Moinul’s magical tales come to life

COLOURFUL creation . . . Moinul Islam and his new children’s book, Anisha’s Adventures

Daughter inspires father’s book

BEDTIME stories have turned a community stalwart into a children’s author.

Moinul Islam, from Chadderton, has published the colourful and creative book Anisha’s Adventures after being inspired by his daughter.

Like lots of parents, Mr Islam — a senior learning mentor at Oldham Academy North — reads to his six-year-old after tucking her up in bed.

But he would also make up his own tales that have become the basis of the book that he hopes will be the first in a series.

Mr Islam said: “Every time I told my daughter a story she would be the main character. I said one day I will write a story about you. I did not know that she would pester me for the next few months!”

Following the death of his father, Yusuf Ali, last year, Mr Islam came up with the idea of commemorating his memory in the book.

He said: “I had the perfect story to write that would incorporate Anisha’s grandfather, so he stays with her for the rest of her life.”

In the book, Anisha is given magical items by her grandparents — including a necklace that enables her to time travel and go back to the point that she put it on, meaning she never misses school or home. And a special camera prints out facts of everything she takes pictures of, giving the story an educational slant.

Anisha can travel anywhere — including other planets and under water — so the possibilities for her adventures are endless. She also has a flask and a lunchbox that are always full and her ordinary pony can transform into a flying horse.

Mr Islam said: “It’s a magical journey of adventure, discovery and learning. It’s very educational and about family as well.

“You can learn about different cultures depending on where she goes. The great thing about it is if you take away the magic it’s all facts and all real.

“Anisha has had her input as well. She loves it. She’s quite attached to it at the moment and wants lots of merchandise to go with it — such as a dolly and a lunchbox.”

Mr Islam created all the characters and then teamed up with illustrator Calvin Innes to bring them to life.

He has personally funded a print run of 2,500 copies, which are on sale for £5.99 from the website anishasadventures.com or on-line stores such as Amazon.

He is also giving around 500 copies to primary schools.

Mr Islam added: “It’s not a money-making adventure. I’m just glad that it’s out and will be out for a long time.

“I hope that if I can recoup the costs then I can work on the next one and do the same. I can see potential in cartoons to come from it.”

The married father of one is involved in a host of voluntary activities — from running free after-school classes and parenting groups to organising Kabaddi tournaments — and has previously been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

A launch event for the book takes place at Grange Arts Centre on Thursday, at 6pm, where Mr Islam will give a presentation.

To book a place e-mail Mr Islam at moinulislamr@yahoo.co.uk  or text to 07713-647494.