Children can learn about their rights through a new colouring book launched yesterday by the Commissioner for Children to help them develop their abilities.

The book was distributed to three- to four-year-olds who attend the Fleurette School of Montessori, Kappara.

The publication is the first to feature Ġuġinu l-Iljunċinu, the official mascot of the commissioner's office, designed by Amy Mizzi, 14, to promote children's rights in a child-friendly way.

The colouring book depicts the rights of children to education even if they have a disability; the right to food, clothes and a safe home to live in; the right to play; the right to be protected from being hurt or mistreated; and the right to get important information from radios, newspapers, books, computers and other means.

It also lists the right to choose their friends, as long as it is not harmful to others; the right to practise their own culture, language and religion; the right to receive help and be looked after when they are sick; the right to rest as much as they need to; the right to privacy; the right to say what they feel; the right to ask questions; and the right to go to school and learn.

Stef Camilleri, a trained Montessori teacher and head of Fleurette School, was consulted at the planning stage on aspects of pedagogy before the colouring book was designed by Claudia Inguanez.

It will be distributed to other schools and families by Commissioner Carmen Zammit in the coming months.