SVG'S YOUNGEST AUTHOR LAUNCHES BOOK

ST. VINCENT’S YOUNGEST AUTHOR LAUNCHES FIRST BOOK
Ben Harrison

The new Paradise Beach Hotel in Villa celebrated its grand opening on Saturday evening, February 3, 2008. It was also the venue of an historic event; the launching of a book written and illustrated by St. Vincent & the Grenadine’s youngest author, and perhaps its youngest citizen ever to have an original work published.

My Homeland, was written by Storm Halbich, elder son of Kim and Earl Halbich. He is a grade 5 student at the Windsor Primary School. His artistic talent was evident when he was two years old and was constantly drawing and colouring pictures. He has been the winner of numerous creative competitions including, at age four, a poster competition sponsored by the St. Vincent Hotel & Tourism Association, a special award by the Florida/Caribbean Foods Association; and two years ago, the Venezuelan Embassy’s Christmas card design competition.

Through the years his interests have been influenced by his eco-conscious parents as well as his participation in the innovative “Floating Classroom” that is part of the Windsor Primary School’s curriculum.

The Saturday evening book launch was MC’d. by Chester Connell. The program began with a blessing by Pastor Smith. Kim Halbich gave welcoming remarks, a brief summary of her hotel renovation adventures, and her appreciation to the sizeable crowd who attended both the book launch and the opening of the hotel. She shared a brief history of the writing and publishing journey leading to the evening’s book launch. Two years ago when Storm’s drawings and notes were in their beginning stage, his mother suggested, “Let’s do a book. It will help tourists and visitors as well as our own people learn about our country and the environment”.

With a little persuasion and help, Storm agreed and the rest is history.

Through a sponsorship contribution towards publishing costs, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has made possible the distribution of copies of the book to all schools in St. Vincent. The book will be on sale locally for $15.00 EC.

Storm Halbich signing and dedicating copies of his book.

Canadian psychotherapist Dr. Sheila Pennington, herself an early childhood education specialist, author of two highly acclaimed books, and a member of IFAW, read her review of “My Homeland”:

MY HOMELAND

“Peace and love” is a greeting heard throughout the Caribbean. Storm Halbich has captured the essence of this phrase in his stunning portrayal of MY HOMELAND. His love, respect and understanding for the wisdom and beauty of nature is apparent on every colourful page.

He treasures wild life and marine mammals; he draws the whales showing their grace and joy in being alive. His colouring of the coral reefs, brilliant fish and endangered turtles make you long to join him snorkeling.

He has developed a surprising social conscience for his 9 years, and it shines throughout the book as he describes the friendly people of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, their culture, and his concern about litter and possible damage to reefs.

Storm has been creating pictures and drawings ever since he could hold a crayon. And now through his awareness and an amazing communication talent he is sending out a most important message for the world to hear:

“PROTECT AND CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT”