At the age of nine, Sofia Chen made history in 2017 by becoming the youngest Singaporean author to land a major publishing deal in the United States – with a Lego how-to activity book. And it all began because she simply wanted to help her six-year-old sister, who has Down Syndrome, build brick toys.
Sofia is the young co-author and co-designer of Amazing Animals: Creative Brick Building with Step-by-Step Ideas. Published by Post Hill Press and distributed by Simon & Schuster, it is the first title in a brick building series for children aged four and above and will be officially launched worldwide in May 2018.
The book, which is not officially endorsed by Lego, contains simple-to-follow instructions on how to create 30 animal characters.
The book was an equal collaboration between young Sofia and avid brick builder Paul Bacio. After her “Uncle Paul” designed the animals, Sofia would step in to offer suggestions and tweaks. Most importantly, she was able to streamline the instructions to make it easier for young children to follow.
Sofia’s brick-building passion stems not just from the fact that she’s surrounded by Lego enthusiasts at home but also because technology isn’t allowed. For her mother, Sofia’s brick-building adventures have been truly heartwarming, not least because it has been truly a family affair, with her affection for Natalie at the core.
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Source: Channel NewsAsia, 3 April 2018