For many aspiring writers, having their work published is a lifelong goal, but for one special young author, it’s something to tick off even before she reaches her teenage years.
Tino Makonise, 12, wrote her children’s book Single Drop Of Water while on holiday in her home country of Zimbabwe in 2010, and just two years later it was published.
The Cardinal Newman student, who lives in the Icknield area of Luton, said she has always enjoyed writing stories.
Tino said: “I have always been interested in reading and writing and I really enjoyed thinking of this story. I am working on a new one at the moment.”
Tino, who has two brothers and a sister, said her current favourite author is Jacqueline Wilson.
It was Tino’s grandmother who encouraged her to keep working on her book, but she sadly passed away before it was published.
Mum Patience Tagaria said: “I am really proud of Tino because when you read what she’s written, there is a lot of imagination in there and good grammar – I could not have done this when I was her age. I read it and just thought ‘wow’.”