Volunteer publishes children’s book written in lockdown

A volunteer who reads to kids has made use of her extra free time in lockdown – by writing and publishing her own children’s book.

West Dulwich resident Georgina Fekete’s book Locksie and the Lurgy tells the story of a little girl who decides to grow her own vegetables when a “lurgy” comes to town.

She said: “I was inspired to write it during lockdown. I enjoyed recording stories for children through my volunteer work for the charity Doorstep Library.

“At the same time, I put my hand to growing vegetables for the first time. The story of Locksie and the Lurgy came to me one morning, as I was excited to see my own tomatoes, radishes, carrots and mangetout poke out of the soil. I named them, and their adventure began!”

The book aims to educate children about health and nature in the context of Covid-19 and is illustrated by Sara Pittaluga.

Katie Bareham, director of Doorstep Library, a charity which helps children in disadvantaged areas with reading, said: “This is such a lovely book. I love that it simplifies the pandemic for children, and then focuses on something positive they can do, all as part of a fun and imaginative story that children will love.”

Ms Fekete said: “It has been a wonderful creative journey to see my idea come to life, working with Sara, an exceptionally talented illustrator. I feel very proud to see children react positively to the book and especially when it is the bedtime story of choice!”