Fab for kids: Vivi The Super Vegan
I recently found out about Tina’s desire to help children understand what vegan means and why people make the shift towards a plant-based diet or a vegan lifestyle and I had to share it with as many people as possible! So here’s an interview-style article with the author and publisher herself, in which you’ll find out the what, the why, the how and more.
What is Vivi The Super Vegan specialise?
Vivi the Supervegan is a Vegan children's book series. I (Tina Newman) am the author and publisher. I wrote these books with the hope that I could empower vegan parents and children by providing stories that affirm and support their lifestyles in a fun and easy-to-read way. I also wanted to introduce non-vegan children to veganism in a non-threatening and child-friendly manner.
Where are you based?
I grew up in South East London and lived there for 30 years but moved to the country with my husband and our two daughters 5 years ago. We now live in Suffolk, UK which is a beautiful part of the UK but it is a rural farming county so we are definitely in the minority here!
Where can we buy your books?
My books are available worldwide, although unfortunately, we have temporarily had to shut up shop to countries in the EU since Brexit which is very frustrating. We are hoping to get this sorted out soon. Books are available to buy directly via our website - www.vivithesupervegan.co.uk
What inspired you to create a business that solely focuses on books about veganism?
The idea of 'Vivi the Supervegan' came about when I first went vegan in 2017 and went to buy my daughters some vegan books. Children's books tend to be geared towards the different ways we exploit animals and there are lots themed around zoos, farms, etc. I soon realised that there was a lack of children's stories out there with a vegan message. I had already bought some educational books but felt there was a place and a need for a children's storybook. So I wrote Vivi the Supervegan, with the hope that it will encourage children to take a stand and empower them to be compassionate and kind. I want to help them understand that they have power with their choices and that they can educate and inspire others to make changes.
How many books have you written?
I released 'Vivi and the Sea Saviours' on World Ocean day - 8th June 2022. That is the third book in my series.
How easy is it for you to source cruelty-free materials for your books?
It is very easy as a lot of printing companies are a lot more environmentally friendly and 'green' nowadays. For example, my printers used vegetable inks, recyclable laminate, and FSC-certified paper for my books.
Do these materials affect the outcome in comparison with books that are made with non-plant-based materials?
No, not really, I am extremely happy with the overall quality of my books and they look and feel the same as many other children's books we have. I self-published my books so when I was researching printing companies and the publishing process, it was really important to me that my books looked professional and of high quality, as I think a lot of self-published books can have an association with looking unprofessional.
Can you briefly summarise each book?
My books are suitable for ALL ages. Honestly, I have had 90-year-olds read them and love them. I also know of 1-year-olds that have enjoyed listening to the stories whilst looking at the beautiful illustrations! If I had to answer which age group I wrote the books for, that would be children between 3-8 years old.
Vivi the Supervegan is the first book in the series and it is an introduction to Vivi's world. They run in order so in the first book we see who Vivi is and are introduced to her powers and mission in life. Throughout the series, I touch upon various aspects of veganism. The first book mainly concentrates on animal rights. We also see that her younger sister Lily may be following in her sister's footsteps.
In the second book - Vivi and the Planet Protector, we meet Pax who also has a secret (although I am sure you can guess what that may be from the title!) and although I continue to focus on animal rights, I incorporate the environmental aspect of veganism too.
With my third book - Vivi and the Sea Saviours, I wanted to focus on the oceans and the animals that live in them. I talk about how they are affected by plastic pollution, fishing nets, litter etc. Lily is a bit older now and she has a big part in this story as her superpowers are brought to light.
Is Vivi The Super Vegan owned by, or in partnership with, another company that tests on animals or sells non-vegan products?
No, it is just me running my business and I am an animal rights activist so am as vegan as they come! Lol.
Tell me a bit about yourself before you launched Vivi The Super Vegan?
I was busy trying to build a new life in Suffolk as we had just moved, juggling motherhood (my girls were 1 and 3 at the time) and running my business as a freelance hair and makeup artist. I had also gained my Animal Nursing Assistant qualification a couple of years before as I was considering continuing my training to become a Veterinary Nurse. However, after working in a vet's practice for a year I realised I am WAY TOO much of an empath and animal lover so it was probably not the right career for me. I knew I wanted to do something to help animals but hadn't quite worked out what it was yet so when I went vegan it was a bit of a 'lightbulb' moment for me. I had been vegetarian for 21 years believing I wasn't contributing to animals' suffering so when I found out about the dairy and egg industries it absolutely destroyed me! I was heartbroken and got into animal rights activism very quickly and launched my first book a few months after!
What is your vision for the future of Vivi The Super Vegan?
I have more stories that I would love to add to the series and I have a few more projects in the pipeline! Last year I teamed up with Animal Justice Project to run a crowdfunding campaign to get Vivi books into schools and Early Years Settings across the UK. We managed to raise enough money to donate 600 books to various EYS thanks to this crowdfunding which was incredible and we are now looking at getting them into libraries across the UK as well. My main aim is to try and reach as many children and families with the vegan message and make veganism accessible in children's literature so I will continue to try and do this through my books and by exploring other avenues as well.
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