Quirky, Home-Grown Kids’ Book with Real Bite

Quirky, Home-Grown Kids’ Book with Real Bite 
 
A compelling new children’s book mixes classic themes of friendship and acceptance with the latest craze: vampires. Sam Pyar is the creation of debut author Shalesh Vasan and new illustrator Duncan West, both based in Wellington.
 
Young readers are drawn into the story of Lucy’s mysterious school friend, Sam Pyar, by deft, suspenseful writing and playful visual puns leading to a dramatic ending.
 
Wellingtonian Vasan brings his long-time love of films and graphic novels to bear on this, his first book. He draws on international sources of inspiration – from the work of American children’s book creator Don Freeman, to the Swedish film Let the Right One In – to create a homegrown story full of heart. Vasan has built his quirky and mysterious story around the eponymous protagonist of Sam Pyar:
 
“The title of the book definitely came first – then everything else came together slowly but surely.”
 
West and Vasan were inspired to work together when they met in their workplace, an iconic Wellington institution. West’s work with children there has enabled him to hone his intuitive grasp of how to engage younger readers using a dramatic yet simple visual style.
 
Sam Pyar, which is published both in print and as an e-book, marks an intriguing change of pace for established Wellington publishing company, Phantom House Books. Owner and publisher Grant Sheehan said:
 
"We were so taken with Sam Pyar that we created a whole new imprint, Phantom Tree House, in order to publish children's books. We know that kids and parents read together on screen as well as in print, so we've made an e-book version of Sam Pyar too."
 
Sam Pyar will be launched at Marsden Books from 6pm on Tuesday 22 May in Karori, where Vasan lives. He says:
 
“I’m really looking forward to launching Sam Pyar at my favourite local bookstore. Please come along for a glass of ‘cranberry juice’ – strictly no garlic allowed!"

ENDS

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