KUALA LUMPUR – Seven-year-old Aayushi Yeogeswaran from Taman Sentosa has made history by becoming the youngest author in Malaysia to receive a national record for her debut children’s book, Unicorn and Little Amanda.
The Malaysia Book of Records awarded her this prestigious honour at a grand book launch event held at Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda, Shah Alam, today.
Aayushi’s journey as a young author is deeply rooted in her love for reading, a passion that began at an early age. Her mother, Devagi Chandirase, recalls having to hide flashcards before Aayushi was even six months old because her curiosity and eagerness to read and learn were insatiable.
“By the age of 3, she was already reading independently, and by 6, she had read over 1,600 books,” Devagi said.
Aayushi penned her debut story at the age of six, a creation of pure imagination that would soon touch the lives of many.
“Reading is an inspiration. I enjoy reading, and I want everybody to start reading more books. I want to sell my book for RM1 so that everyone can afford it and read more books,” Aayushi
The first edition of Unicorn and Little Amanda was published as an e-book on Amazon last year. This year, Aayushi’s mother took the next step by bringing her daughter’s work into the physical world. The book is now available for purchase in print through Sunshine Tales Publishing on Lazada for RM25.
Despite this, Aayushi dreams of selling her books for just RM1 to ensure they are accessible to all children. Her mother reassures her that this dream will come true one day. This desire to make her book accessible to all children, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, underscores Aayushi’s generous spirit and her passion for sharing stories.
In a gesture of gratitude, her parents donated Unicorn and Little Amanda to Raja Tun Uda Library, which has been her sanctuary, providing countless books that fuelled her passion for reading. Her mother recalls weekly trips to the library, where they would borrow up to 60 books at a time, and yearly hauls of around 1,000 books, often purchased during their monthly visits to BookXcess.
Last Christmas, Aayushi’s mother gifted her 70 books, a testament to the unwavering support and encouragement from her family.
Aayushi’s achievements do not stop at her first book as she has written three more books, all set to be published soon. Her next work, titled Save the Earth, is inspired by her concern for the environment and aims to educate children about the importance of recycling.
Despite her young age, Aayushi’s vision extends far beyond the pages of her books.She is determined to inspire other young children to embrace reading and creativity.
The grand book launch and presentation of the Malaysia Book of Records certificate were officiated by Sentosa assemblyman Dr. G. Gunaraj, who praised Aayushi’s achievement as an inspiration to other young Malaysians.
“Aayushi has set a new standard for young children. At just 8 years old, she has achieved something truly remarkable, demonstrating that age is no barrier to greatness,
“Her dedication to reading and writing serves as an example for all young Malaysians to follow,” he added.
Aayushi’s story is one of passion, creativity, and the support of a community dedicated to nurturing young talent. As she continues to write and share her stories, Aayushi hopes to inspire other children to embrace reading and creativity, proving that age is no barrier to achieving great things. – August 11, 2024