Book celebrates superpower kids

Families came from all over New Zealand to celebrate their superpowered children and the book honouring them.

Yesterday was the big reveal for the The Super Power Baby Project book at Sopheze on the Bay, with more than 250 people celebrating the launch.

The book by Sam and Rachel Callander, inspired by daughter Evie Amore, is trying to change the way people think.

Evie had partial trisomy 9q, a congenital disorder which unbalances a person’s chromosomes and causes severe developmental and physical delays. She was one of only eight known cases in the world and died in 2010. People would always ask the couple: ‘‘What’s wrong with your daughter?’’

The Callanders decided to turn it into a positive conversation and discuss Evie’s superpowers instead of her perceived defects.

This led to the book which celebrates the superpowers of 72 children from all over New Zealand. Professional photographer Rachel captured the children on film while Sam was the project manager.

Rachel said the launch was humbling and overwhelming.

‘‘We felt blessed to see so many people come from all over the country. Families came from Waiheke Island, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington, Christchurch and all over. All up about 20 families from the book came to the launch.

‘‘We wanted to send the book off into the world with a big hurrah.’’

Three thousand of the books have been printed, with 1200 presold. It will hit bookstores next Monday.

‘‘We are still not finished yet. We are looking to see how the book goes nationally and see where it takes itself. It has been a journey we are very proud of.’’

The couple hoped the book would change how people saw disabilities.

‘‘There is nothing to be afraid of with these children. It is about celebrating the positive and how much of a difference that can make.’’

Already Rachel has been asked to be the keynote speaker at the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photographers and the couple will also travel to Auckland to speak at TEDx this Saturday.