Writing could be Laetitia Tan’s superpower – words have been tumbling out of the 18-year-old Millwater resident since she was a child.
“She was constantly writing,” her mother Valentina says.
Initially it was a stream of stories, with little punctuation or spelling, but it was clear that Laetitia, who has Down Syndrome, has a great imagination and loves to write.
She worked on her grammar and punctuation with her speech and language therapist, and says getting that right was the hardest part of writing her first book – a story for Primary-aged children called The Awesome Superheroes – The Bank Robbery.
Writing the book was a challenge that Laetitia set herself, and the characters came from her love of superheroes.
It tells the story of three superheroes, including German Shepherd dog Max (who can fly), who track down some outlaws who rob a bank and also steal milkshakes. It is illustrated by family friend Jacob Copper.
Laetitia gifted copies to local Primary schools and has recently given talks about her book. She says one of the best things is seeing people’s reaction to the story.
“They love the way I describe what my characters are doing, and my sense of humour,” Laetitia says.
She is already thinking about her next book.
The book is dedicated to Laetitia’s family, friends, therapists and educators “who have given her the priceless gift of believing in herself” and also to other families who have a loved one with Down Syndrome.
The Awesome Superheroes – The Bank Robbery is available from Never Ending Books in Orewa, or look for The Awesome Superheroes Facebook page.
