Man Who Walked Around the World

Samantha who is of Nigerian and Sri Lankan heritage is making waves. Last year she published her first book of poems called ‘The Man who walked around the World and other poems'

She started writing from the age of four or five and her parents recall that she always had a flair for poetry which “when well written” says Sam “ is even more beautiful than a song and better than a whole book.” The inspiration for her poems comes from her day to day real life experiences of childhood such as having to tidy up her room, relationships with siblings and rivals at school to name a few. Her older brother Ariaan who has been a huge inspiration to her is one of the main protagonists.

Sam who is not at all like an average 10 year old is also behind the charming black and white illustrations in the book. Writing is a leisure activity for her and she employs a delightful choice of words. She does not have a favourite author but likes Eva Ibbotson, Jacqueline Wilson and Roald Dahl. She also loves mom's African cooking and adores Apple pie! Her other hobbies include collecting rocks, empty perfume bottles and stamps. Like many children her age Sam enjoys watching most cartoons and loves comedy action.

The book has been described as a child's garden of verses, and the poems have been described as natural, imaginative, funny and thoughtful. Poet Jean Arasanayagam said Samantha's poetry was of a very high standard.  She remarked upon the fact that she had expressed her childhood view of the world in beautiful rhyming lines and the fascinating illustrations that she had herself drawn. Many of the poems she pointed out were written when she was just nine, some even at eight.

“When I first wrote the book I was rather excited,” she said “but now I feel nothing much. When I grow up, I would like to be a doctor and a part-time writer, though my dreams fluctuate at the moment.”

A poem Sam wrote for a recent International Poetry Competition was the only one from Sri Lanka among the five to be selected in her age group. It was placed in the ‘Highly Commended.' 

Sam has 5 copies of ‘The Man who walked around the World and other poems' to give away. All you have to do is send us an email to: newsletter@amlappublishing.com with the answers to her following 3 questions:

1. Insects belong to what invertebrate group?
2. What is the longest river in Africa?
3. Why do apples turn brown when cut open?

“The Man who walked around the World and other poems” is priced at £3.50 and is available in book shops in Sri Lanka and London. Alternatively, you may telephone Jo Modder on: 0798 274 249 to place an order.