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Creative Corner
The Rapping Astronaut Princeps Publishing launches the children’s Fantasy Collection with a book signed by Year 8 student Sonia Marta, from IBSB, illustrated by Ioana Rusu. Princeps Publishing launches the Fantasy Collection with The Rapping Astronaut, my first book in English, and my second editorial experience. Throughout the project, I looked back and saw that I have learnt so many things from these two editorial experiences. If I were to mention a few of the lessons that will remain with me, it would definitely be the power of commitment, the importance of finding people to support me, and what it means to have passion for what you love, and, of course, to stay true to your dream. My editor, Ioana Craciun, encouraged me a lot and I am grateful to her, as well to Mr Oldham, my year 6 Teacher as both supported me in finalising the story of Austro until the point that we eventually manged to print it. “It is a joy to read a story about courage and inner confidence and to be able to do that with a child’s eye and soul. As soon as you begin reading the story, you easily fall in love with Austro. It is also easy to identify with the setting and the scenarios within the story as they are easily relatable, especially for children. Austro is not a superhero, nor is he untouchable; he is one of us, with habits and reactions that are normal and genuine; he has questions and doubts that any child has in today’s day and age. This ongoing process of the ‘young generation’ is tackled here with humour, frankness, and optimism.” Ioana Craciun, book editor.
I am an avid reader and I love the world of books, especially fiction. My first book was published when I was 10 years old, on Children’s Day in 2018. Since then, I have met more than 1,000 children on my journey, visiting schools and kindergartens talking about the importance of reading and developing one’s creativity. I have a few more projects under way, alongside writing for the International British School of Bucharest magazine, The International Voice. My favourite free-time activities are reading, writing, and - besides these - travelling, watching movies, and cooking. I am thankful to my teachers at IBSB who have nurtured my talent and supported me, as I have been a student here since I was 4 years old. I plan to have book workshops with the The Rapping Astronaut book and I encourage you to join the book’s Facebook page to join me on our journey. If you would like to check out my book in an audio version please check on Audible, Narrated by Shane G. Casey and a digital EBook version on Kindle Unlimited. The illustrations complementing my story are suggestive and genuine, created by Ioana Rusu, a graduate of UNArte in Bucharest, bringing the magic of childhood worlds to life rising up from the pages of this book, transporting you to the fictional universe of Austro. She has a particular interest in illustrating children’s books. This is the second collaboration for us. Ioana’s enthusiasm and creativity has always been much appreciated.
