Lizzy Thomas, a 10-year-old illustrator and author from Perkasie, had her original story, “Cosmic Friends,” put to music at Temple University’s Performing Arts Center, writes Peter Crimmins for WHYY.
Thomas’ story stars three best friends, a butterfly, a panda, and a combination of the two called a pandafly, who go on a mission to save the world.
The song inspired by her work, titled “Three Cosmic Friends,” was composed by Caleb Etchison, a composer attending Temple for his master’s degree.
The original piece was performed by the Pennsylvania Youth Choral Ensembles at the Philadelphia Girls Choir’s Sounds of the Season concert, featuring 50 young girls.
Thomas was chosen by the Minnesota foundation Sing Me a Story, which supports children in need by uplifting their imaginations and connecting them with songwriters and composers.
She was submitted to the foundation by Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia, where her mother, Yvonne, is receiving treatment.
Yvonne has battled breast cancer since 2020, and she’s grateful for the opportunity her daughter’s been given.
“My kids have had to be resilient, more resilient than any kids should ever have to be for almost six years. To see her accomplish something like this is amazing,” Yvonne said.
Learn more about Perkasie’s Lizzy Thomas, her book “Cosmic Friends,” and how the song came to be in WHYY.
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