Authors Lashai, 12, and Tray-Sean Ben Salmi, seven, with their book which helps youngsters who want to be successful

Ilford brother and sister pen book inspiring other youngsters to follow their dreams

by Amanda Nunn Sunday, July 1, 2012
4:00 PM

Two children have published a personal development book hoping to inspire other youngsters to achieve their dreams.

Lashai and Tray-Sean Ben Salmi of Eton Road, Ilford, received the first copy of their book on Monday.

The book, entitled Kidz that Dream Big! – Essential tips on how to have fun! dream big! and make money doing what you love, provides practical tips on achieving your goals.

Lashai, 12, said: “When I received my copy I was really excited. I was really pleased it was finally here.”

The book gives advice on how to apply for grants and turn hobbies into businesses by setting up websites.

After her mother Sabrina published a book last year, Lashai said she wanted to do the same.

“I was inspired by my mum’s book and wanted to say I’m a published author and especially to give children a way to access the information,” she added.

The book draws on her own experience of being frightened going to conferences and people not taking her ideas seriously because of her age.

“I was bullied at school which helped my awareness and that cannot stop you from achieving what you want to achieve and it’s given me more ideas on how to help kids to dream big,” she said.

After she started writing it her younger brother Tray-Sean wanted to help.

He said: “I just wanted to help her, she was doing it and I wanted to take part. I was amazed when it arrived on Monday. I was shocked.”

Lashai received the Black Young Achievers Award in 2011 and has an anti-bullying app coming out called Red Card It!

She was also a monthly winner of the 2011/12 Recorder/Redbridge Rotary Club Young Citizen Award, sponsored by Exchange Ilford.

The paperback at £7.99 and e-edition £5.99.

More information is available at www.lashaibensalmi.co.uk.