A Kiki & Friends Story. Book 1:
“A Case of Mistaken Identity”
Suitable for readers aged 6 to 8 years old
Promoting the benefits of self-belief from the teachings of martial arts
Here is a media kit for the first Kiki and Friends book: “A Case of Mistaken Identity“.
If you check this out it will basically save you from having to read it all – and then make you want to read it! Well, that is if you’re a child in years or at heart!
WHO THIS IS FOR
Are you a parent, carer or guardian of a child? Then you might already be aware of the toll modern society is taking on our youngsters.
Here are some shocking statistics (England, 2017, source NHS)).
- 1 in every 8 children (aged between 5 and 19) in England had a mental disorder in 2017 – that is 12.8% of our young people.
- Emotional disorders have become more common in 5 to 15-year-olds – going from 4.3% in 1999 to 5.8% in 2017.
- Preschool: 1 in every 18 preschool children had at least one mental disorder in 2017 – that is 5.5%, that is too high.
- 5.6% of young women aged 17 to 19 suffered from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- 25.5% of 11 to 16-year-olds with a mental disorder had self-harmed or attempted suicide
For more information on the state of our children’s mental health you can read more here.
Not only are our youngsters suffering from mental illnesses, studies have identified other areas of concern – some of which are connected:
- lack self-esteem
- have low self-worth
- feel lonely
- are overweight
- have trouble focusing
Q&A: HOW KIKI CAN HELP OUR CHILDREN?
Kiki will help move your child from a place of isolation and insecurity to being a confident, happy and healthy individual ready to live a full life.
Q. You state that your goal is to help children believe in themselves. How can Kiki help instil self-belief when reading “A Case of Mistaken Identity”?
A. The story shows how a small unassuming girl-cat can take on any situation and use her patience, mind and martial arts skills to help her friends and outwit the bad guys – without aggression. Plus, because she’s a personified cat, the negative self-image issues of weight, etc. young girls are often victim of do not come into play here.
Q. You touch upon some important values in the book and claim the book can help children understand how important it is to tell the truth, the value of loyalty and friendship, teamwork and self-belief. Just how does it do this?
A. In this first book, young readers they will witness how the characters found strength in solidarity, by telling the truth, versus chaos, indecision and hurt when they were divided and not honest. Plus, the books will accompany them from a young age with the illustrated versions, making the characters a trusted part of their world. They will then empathise strongly with the characters as they grow up.
Q. What made you choose martial arts? Why do you think this should be promoted among youngsters when it is a form of fighting?
A. When I was growing up, I was always in awe of the likes of Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris. What they achieved with their concentration and physical abilities was amazing. They were like real-life superheroes to me. I experienced Martial Arts first hand rather late in life when I was seeking to recover from a dark period in my life. It gave me confidence, discipline and reward. I was rewarded with my own progress and the values it instilled in me. Even more-so perhaps by the respect and attitude of the youngsters who also trained with me. From the ninja tots to the moody teenagers, once they were on that dojo they felt empowered, they moved like well-oiled machines, showed deference and respect to others at all times and were constantly seeking to better themselves. They carried that drive and confidence off the dojo as well. With parents being increasingly busy at work and the digital world creeping into the lives of our youngsters, the framework and teachings of Martial Arts is as applicable to day as it was hundreds of years ago. Plus, it does not condone violence. On the contrary, martial art advocates peace over fighting.
Martial Arts will help resolve the problems of obesity, lack of focus and self-worth. Being part of a club will help children feel less isolated and more confident by being socially interactive. Learning new skills is something they can be proud of. They will also learn respect for hierarchy as well as improve their concentration and levels of fitness.
Q. What other unique features does this book offer young readers? Something other than the serious issues of life and growing up.
A. I deliberately used famous artists names and literary figures for a lot of the main characters, for example the 3 brothers are called Edgar, Allen and Poe. This is to help them become familiar with such names at an early age. not to mention that one of the major and most lovable characters, Piero, is Italian. The Italian culture has played a huge part in my life and I wanted to share it with as many children as possible; to help them gain an appreciation for cultures other than their own, as well.
SUMMARY OF THEMES AND STORY
Chapter 1 Banjo’s got a girlfriend!
The importance of being honest. The themes of friendship and deceit are explored right from the outset. By trying to lie and hide things from his friend Kiki, Banjo ends up in a predicament.
The strength of friendship and loyalty. Through it all, Kiki is steadfast in wanting to help her friend. Piero is an outsider and becomes the victim of the deceit.
Chapter 2 The 10 o’clock headache
Dealing with a dilemma – seeking help. Unsure as to what to do, our protagonists seek outside help from an older, wiser cat. He advises them to tell the truth, but Banjo is too embarrassed, instead they opt for plan B.
During their meeting with the sage cat, they enter a more sombre, literary adult world reflective of the sage cat’s eponymous, flamboyant yet melancholy poet, Lord Byron; they are also introduced to his 3 sons who are constantly gaming.
Moving a sedentary youth to be more active. A hook for parents to relate to. Lord Byron takes this opportunity to get his sons to experience the outdoors and offers our protagonists their help. A message for kids to get off the sofa!
We now have an unlikely crew setting off on their first mission together.
Chapter 3 The crazy plan
Deceit breeds more deceit – how lying gets you into more trouble. The plan continues the theme of deceit through disguises and how this goes wrong – but in a fun way! We see how the team is starting to grow together, each with their own individual personality. The bad guys come onto stage: they are streetwise, not too menacing for the target audience but enough to play the villainous role.
Being quick and clever can help save the day – no need for violence. The enactment of the plan gives Kiki the opportunity to show the readers just how clever and quick she is as she saves the day.
Last Chapter Back at camp
What a tangled web of lies we weave – facing our fears. The problems are resolved in the final chapter.
The truth shall set you free. By being honest our protagonists have not only relieved themselves of their anxiety, they have also made someone else very happy and gained a new friend.
The theme of kindness and forgiveness are explored through Piero’s hurt feelings and ability to forgive.
Strength in teamwork and friendship. By working together, this new group of friends has gone out of their comfort zone, enjoyed themselves and are waiting, like the reader, for their next adventure!
A SAMPLE CHAPTER
Download Chapter 3 to see what crazy plan our heroes have cooked up!
