Real Magic publishing: helping children understand what veganism is
When I found out about Real Magic Publishing and their project to launch its first vegan children's book, I was chuffed! What a cool way to share what being vegan is about!
Below you'll find answers to a few questions that I sent Gill Torres. I'm hoping that you'll be as excited about this book as I am!
What is Real Magic Publishing working on at the moment?
Real Magic Publishing is a new vegan business. We're currently working on the production of our first vegan children's book – The Girl Who Could See Stories.
Gill Torres | Author of The Girl Who Could See Stories
What inspired you to write a vegan children's story, Gill?
Despite being a picture book with only 1,000 words, it's very autobiographical! The girl, Sofiel, can see the story behind everything she looks at. So if she looks at a chair she can see who sat in it. If she looks at a bag she can see everything it ever carried. One day she looks at the meat she is eating and realises it had a sad past. From then on she chooses to only feed her tummy with happy stories. I think a lot of vegans can relate to that journey, so when the idea for the story came to me, I had to write it.
There are lots of veggie and vegan children's books out there. What makes yours different?
It is a very simple, universal tale and it focuses on the enormous benefits of a plant-based, whole foods diet.
The Girl Who Could See Stories doesn't say 'don't eat meat.' The book, gives children the opportunity to consider the journey that all of their food has been on, prior to reaching their plate.
It is designed to be an introduction to empathy, as well as, a way to begin talking to children about the ideas of eating organic, local and fair trade. Again, it mentions none of these things by name, but these are the foods with happy stories, so it is a way in to the subject.
Where are you based?
Both me and my illustrator, Ilan Sheady, are based in Liverpool. The book will be printed by a company called Vegan Print, also based in the Northwest of England.
Why did you call your publishing company Real Magic?
Because everything we do as a business, now and in the future, will be about celebrating the power of our wonderful world.
For the first time, I am growing vegetables on my balcony, and seeing something grow from a seed into a tall, strong plant that produces fruit for you to eat, is real magic!
I want to get children excited about the amazing power of plants and the marvellous capabilities that they have, to create a healthy, happy body and life, if they fuel themselves in the right way.
Is Real Magic Publishing owned by, or in partnership with, another company that tests on animals or sell non-vegan products?
No. Real Magic Publishing is run by little vegan me, with no partners.
Where can the book be bought?
The book is due for release on 8th December 2014. You can pre-order it at Real Magic Publishing and you'll receive it in time for Christmas with free UK delivery.
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To receive a signed copy of The Girl Who Could See Stories, email hi@realmagicpublishing.com after placing your order and tell Gill how you found about this offer.