across South Africa. Parents can download an entry form from the Bostik website (http://www.bostik.co.za/crafts/unbelievable-beasties/create-your-beastie), read the rhyme describing one of Beukes' 20 beasties, then let their child create their version of the creature based on the description.  

There is an array of images children can cut out to help them, or they can simply let their inner artist free on the page.

Entries can be scanned and e-mailed to beasties@bostik.co.za to be eligible for the draw. Entry forms will also be available at all Col'Cacchio pizzerias nationwide between 1 August and 20 August.

Free e-book

The draw will take place in September. The best beasties will feature in Beukes' book, to be released in October. A total of 500 copies will be printed. The featured illustrators will each receive a copy, signed by Beukes. The rest of the books will be donated to Shine Centres countrywide. The book will be available as a free downloadable e-book from www.bostik.co.za.

On Wednesday, grade two pupils from the Shine Centre at Prestwich Street Primary School in Green Point, Cape Town, were given the opportunity to create some weird and wonderful creatures to possibly feature in her work.

One of the rhymes in the book:

The Frosty Skidoo

The Frosty Skidoo is a winter beastie that's nice
Wherever it goes, it turns water to ice.

With a swish and a skid and a mischievous wink,
It can turn any old puddle into an ice-skating rink

It's got skates for feet and glassy wings for speed
It leaves a trail of frost crystals, scattered like seed.