Taking A Leaf Out Of Their Book
By Mitch Catlin
Having met through mutual 21st birthday celebrations in Adelaide’s close-knit Greek community, and now 16 years later and both aged 37, and yet to have children of their own, it is hard to believe that this kids story isn’t some far-fetched fairy tale. In fact, these two great mates have significantly turned the page on a new way for children to learn and both parents and educators are taking notice. After more than two years of research, development and plant cultivation, Anthony Savas and Elias Anargyros have launched Australia’s first locally created plantable children’s book range by bringing storytelling and sustainability together.
“Being in the garden with our parents and grandparents was just a beautiful part of growing up. Screens weren’t prevalent. We spent a lot of time outside,” says Savas. It was these happy times in the outdoors that helped plant the seed for Savas to reach out to Anargyros to flesh out his idea and help children reconnect with nature and learn about the environment. “We regressed back to our childhood and we remembered alliteration,” says Anargyros. What followed was the introduction of Tommy the Tomato, Cara the Carrot and Leah the Lettuce – the first three books in the series from Sprout Story. “It was a pure joint venture with the characters,” says Anargyros.
After reading the books, the kids tear out a page, soak it in water, plant it in soil and then watch as the seeds, embedded in the biodegradable paper, begin to sprout in the backyard. “Backyard and planting veggies was a backdrop for both of our families. It taught us connection, patience and learning by doing. There are life lessons in these books for kids,” says Savas. Catholic, Lutheran and independent schools are the next focus for the pair. “It would be a no-brainer for us to roll-out across schools,” says Anargyros88. Teacher guides are already being developed to be included in early curriculum. The books are suitable for kids aged between four and nine years of age and are bound with natural cotton thread and printed with eco-friendly soy-based inks on FSC-certified paper.
“There is already an expansion of our business91. We have written stories for three herbs and three flowers92. We feel that it could enter the theatrical and small screen space because I feel children could grow with the characters as they evolve,” says Savas93. Toys, puzzles, food products, recipes, make-up, jewellery, and fashion – all locally-made – are on the horizon94. Look out, Wiggles! “ When the seed paper gets ripped out, the book is still a book96. And therefore, the series can continue,” says Savas97. Right now, Western Australians and Tasmanians are unable to purchase the books because of bio-diversity laws, but that will likely change at some stage during the year.
