Morung Express News Kohima | May 10 Suki’s Magic Box- a children’s book written by a ten years old Naga girl Sochumlo Suki Ezung was launched on May 10 at LCS Building Kohima. Published by PenThrill Publication House, the book was released by Daisy Mezhür, Secretary, Nagaland State Social Welfare Board & Mission Director, State Resource Center for Women. “People inspired me to write- teachers, friends and family. Simple things and objects that catch my attention inspire me to write. There is so much joy in writing,” said Sochumlo Suki Ezung, during the launch, who at the age of ten has become the youngest and first ever published child author in Nagaland. The illustration for the book was drawn by Yimyanglula Longkumer, a friend and classmate of Suki while the coloring for the illustration was prepared by six years old Liree Jane Krocha. Suki started writing at the age of seven when her mother bought her a notepad to keep her occupied in Church, which enabled her to begin writing, making up songs, stories and writing letters to God. “When I got a new notebook with attractive colors and pictures my stories became even more lengthier.” admits Suki who mentioned her inspiration in the simple and ordinary such as “a glass case with some pebbles inside standing at the corner of the table” or “the sight of a lone sunflower fallen inside a car”. “Sometimes I let my character say things that I want to express and sometimes I even become the character. Real conversations and real experiences become part of my story,” mentions the young writer. Akumtila Kikon, who gave an introduction of the Author noted that Suki is a creative child with a carefree spirit and a bold nature. Hoping that the book will be a beginning of many dreams to come true, Kikon urged the parents to allow the children “to dream and be what they want to be, and not get stuck with the conventional.” “Suki has magically given life to her characters and I find it amazing that at her age, she is already conscious of the world around her. If you read through her stories, you will find that she deeply values life and cares not only for friends and family, but for peace and love to reign in the world. It’s beautiful how she also put her stories together reflecting her concern for our environment which needs much attention,” said Vishü Rita Krocha in her publisher’s note. Expressing that the book gives her great hope for the future of literature in Nagaland, Krocha also noted that it will also be a source of inspiration for many more children and young people to do something worthwhile with their lives. Krocha lauded the parents of Suki for nurturing and molding her dreams in “such a manner where she is able to not only imagine a world beyond, but in doing so, she is also reaching out to many children out there to follow their dreams.” In her acknowledgements, Meripeni Zares Ezung, mother of Suki, encouraged parents and elders to let the children be what they want to be. “Usually we treat our kids as ‘kids’ but they are someone already. If we can just let them be,” noted Ezung. Although the scenario is changing in Naga society, Daisy Mezhür in her address mentioned how the male child continues to receive better treatment and care. However, Mezhür noted that today, “Naga girls are doing us proud, they doing extremely well” and further encouraged the parents to continue to give their daughters the same equal education and care. During the launch, a special number was presented by Vitshuseinuo Solo, a classmate and friend of Suki while a few thoughts were also shared by the Illustrator Yimyanglula Longkumer. Priced at Rs. 300, the book published by PenThrill publication House is available at Crossword, Bible House, Chapru. The book is also available for online purchase at ilandlo.com