Umkomaas poet Ekta Somera releases first children’s book

Umkomaas poet, author, and first-time illustrator Ekta Somera has released her debut children’s book, Lilly the Llama: Party Drama, a lively and imaginative tale for young readers aged 2 to 7. 

The story follows a dramatic pink llama whose day spirals into humorous chaos as she recounts how she “ended up in a puddle of trouble”, complete with chickens crossing the road, party-bus dancing, and playful exaggeration at every turn.

The book, filled with colour, whimsy, and unexpected twists, marks Somera’s first move from poetry into children’s literature.

“What makes the book unique is that I illustrated each character myself, and each one represents a little piece of my inner child. I was drawn to writing a children’s book because I wanted to create something that speaks to curiosity, imagination, and the early stages of self-discovery.”

Somera, who has published poetry collections before, said children’s literature offers “a completely different kind of magic.”

“It gives me a chance to shape how young minds see the world. Imagination and friendship are central themes in this book, and I think Lilly will be a relatable character because children like using their imagination to tell stories. I hope this encourages them to embrace their flair for storytelling so that one day they might want to write and even publish their own books.”

Lilly the Llama: Party Drama is the first in a growing series, with future adventures featuring characters such as Barry the Bear, Zazu the Zebra, Gaia the Goose, and more.

Somera described Lilly as “a dramatic, imaginative character” who shared her enthusiasm for storytelling.

“I have always used poetry to express myself in ways others can connect with, and I wanted to inspire a new generation to use their imagination and embrace empathy, kindness, and friendship. Lilly’s way of telling her story is funny and full of personality. I want children to see how much fun it can be to use their imagination, even if their stories are a little exaggerated.”

Writing for children came with its own challenges.

“Writing poetry is subjective and often filled with depth and emotion, but writing for children feels different. There needs to be a simple message or something they can learn, so I had to write with the innocence of a child in mind. I focused on humour, imagination, and playful storytelling for children, while adding clever wordplay and relatable themes for adults.”

Somera said creating the book, from writing to illustrating, was a powerful milestone.

“I unboxed the first print with my closest friends, and we all shared in awe and excitement at the colours and the way the characters and scenes looked. It was a very full-circle moment because I had illustrated and designed a whole book for the first time.”

More characters and stories are already in development, with each new friend exploring themes such as embracing differences, understanding emotions, and showing kindness.

“Become the child you want to write for, immerse yourself in the curiosity, imagination, and joy you want to inspire, and your stories will flow naturally. Writing for children reminds us to embrace that childlike wonder again,” said Somera. 

The book launched on December 4 with its first public reading scheduled at Grosvenor Library in Bluff, where young pupils will meet Lilly and experience her colourful world. Worldwide copies are available through Amazon and other online marketplaces, while local readers can purchase a hardcopy directly from Somera.

For more information, readers can contact [email protected] or follow her creative journey on TikTok at @ektasomera.

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