A nine-year-old Bahrain resident has published her first children’s book.
The Ghostly Adventures of Leena was written by Anahita Jain, a grade five student at the New Indian School.
For someone so young to construct and develop a story and have it published is a significant achievement, which her father Dr Manish Jain hopes will serve as a “source of inspiration” for other children in Bahrain as well as for Anahita.
The storyline focuses on a young girl named Leena who discovers a ghost in her house that she fears may hurt her.
Leena must face the problem or else risk an untimely death, and the story goes on to explain how the main character manages to achieve this while not giving up in times of fear.
“The idea of the story came from my imagination,” Anahita told the GDN.
“I have been reading books from a very young age and that has helped me to develop my imagination.
“I have always wanted to become an author and that has inspired me to write a book.”
Illustrations in The Ghostly Adventures of Leena, which was self-published, were completed by an illustrator from National Printing House.
The young writer, who was born in India and has lived in Bahrain for almost three years, said she was keen on releasing more books in the future.
“In fact, I have started writing my second book, called The Obstacles,” she said. “I wish to become a well-known author one day.”
Around 200 copies of the book have been printed and around half have already been sold, both in Bahrain and abroad.
Those who would like a copy of the book can contact Dr Jain on 38857952.
The book will also soon be available at Jashanmal in City Centre Bahrain and Seef Mall.