A YOUNG author has been recognised with multiple awards for her books which have sold in three different continents.

Skyla van Niekerk, nine, a pupil at Canvey Junior School, was given two bestseller awards for her “Sandy’s Adventure” books.

Kerry van Niekerk, Skyla’s mother, said Skyla most enjoys non-fiction and literature, which helps her broaden her general knowledge.

She said: “She’s always had a passion for reading, she’s always enjoyed reading from a young age. She’s always got her nose in a book. There’s not a day that goes by that she’s not reading a book.

“My sister’s always had her nose in a book, so I think it runs in the family, I think she’s got that from them.

“If she can learn something new she will. She’s very into animals and anything she can learn from for her own general knowledge.

“It’s been absolutely lovely. It’s been so nice to see so many people supporting a young child in what she loves doing.

“I’m just so proud she’s achieved this at such a young age. I’m just so proud of all of her achievements, and that everyone encouraged her to fulfil her dreams.”

Ms Van Niekerk said all the feedback her daughter has received has been “amazing” and added her school will be holding an author’s assembly for Skyla.

Skyla’s books focus on a dog called Sandy, which Kerry believes is influenced by her daughter’s desire for a dog, with her first book introducing the main character and her family, and the follow-up focusing on a day out.

The awards were handed out by Bri Books, which hosted a competition among 10,000 children, aged six to 18, with Skyla’s first book seeing her ranked first as the bestselling young author at the National Young Authors Fair 2024.

Her second book was also recognised as the fifth bestseller.

She won a children’s paperwhite Kindle and her book was showcased at the Barnes Literature Festival in London and the Brooklyn Literary Festival in New York.

Her books have even sold in New Zealand, South Africa and USA.

Ms van Niekerk said Skyla’s school friends have all been inspired to pick up a pen and write their own stories as a result of her book.