The Friendship Party offers young readers a thoughtful and encouraging guide to building healthy relationships. Was there a particular experience or conversation that encouraged you to create this story?

Yes, my friend’s daughter, Mashel, suggested the idea of writing about friendship.  She was just starting school and was very interested in making friends and playing games.

Her enthusiasm inspired me to write The Friendship Party.

The book emphasizes inclusion, communication, and forgiveness. What made those themes especially important to you?

Inclusion, communication and forgiveness are important because they help children build strong, healthy friendships.  I wanted to show that everyone deserves to feel included, that talking honestly can solve misunderstandings, and that forgiving others helps friendships grow stronger after mistakes are made.

How did your collaboration with illustrator Valery Vell develop?

My collaboration with Illustrator Valery Vell developed through my publisher, Little Steps Publishing.  Valery had already illustrated my first two books, Smile Your Way to Happy and Learn Your Way to Happy, so I was familiar with her wonderful work.  I especially love her bright, expressive, and inclusive illustrations, and I knew her artistic style would bring The Friendship Party to life in a warm and engaging way.

Why do you believe stories can be such powerful tools for teaching social and emotional skills?

Stories are a powerful way to teach social and emotional skills because they allow children to see situations through the characters’ experiences.  As they connect with the story, they can better understand feelings, empathy, kindness, communication and problem solving in a way that feels natural and engaging.  My hope is that children will enjoy the story while also gaining confidence and practical skills they can use in their own friendships and everyday lives.