Dehradun, 8 Oct: Why does a Cactus want a hug? He is alone in the desert with only spiky plants like him to keep him company. He wants to be loved and accepted like all. Mount Fort Academy had Neil Flory, a prolific writer of children’s books, visit the school, here, today.
He interacted with students from Grades III to XII and answered a variety of questions put forward by them. The book, ‘Cactus Wants A Hug’, written by him has won him accolades far and wide. The other book, titled ‘The Short Giraffe’, is also well loved by children not only in India but around the globe.
The students sang a song with him “Cactus Wants a Hug” which was created by him. The student body gathered around Flory to hear his enjoyable stories which were not only funny but wise too. In his interaction he laid emphasis on the fact that all children should be allowed to ride the horses of their ‘imagination’ which in turn would lead to creativity and originality of thoughts being generated in their young minds. He reiterated that, if children only watch pre-scripted screen shows then their minds are channelised to think in a specific direction and manner, wherein the originality of thoughts is lost. A child’s mind should be let free to imagine and create, and schools as well as homes play a very crucial role in getting children to enjoy reading and listening to stories. He emphasised the importance of reading books as it enhances the power of imagination. He also encouraged children to buy books and create their own library. He brought to the forefront the fact that it is heartening to see the Indian community opening its arms and hearts to welcome children and their books into their realm on an equal platform. He stressed upon the fact that he loves to interact with children and creating story books for them gives him a delight which cannot be compared with anything else in this world.
He blessed the students of Mount Fort Academy and wished them good luck. He told them to put pen to paper if they want to be writers in their adult life. “Good or not good is beside the point!”
