Ten-year-old Kadii and her family returned to Techniquest over Christmas to showcase her first storybook, Kadii and the Techni-Bus, catch up with CEO Lesley Kirkpatrick, and try out some brand new exhibits.
Featuring Quentin Blake-inspired illustrations, the book details her first experience at our site, and the idea originated as a way to raise money for Techniquest through sales — and spread the word about us in her role as unofficial ambassador — so that other children might visit us, too.
On her most recent visit, the young writer spoke to us about her favourite part of the process, ideas for potential sequels, and the trials and tribulations of being a budding entrepreneur.
Here’s what she had to say:
Q: Firstly, congratulations on getting the book to print — can you tell us what it’s all about?
A: Thank you! It’s called Kadii and the Techni-Bus and it’s all about my experience at Techniquest and wanting to make a mobile science centre so that everyone can experience what I did.Q: And what was your favourite part about writing your first book?
A: I loved making all the sentences rhyme. We used my sister’s rhyme book to come up with some of them.Q: Since you loved the experience so much, have you planned a sequel or a new story entirely?
A: Yes! At the back of the Techni-Bus book I have a bunch of ideas for new books and how they might look.Q: We were sorry to hear you had some trouble with getting the book illustrated — do you mind telling us how you overcame that challenge?
A: We had found an illustrator to do the book, but we wanted it in the style of Quentin Blake because Roald Dahl is my favourite author.But the illustrator said she was moving on from drawing children’s books and decided not to carry on working with us, and we couldn’t get the money we paid them back.
Luckily, we found Kayla who is really good and they turned out great.
Q: That’s a relief, we’re so thankful that you were able to find such a talented artist. Can you tell us more about how you raised money to cover the cost of the book’s production?
A: My brother and sister and I set up a coffee body scrub business to pay for illustrations for the book, and we got the idea from the bath bomb workshop that we did the last time we visited Techniquest!Q: Wow, we’re honoured! And finally, since you’ve now tried all the new exhibits, which is your favourite and why?
A: My favourite was the Hot Air Balloon because you needed to be patient. But then afterwards, all the wait is worth it because it goes so high. It’s like an instant reward for your patience so I liked that most.
Following the release of Kadii and the Techni-Bus, we are hosting the family for a book launch at Techniquest during the half-term holidays, on the morning of the Friday 16 February, where you can meet Kadii and pick up a signed copy yourself.
We would once again like to congratulate Kadii on her amazing achievement, and thank the Hamilton family for their continued support of Techniquest.