My name is Atala Amara. I was born, and lived in Kenya for the first 8 years of my life, then moved to Uganda until the age of 19. In my personal life, I have been blessed with a wonderful husband, 4 lovely girls, and 5 ‘great’ grandchildren. Professionally, I am a primary school teacher, living and working in England.
My writing journey, I’d have to say, began a long time ago, when as a child of only 6 years, I preferred to stay indoors and read, rather than play outside with other children. This continued right through my teenage years. I loved most books and enjoyed poetry immensely! I’d always imagined writing books for children, but the idea took hold when, as a teacher, I began to notice areas where poetry could be used to foster a love of reading in children. Rhythm and rhyme have always appealed to me: the sense of fun they bring to a story!
I found that this, coupled with a love of words, could be used to encourage children to read through a sense of playfulness. As a Christian, I realized too, that here was an opportunity to bring Bible stories to children in a way they can relate to: relevant to the 21st century, without altering the fabric of the stories.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son was always a favourite of mine, so I chose this as my first story.
It is a tale of a father’s unconditional love and forgiveness. A wayward son, who, to the disgust of his older brother, and sorrow of his father, decides to leave home for adventure. He soon realizes, however, that he has made a terrible mistake and seeks forgiveness from his father.
The Parable Poetry Learning Series is also designed to address aspects of the English curriculum children will meet at school, with information for parents, and activities for children at the back of the book.
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