I Want to Be a Rock Star, the first book in a new self-published children’s series by Mary Anastasiou, engages with young minds to help them discover music and develop a greater interest in pursuing it.
Presenting an opportunity to expand children’s knowledge, as well as excite them about their future potential, I Want to Be a Rock Star is a response to the increasingly visible impact of society’s “insta-fame” culture on the next generation.
“As a young adult I sang in bands and developed a strong love of music. However, the idea for I Want to Be a Rock Star was really ignited when I became aware of the impact that reality talent shows were having on kids,” said Anastasiou. “I wanted to show kids that there is more to music that just being famous.”
Brought to life by vibrant, captivating and playful illustrations from Anil Tortop, Anastasiou’s narrative endeavours to create a conversation surrounding the different ways children can realise their dreams.
“Do they want to be a country music singer, a DJ or a saxophonist in a jazz band? I want this book to open up kids’ minds to an industry that tends to get wrapped up in stereotypes. There are so many different paths they can take.”
Additionally, Anastasiou is also passionate about the importance of parents taking time to read with their children.
A study from the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research found that reading to younger children every day has a significant positive effect on their reading skills and cognitive skills later in life and puts them almost a year ahead of those who are not being read to.
“Not only is reading important to the development of children’s intellect, comprehension and creativity, in my opinion it also helps to build an invaluable bond between parent and child by opening up various channels of communication,” said Anastasiou.
Suitable for kids aged from 5-10 years, I Want to Be a Rock Star will be the first of a series of career focused books including I Want to Be a Movie Star, I Want to Be a Sports Star and I Want to Be an Artist.
I Want to Be a Rock Star can be purchased online for $25 via Amazon, Barnes & Nobel and Booktopia as well as through the Lil Rebel website (www.lilrebel.com.au).
A portion of sales of Lil Rebel publications will be donated to various children’s charities across Australia.
We have three copies of I Want to Be a Rock Star to giveaway. Simply email info@onyamagazine.com with the subject line ‘Rock Star’ and your name and postal address. Winners will be selected at random and notified via email on Friday September 2nd, 2016.