Lisburn woman pens children’s book with message of kindness

During the Covid-19 lockdown, many people were enjoying spending time with their family, or developing a new skill. For Lisburn woman Lindsay Pollock, she merged these two things and decided to pen a book for her children.
Evie, Arthur and Elsie enjoying their mum's bookEvie, Arthur and Elsie enjoying their mum's book
Evie, Arthur and Elsie enjoying their mum's book

Entitled, ‘Zilly Zebra’. the book, which was illustrated by Lindsay’s brother Gareth, shares the message of the importance of kindness.

“I was inspired by the ‘be kind’ movement after Caroline Flack took her own life,” explained Lindsay, who works in the Three Store in the Bow Street Mall in Lisburn. “Suicide in Northern Ireland, especially amongst young people, is rising at an alarming rate.

“I have three small children, Evie, Elsie and Arthur, and I wanted them to know that people can say horrible things, but we are all different and should treat everyone with kindness because you don’t know what that person is facing in their life. I think if we can teach our children to build each other up and believe in themselves this could have a massive impact on their future.

Lindsay and her brother GarethLindsay and her brother Gareth
Lindsay and her brother Gareth

“Zilly Zebra has a poignant message in today’s society and would be suitable for children of any age. It would also be good for anyone who has difficulty with speech or even a visible disability.”

During the lockdown Lindsay and her brother Gareth decided to come together, albeit from a considerable distance as Gareth lives in Melbourne, Australia, and create the book, which has now been self published. “My mum has always encouraged us to write and draw,” continued Lindsay. “Gareth and I were born just 13 months a part, he is my best friend as well as my brother and it’s been really great creating this with him.”

Explaining the story and the message behind ‘Zilly Zebra’, Lindsay said: “The story features Zilly the handsome zebra who is prejudged on his appearance, with his anxiety being mistaken as arrogance. He meets a handicapped crocodile in distress named Connie and together they realise that our differences, which can’t always be seen, are what make us unique. It is a story which highlights the importance of showing kindness to others because you may not know what struggles they are facing.”

Lindsay published the book herself and within a short period of time, the first run of the book had sold out, with a second print run already in the works. “I am so excited to say that I have sold out in just a couple of days,” continued Lindsay. “The support and all the wonderful reviews we have received has been amazing.

Zilly ZebraZilly Zebra
Zilly Zebra

“I am so happy that the message of the book is shining through and I hope it provokes a conversation with all your little people about kindness regardless of our differences. As a mother it is always a worry what people might say to your children or even what they might say to someone else, so I wanted them to realise that the things you say, and how you treat people can have a lasting effect. This is why it is important to be kind and know that everyone has struggles.”