NINE-year-old Apolosi Fosita of Somerville has had his Christmas wish come to life in a way he never imagined.
He was selected as one of only six children around the country to have their creative drawing of a Santa Sleigh feature in Lego’s first-ever picture storybook called Santa’s Summer Sleigh by children’s author Sophie Beer.
But the surprise didn’t stop there. Apolosi was also one of three kids chosen to have their design built as a large-scale Lego creation, which was unveiled at Santa’s Summer Sleigh, a magical display at the world’s largest Lego store in Pitt St Mall, Sydney. Apolosi’s creation, called The Swamp Strider, features feathers that tickle crocodiles, making them laugh instead of biting, ensuring Santa’s safe passage. A total of 14,492 bricks were used to bring his creation to life over 110 hours.
Apolosi was over the moon to see his Christmas dream come true. “I was challenged to create a new summer sleigh for Santa to get through an Australian swamp. I thought his sleigh would need gumboots, long legs, a saw, drill and a claw to get through,” he said. “Then I put a catapult to help him launch the presents and a feather to make the crocs laugh instead of snapping at him. “I loved using my imagination to make my masterpiece and one of my favourite parts is the catapult because it is funny to think about it flinging the presents into the air.”
Proud Mum Lu’isa Fosita said it was a memorable Christmas for their family and friends. “I’m sure this is every kid’s dream,” she said. “I loved seeing Losi’s design, and those of the other children brought to life. For a boy who loves to draw, seeing his design in a book by the likes of Sophie Beer, and reading it along with her and the other children, was also a very special moment.”
First published in the Mornington News – 17 December 2024
