children’s story free of charge, and it is currently available online and downloadable on Amazon for Kindle for just 75p. “My grandchildren are the right age to enjoy this story, that’s why I wanted to have it published as soon as possible, before they grew out of it.” She is expecting to hold a book launch in Gibraltar this spring, with hard copies in full colour selling for £4.99. It is indeed value for money, considering the high quality of the shots and the extraordinary insight that they afford into an ordinary event which, for its own nature is meant to usually unfold discreetly tucked away from our prying eyes. Not only children will stand agape in awe at the rhombusshaped yellowish beaks of the little fluffy black and white chicks, but adults too will enjoy a quick revision of high school biology notions. Kate is a former librarian who worked in public libraries with children at first, and in further education later, so she is no new-
comer to the wonderful world of books. Long time consumer, this is her first time as a producer of literature, and she enjoyed the rollercoaster ride so much she is already planning a second instalment soon, family commitments permitting. Kate is also the mastermind behind Good News Week Blog, where she posts world good news to balance the negativity that makes headlines nowadays in the international media. “I was told once that it makes more noise a single tree falling than an entire forest growing, and so we often forgot to focus on positive events. But being bombarded with bad news just triggers more negativity and people may become either withdrawn or unsympathetic.”
GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2013
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The idea came about just after the Mayan prophecy frenzy in 2012, when Kate’s young daughter-in-law pointed out how much unnecessary violence we’re fed daily by the news. Kate realised that newspapers must marry objective information with a sprinkle of sensationalism if they want to keep ahead of the competition and sell more copies. That’s why doomsday headlines catch the eye more than refreshing stories about the decrease of acute poverty in developing countries, benefactor millionaires, octogenarians conquering the Everest or cheese-made electricity! Steve and Kate moved to Gibraltar in spring 2010 after they fell in love with the Rock during a trip down to memory lane for Kate who spent part of her childhood
I was told once that it makes more noise a single tree falling than an entire forest growing, and so we often forgot to focus on positive events
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here, when her father was posted with the Navy. “It was before the frontier closure and I have good memories of my time here. One of my sisters was born here. What I love about Gibraltar now is the fact it is a village, a capital and a country at the same time, and there is so much to do and enjoy, but everything is still within walking distance.” They are staunch Jools Holland’s fans, so they return every year to their last hometown Brighton to attend his concerts. They were over the moon last October, when Jools Holland performed in Gibraltar for the International Jazz Festival. She recalls, her eyes sparkling: “The band got the audience on their feet, dancing and clapping. The feel-good factor was palpable. Even the guitarist was smiling at the good vibe emanating from the audience. It truly was a magical night.” n To order your copy of Little Bird Lost, check out the website www.littlebirdlost. co.uk and Kate’s blog http://goodnewsweekblog.wordpress.com.
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