There's a New Children's book hitting Belizean shelves this evening that's less fairy tale and more conservation fable.
It's called The Great Escape and it was launched this morning at a reading for Primary schoolers at the Image Factory.
7 News was there and here's what we heard from author Gianna Martinez.
The Image Factory, this morning, held a book launch for a very special audience. And rather than the usual art, history, or cultural offerings, this is a children's book, one that's striving to teach conservation to the youngest among us. Gianni Martinez TOLD US why she wrote it:
Gianni Martinez, Author, The Great Escape
"The inspiration came from the fact that Manatees have been vulnerable. Um, they were actually on the point of extinction or I should say endangered and I wanted students to be able, or children to be able to learn about the Manatee, learn about the environmental problems that the Manatee is facing and to also become more of global leaders of their own so that they are able to learn about conservation, learn about how to protect the Manatee in the future to come."
And Martinez says that while the story does have a happy ending it deals with some serious subject matters.
Gianni Martinez, Author, The Great Escape
"I am concerned because these animals or these species are already vulnerable and that simply means that there will be fewer homes for the Manatees to survive."
The book is especially unique to the author because not only did she write it, but she also illustrated it.
Gianni Martinez, Author, The Great Escape
"The artwork, I was actually able to work with a young man called Alex Stacy he is from Ohio, and he is the one who digitalised my work. The artistry that you see is from me. So it's a collar and it's also a refreshing way to view a book."
Spoilers aside, we asked for a little synopsis and Gianna told us that younger readers will be delighted by the Great escapes' twists and turns.
Gianni Martinez, Author, The Great Escape
"It's exciting, it has some suspense and I believe that they will enjoy the family part of the story."
"It is a wholesome gift. It provides information on the Manatee, it is fun, and engaging and any child will love reading a story about a local animal in their home."
And for those who make sure to read The Great Escape cover to cover, there's a special easter egg on the last page in honour of local conservation hero Jamal Galvez aka Manatee man, He appears doing what he does best, watching over the Manatees.
As we told you, the Great Escape can be bought at the Image Factory or by contacting the author at 632-0256.
