A GROUP of Year 9 Beaulieu students have written and published a children’s book that aims to encourage others to be independent and embrace their own style.
The five girls, aged 13 and 14, have formed their own company, Tiny Tales, and released their debut book, Tina’s Terrific Trousers.
Olivia Harvey, Scarlett Haynes, Tilly Le Boutillier, Mia Davidson and Cicely Masterman wanted to create a book that would help “children grow up knowing that they can wear what they want and be who they want to be without fear of judgment”.
The idea started as part of the Young Enterprise scheme, which gives students experience in running a business.
To develop their book, they interviewed Island author Penny Byrne and spoke to primary-school children. They took charge of every stage of the process, from arranging illustrations to organising printing, and invested their own money.
They originally considered writing a series but had to focus on a single book due to time constraints as part of the Young Enterprise competition – although they hope to expand Tiny Tales in the future. The group explained: “Our goal was to write a book that was both educational and meaningful, helping children grow up knowing that they can wear what they want and be who they want to be without fear of judgment. We hope Tina and Her Terrific Trousers inspires children to be confident in who they are, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Tiny Tales.”
The book went on sale last week, with copies available at markets, car boot sales and Jersey Library.
The students also plan to sell it in primary schools and at their school’s business fair this month.