by Jennifer Kent
BEERWAH student Lincoln Rawlins is preparing to launch his debut book, Sprout’s Idea, at the tender age of eight. Not only that, but the young go-getter sought the backing of international bestselling author Andy Griffiths.
Earlier this year Lincoln was asked by his guitar teacher to prepare a story that would inspire hope for a brighter future. It was while preparing for an upcoming speaking event, where he was to share his story with over 100 people, this deep-thinking young man created a whole new world centred around Sprout, a seedling who inspired much older forest trees to work together to overcome a veil of negativity that had plagued their home.
“There were so many people who came up to me and said they loved the story and how it would make a great book, so I decided to do it,” he said.
Lincoln worked hard to refine the story over eight versions with the help of Sunshine Coast author Kellie Byrnes and his mum, award-winning writing mentor Roxanne McCarty-O’Kane.
Sprout was then brought to life by Sydney-based illustrator Cara Ord in a process that took just under five months to complete.
Lincoln said it is his hope that anyone who reads Sprout’s Idea will think about the words they speak and their actions towards others. The story of hope, teamwork, combatting negative with positive and kindness was highlighted through the main character’s interaction with the story’s villain – Shade Man.
It was the latter that caught the attention of Andy Griffiths, who declared, “I love a good villain and there is no one as villainous as Shade Man.”
Roxanne, who has been ghostwriting nonfiction books for five years was ecstatic when her son showed an interest in becoming an author himself, sharing that Lincoln is proof that anyone can harness the power of story to make a difference in the world.
Lpies of Sprout’s Idea are available for pre-order at www.sproutsidea.com, with the offical launch held in August.
A dollar from every copy of Sprout’s Idea will be donated to Greening Australia.