Whitby 8-year-old publishes her first children's book, Charlie & The Promise

Mila L., an eight-year-old from Whitby, has published her first children's book, Charlie & The Promise, through BriBooks. The 71-page book follows Charlie, a 14-year-old boy, through unexpected challenges at a huge theme park as he pursues a dream inspired by someone special to him.

The story blends the excitement of an adventure with lessons about family, kindness, courage and keeping promises. Mila wrote it hoping to inspire other children to follow their dreams, show empathy and discover the power of keeping a promise, her mother Renuja told Daily Durham.

Mila is a Grade 4 student who advanced directly from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A curious, self-directed learner, she loves exploring new ideas, conducting experiments and figuring out how things work, and her interests range from science and electronics to arts, crafts and origami, as well as skating, cricket and horseback riding.

Charlie & The Promise was published on Nov. 2, 2026, and is listed in the BriBooks bookstore for approximately $16 (U.S.), where readers can also read the opening of the story. Find the book here: https://www.bribooks.com/bookstore/charlie-the-promise-by-mila-l/ Mila writes under the pen name Mila L., and her family has given permission for Daily Durham to feature the book's cover and the details of her story.