It’s a challenge for Cedric the centipede to keep his footwear in check, but it pales in comparison to the challenge faced by anyone diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Cedric is a children’s book character that was born in the mind of newly published Shepparton author Kaitlyn Kelly seven years ago, when one of her besties, Sal, was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease.
Kelly said she knew very little about the condition at the time, but knew she wanted to help her friend in a way she did know how.
“My vision was to write and publish a story and donate the proceeds to her cause,” she said.
While Cedric’s Lost Shoe — also featuring Cedric’s mates Seth the snake, Terrance the toucan and Garry the gorilla, to name a few — was written seven years ago on her phone, it wasn’t until seven months ago Kelly found an illustrator she symphonised with.
The experienced anonymous artist also helped walk her through her first publishing journey.
The heartwarming book tells the tale of Cedric’s cheerful adventure through the jungle to find his lost shoe.
Kelly said the story taught young readers about kindness, problem solving and the joy of helping others, targeted mainly at the three- to 10-year-old age bracket.
Hoping to see her creation in libraries, classrooms and included in next year’s MS Readathon, Kelly is keen to do readings, author talks and book signings to promote the book.
But none of it will be for personal gain.
“I’m not even going to take back the money I’ve invested into it; everything that comes in will be donated directly to MS Australia because I’ve seen the great work they do helping people with MS,” Kelly said.
“I like helping people, that’s what I do, so this was a big thing for me.”
Kelly said she would be grateful to raise any amount for the organisation, but had her sights set on a figure of $5000 in the first 12 months.
“People raise more from a GoFundMe campaign, but with this, people get something in return for their donation,” she said.
“Being published this close to Christmas is perfect, as it makes a great present.”
In a cute, interactive twist, the last two pages of the book are colouring pages so the reader can help to “finish the story”.
Cedric’s Lost Shoe is available on paperback or Kindle through Amazon.
An official book launch will be held at the Shepparton library from 10.30am on Tuesday, December 2.
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