Bernard’s Lessons Sharing Feelings in a Classroom World follows an enthusiastic bee who is going to school for the first time and meeting his classmates.

In your story, Bernard’s classmates experience a wide range of emotions that most children can relate to. How did you approach writing about these big feelings in a way that would help and not intimate young readers?

We took a thoughtful and empathetic approach to Bernard’s story. Our eight-year-old nephew is a big inspiration for the character. Recognizing that children, like our nephew, are navigating a multitude of emotions as they grow and learn is crucial to the fabric of our society. By portraying Bernard’s classmates experiencing a range of feelings, from joy to sadness, we have created a relatable world for young readers. Through Bernard’s journey, children can begin to understand that it’s okay to have ups and downs and that each day is a part of their unique adventure. We focus on helping our nephew communicate his thoughts and feelings in complete sentences to aid in his emotional development. Our nephew appreciates seeing himself reflected in Bernard’s character.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

Ah, the big ideas behind the book? We aimed for a mix of inspiration and liberation, like a recipe for confidence soufflé. Firstly, we wanted our nephew (and all readers) to feel like they could conquer Mount Everest in bunny slippers if they put their minds to it. Seeing his excitement over the author copy was our Jackpot moment!, and then there’s the cornerstone concept: it is absolutely cool beans to express yourself. Whether you’re painting with all the colors of the wind or belting out tunes like a rockstar shower singer, we are all celebrating those unique vibes. So, in a nutshell, if this book was a pizza, it would be topped with dreams and sprinkled with self-expression sparkles.

What is the next book in Bernard’s Lesson’s that you are working on, and when will it be available?

Yes, the million-dollar question! Well, let us spill the beans on Bernard’s next adventure. Currently, we are cooking up a storm in Bernard’s world. We have two tantalizing installments available for readers now: “Bernard’s Lesson: Participating in a Classroom World” and “Bernard’s Lesson: A First Field Trip”. So stay tuned because Bernard’s next escapades promise a journey of laughter and learning.

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