In a rare display of literary brilliance, Skyler Ndebvu, a Grade Six pupil at Sinoia Primary School, has published her debut children’s book, Tafara’s Wish.
The young author launched her book at a colourful event held at her school last week, earning admiration from teachers, parents and fellow learners.
The learner said she drew inspiration from her brother, Robson, who is passionate about public speaking and poetry.
“I want to thank my brother for inspiring me to write. I admire his public-speaking skills and that encourages me a lot. Thank you, brother,” she said with a smile.
The budding author, who also writes poetry, revealed that her next project, Echoes of Pain, was inspired by one of her poems titled Tears from an Abused Child.
The book is expected to be released early next year.
On balancing schoolwork and writing, Skyler said she dedicated weekends and early mornings to her craft.
“I write during weekends or early in the morning around 4am,” she said.
Explaining the theme of her debut novel, Skyler said she named the book Tafara’s Wish because she wanted her readers to feel happy and hopeful.
The story follows Tafara, a wealthy young man from Madziva, Guruve, who embarks on a daring quest to find a “long-lost wish” from a mystical old woman living in Chininga Forest.
His journey pits him against Chief Chitema, the antagonist who stole a precious map from Tafara’s parents, leading to their tragic deaths.
Skyler said she intentionally infused African elements into her story to give it a local flavour.
“At first, it was a Western-style adventure, but I later set it in an African context to promote our culture,” she said.
Skyler's editor, Aleck Kaposa, described her as a gifted storyteller and an avid reader. He noted that she is part of Creative Kids at Essentials, a mentorship programme nurturing young Zimbabwean writers.
“Skyler had written a beautiful story titled The Lost City with a Eurocentric touch about a lost treasure. We encouraged her to rework it with African names and settings, and the result was the captivating Tafara’s Wish. We’re proud that her book, now available on Amazon, was among three titles by Mashonaland West girls showcased during this year’s World Literacy Day commemorations in Harare,” Kaposa said.
As Skyler continues to balance school life with her blossoming literary journey, her next book, Echoes of Pain, promises to further establish her as one of Zimbabwe’s youngest and most promising writers.