Mangaluru: In an inspiring celebration of young literary talent, eight-year-old Scarlett Rodrigues launched her debut book, The Wonderful World of Scarlett, at the Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, on Thursday, July 16, coinciding with the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
The book launch highlighted Scarlett’s extraordinary achievement at an age when many children spend their free time on television or mobile devices. Instead, the young student has channelled her love for reading into writing and publishing her own collection of original stories and poems.
Scarlett, a student of St. Theresa’s School, Mangaluru, has completed Class II and recently entered Class III. She is the daughter of Shreesha and Noel Rodrigues of Kulshekar.
Love for reading inspires young author
Scarlett’s literary journey began when she was just a year old, as her mother introduced her to books through daily storytelling sessions. Over the years, she developed a keen interest in reading and immersed herself in the works of celebrated children’s authors such as Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss, Eric Litwin, James Dean, and Julia Donaldson. She also memorised poems by William Wordsworth and Edward Lear.
Her passion for books helped her excel in the Spell Bee examination and eventually inspired her to create her own stories and poems, culminating in the publication of The Wonderful World of Scarlett.
The book was developed with guidance and encouragement from Excel – Institute of Excellence, where her creative writing skills were nurtured.
‘An inspiration to today’s children’
Releasing the book, Rev. Fr. Stifan Perera, OCD, Director of the Infant Jesus Shrine, lauded Scarlett’s accomplishment and described it as a source of inspiration for children and parents alike.
He observed that while many children spend their holidays watching television or scrolling through mobile phones, Scarlett chose to read, imagine, and write creatively. He said her achievement demonstrates how cultivating a love for reading from an early age can unlock children’s talents and shape their future.
Fr. Perera also emphasised the vital role parents play in fostering creativity by encouraging reading habits from childhood.
Book launch aligns with Mount Carmel celebration theme
The launch gained added significance as it formed part of the Shrine’s Mount Carmel celebrations, which this year centred on the theme, “Our Lady of Mount Carmel: A Mother for the Digital Generation.”
Scarlett’s journey from an enthusiastic reader to a published young author reflected the message of the celebration by showcasing how children can balance technology with imagination, creativity, and a lifelong love for learning.
Among those present were Rev. Fr. Jocy Siddakatte, OCD, Editor of Naman Ballok Jesu, Scarlett’s mother Mrs. Shreesha Rodrigues, and members of the Shrine community, who congratulated the young author on her remarkable achievement.