A charming new children’s book is stepping off the page and onto the stage this weekend as Ila’s Adventures, written and illustrated by Keya Punja, launches alongside a special choreographed performance for young audiences by the Origins Dance Company.
Ila’s Adventures follows a little mouse named Ila, who becomes lost in the woods. Unable to find her way home, she befriends woodland creatures who help her not only navigate the forest but also learn lessons about kindness and trusting her instincts.
For Punja, the book marks a new creative direction. While much of her writing has previously been aimed at older readers, including short stories published on her blog and a longer work currently in progress, creating a children’s book pushed her into new territory.
“I’ve always been fascinated by creative processes,” Punja explains. “Most of my writing is geared toward an older audience, so creating a children’s book was a step out of my comfort zone. Engaging young readers requires constant attention, so I decided to illustrate the book myself. Doing so helped me stay close to the story and keep the plot simple and clear.”
Punja cites the gentle storytelling tradition of Beatrix Potter as an inspiration for crafting a woodland tale filled with curious animals and a quiet sense of adventure.
The book itself is a tactile labour of love. Each illustration was created using the lino-print technique, giving the pages a distinctive handmade quality. While the story’s characters are drawn from typical English woodland wildlife, the production of the book is proudly local.
“All the illustrations were created using lino print,” Punja says. “I was fortunate to find a talented local artist making his own lino sheets here in Kenya. Sourcing materials locally felt really important to me — I love supporting local businesses and artisans.”
The launch also celebrates a new collaboration with the dance world. Juliet Duckworth of The Academy of Dance and Art has adapted the story into a contemporary dance piece for children, performed by Origins Dance Company. Through movement, music and playful choreography, the production brings Ila’s woodland journey to life on stage.
It’s not the first time Punja has worked with Duckworth and her company. She previously collaborated with Origins on the scripting of Voulez-Vous, the company’s cabaret-inspired burlesque production.
The result is a delightful outing for families: a chance to discover Ila’s story in book form and then watch it unfold through dance. With woodland creatures, lively choreography and plenty of imagination, the event promises a magical introduction to storytelling for young readers, and a lovely afternoon out for parents, too.