It began as a simple class assignment, but before long, Hillcrest Elementary School Grade 4 student Mirella Ramsay had won the annual School District #83 Fishing Story Contest, as well as a scholarship, a one-year pass to the movies and a special pink fishing rod, reel and tackle box.
Ramsay also got to go to the show with all the students in her class, all because she likes to write and use her imagination.
“We had to write a fishing story so I just tried to use my imagination,” says Ramsay who, wrote, illustrated and produced a 16-page book entitled Candy Island. “The idea for Candy Island just sort of popped into my head. Some of the characters I made up and some are based on real people.
“Because I made them up, Maya and Joe (the two main characters) have my sense of humour, I guess. Kids like candy, so I called it Candy Island so it would appeal to kids. And, even though it’s about fishing for candy, the message is serious. It’s about saving our environment.”
Candy Island took Ramsay about three days to write, illustrate and assemble in book form.
The book is dedicated to Mrs. Elder, “the best librarian ever,” and Bea Barrow, Ramsay’s tutor.
“Everyone in my class and my family were all so proud of me,” say Ramsay. “I already have an idea for another book about Maya and Joe.”