Bob the Prawn - School Speech Converted

An Ōmokoroa boy Aedan Smart who turned his Year Four school speech into a fun and loveable children’s book about fishing, is set to officially share his creation with budding young readers. Available online from www.chooice.co.nz, Bob the Prawn is an amusing tale about the circle of life under the sea. Suitable for children up to eight years of age, the book follows Bob the Prawn, Sammie the Snapper, and Marino the Mako Shark as they encounter nature’s lively aquatic lifecycle.

Bob the Prawn originally started life out as a Year Four school speech at Ōmokoroa No.1 Primary School in the Western Bay of Plenty. Written in 2020, when Aedan was eight, the speech was a firm favourite with fellow classmates and eventually took its creator through to the finals. Now aged 10, Aedan sold out his first print run of 150 copies in 2021 and can proudly call himself a self-made publisher.“

----- Advertisement -----

Mum always thought my speech would make a good book,” says Aedan. “Then when we got stuck at home during lockdown last year, we had lots of spare time, so decided to give it a go.” The first print run was snapped up last Christmas by family, friends, and connections for Santa sacks nationwide.

Aedan Smart (10) with Bob the Prawn, a children’s story that started life as a speech for his school’s competition.

Copies even made their way to some of the young patients spending Christmas in Starship hospital. Featuring themes of diversity, conservation, and storylines that promote a love of reading, Bob has quickly become a firm favourite with young fans and their parents. Their encouragement and feedback have given Aedan the confidence to print a second run.

----- Advertisement -----

Modifying the original speech into a book meant some of the content was adapted to appeal to wider audiences. However, much of the original speech and characters remain. Finding an affordable way of illustrating the story was made easy thanks to the online freelance app Fiverr. Collaborating with popular children’s book illustrators, Tuly Akter, Bob the Prawn was given beautiful visuals and translated into a bright and colourful underwater-themed book.

Owner of one of New Zealand’s most loved outdoor brands, Stoney Creek, Brent McConnell was also happy to support Aedan’s endeavours. “We are forever on the hunt for innovative new ways of thinking that inspire a passion for the outdoors,” says Brent. “Aedan has used his creative flair to think outside the box. It’s a great skill to have. No doubt he will inspire other Kiwi kids to get out and enjoy fishing in our great outdoors.”

Most recently, Bob the Prawn has been busy swimming its way across international borders. In September last year, copies of the book were presented to potential future exchange students in Japan and Korea courtesy of Aedan’s school principal, Craig Pentercost.

Aedan pictured with one of his big catches from last summer.

Mr Pentecost featured in the original school speech but was ceremoniously ‘dumped’ in favour of the book’s published teacher Ms. Snappity-Snap.“ Bob the Prawn has taken the traditional school speech to a new level of excitement for students,” says Craig.“

Using authentic content in a different context, Aedan has applied his speech writing to opportunities outside of the classroom on a pathway with a global platform. It has inspired other students to think differently about their own creative writing.”

Last year Aedan donated $550 raised from his first round of book sales to the school. It was a much appreciated donation at a time many fundraising events had to be cancelled. Copies of the book are now a popular loan in the school library. A second print run of books is available to buy online with Kiwi-owned global marketplace Chooice.

Aeden is planning on using the profits from his book sales to help support his passion for the outdoors, including hunting and fishing, following the Black Caps, and karting.

To purchase a copy click here!