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Author Bio

Words, art, and the wisdom to publish them—Gawri Manecuta does it all. She is an accomplished writer, illustrator, and self-publishing consultant with over two decades of experience; bringing stories to life.

Her passion for the written word began early, culminating in the compilation of her first cookbook at just thirteen years of age.

Born and raised in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, she later pursued higher education, earning a major in English Language from Stamford College and an LL.B (Hons.) from the University of London.

While her diverse writing portfolio spans multiple genres, her primary passion lies in creating impactful children’s literature.

(Her debut children’s book BUNICA’S TOMATOES was in the preliminary list of nominees for the 2014 Blue Spruce Award.)

A hands-on creator, she also serves as the artist for her projects, personally designing all of her book illustrations.

Under her independent imprint, Mirwag Inc., she leverages her extensive industry expertise to mentor aspiring authors.

An active and engaging community voice, she frequently speaks at schools, libraries, and horticultural societies and garden clubs.

Her interactive workshops and presentations empower the next generation to become both conscientious stewards of the future and skilled writers.

She resides in Oakville, ON with her husband, children, and their beloved Goldador.

 

Book Info:

• Title: Bunica’s Tomatoes
• Author: Gawri Manecuta
• Illustrations: Gawri Manecuta
• ISBN: 9780988047501
• Publisher: Mirwag Inc.
• Publication Date: August 2013
• Language: English
• Genre: Children’s fiction
• Audience: 0-12 years
• Format: 32 pages full colour/ 8” by 8”
• Price: $14.50 CAD

 

Available From

• Directly from the Author’s Imprint – Contact via e-mail
• Library Purchase through Whitehots and Library Bound
• A Different Booklist – Toronto
• Your local public library

 

Book Synopsis

Bunica’s Tomatoes is an all too familiar story of a plant growing from a seed into a majestic fruit-bearing tree. The story is set in a rustic Transylvanian village where time is preserved. A six-year-old girl witnesses the growing process with her three-year-old brother as told by their watchful, yet loving and fun grandmother.

The little girl anxiously waits for the moment when the harvest can be enjoyed. The child’s awe and wonder spill from every page of this vibrantly colourful and highly detailed illustrated book. The passing of the seasons, nature’s life cycle and the plants’ unabated evolution are all captured attentively, with each page  uncovering new wonders for readers to discover. The story ends with a strange magical twist where creation is revealed in an unlikely, yet charming way.

Bunica’s Tomatoes book trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbvULUPHbqk

 

What Inspired This Book

“I wrote this story for my son when he was three years old. I wanted to write and illustrate a book that appealed to all age groups, ethnicities and most importantly capture the awe in a child’s eyes. It seemed to have worked. People of all background and age are able to relate to this story. Children and adults alike love the colorful illustrations. I have achieved what I strived for in publishing this book the way I intended it to be.” —Gawri Manecuta

 

Reviews

“The magic of creation, the involvement of a grandmother and the amazement in a child’s eyes all come alive in this awe-inspiring tale for children and adults alike.”

“Tiny seeds in a pot  of soil, water sunshine and lots of tender, loving care are Bunica’s secrets. A grandchild’s awe and wonderspill from every page of this deliciously colorful and appealing tale.” Josie Di Sciascio-Andrews —Author of Sea Glass and The Whispers of Stone

“ It is truly refreshing and inspiring to come across this “magical” rustic tale of a grandmother’s love of gardening and her grandchild’s view of the elements. The author creatively and uniquely reintroduces a grandmother as she uses nature’s miraculous powers to turn a handful of seeds into large, luscious heirloom tomatoes.” Edward J. Mavrinac —Musician, Composer, Producer, Educator