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Cheltenham BOY Spark’s a Storytelling Revolution
Mother Led, Child Powered
CHELTENHAM —A Cheltenham lad and his spirited platypus sidekick are inspiring a storytelling revolution, proving that every child can be the hero of their own tale. The Adventures of Gabriel, co-authored by 11-year-old Gabriel Khan and his mother, Kate Markland, has capt...
May 28, 2025
Platy's Press
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The book reinforces beautiful values such as self-belief and trust. It inspires children to be resilient, and not give up, and that goals can be achieved with perseverance.”
____ A Mum
I read this book with my eight-year-old daughter. We both loved Gabriel and Platys adventures which were fun and exciting. The underlying message from each story shone through with clarity.
____ A Mum
To Gabriel, thank you. Your book filled my mind with imagination.
__Ava, aged 9
A really uplifting book with fun, fantastic adventures and beautiful illustrations.
____ A Mum
Having been a counsellor and psychotherapist working with children as well as adults for many years, I know that the most significant story is the one we tell ourselves and the agency we feel over writing our own future.
_ Cat Williams
I love the pictures and the story is fantastic.
__Emma, aged 7
Children will love interacting with the stories and can use them as a springboard for their own adventures. Teachers will have in their hands a powerful teaching resource that they can use in so many ways. More importantly, anything that encourages a love of writing needs to be cherished. As a plus, there is a colouring book to further encourage your child's creativity.
____ Educationist
Who would step off the page if you were free to write your own next chapters and to dream?
____ Cat Williams
I have in my hands this beautiful book created by a 10 year old, a mum and a granddad. I have spent my life working in education. These stories are the result of a much deeper relationship between mum and son. Together they have found a novel way to write about love, feelings, resilience and hardship, always believing in the power to overcome adversity, no matter what.
____ Educationist
My granddaughter loved the book at first sight. I wonder what they will want to do in their own "adventures."
We will ask them when we next meet up. Well done!
__A Grandad
Gabriel and Kate perfectly illustrate the power of storytelling to “step off the page” and into your own imaginative world where healing and empowerment can be found, in-spite of, or even because of, your every day circumstances.
____ Cat Williams
Working with Kate was an absolute pleasure. The workshop was incredibly child-friendly. Initially, we were unsure how the children would respond to a ‘less structured’ writing approach, but the experience proved to be motivating, encouraging autonomy and creativity.
The session was well-planned and organised. It encouraged them to think and write like real authors, valuing their own stories as well as each other’s.
We would absolutely recommend this workshop. Thank you again for such a wonderful experience!
__A Head of English