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Tails Of All Kinds
A Tail Tale is a whimsical children’s book about a boy discovering that individuality and kindness matter far more than magical solutions. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I first drafted this story as a skit for a children’s literature class in college (many years ago!). It started as a simple tale of a boy being fascinated with animals’ tails of all kinds so he wanted to try them on. Then the draft sat in an attic among some old school papers and I rediscovered it a couple years ago. (Moral: be careful what you throw away!). I shared the draft with a couple readers who knew more than I did about writing picture books for young children, and I also took classes on the craft of that genre. I realized that there needed to be a deeper motivation for Wally’s interest. Knowing that children can often be unkind to each other and that bullying can start at a young age, I decided to weave that into the story.
What message do you hope children take away from Wally’s journey?
Wally fears there’s something wrong with him when his new classmates are not welcoming initially, and he thinks he needs to change. When he meets the Snake, who is very different from other creatures because he is “all tail”, Wally develops empathy for him and realizes that he can stand up for himself and for his new friend. The message is that kindness is stronger than magic (in fact, it is magic!), and that developing empathy is the key to understanding others.
Can you share insights into your collaboration with illustrator Sarah Gledhill?
It was wonderful working with Sarah, although we never met or talked since she’s in the UK and I’m in the US. Sarah’s drawings cleverly brought out the personalities and emotions of both Wally and the Snake. We exchanged ideas at many points and I learned a lot from her insights and inspirations.
Were any parts of the story influenced by personal experiences or observations?
My first grandson was about five when i started telling him the story (before publication), and he often asked me to recite it at bedtime. He was starting kindergarten and although he didn’t know yet that the world out there is sometimes unfriendly, I think he was reassured by Wally’s experience of learning that he had something in common with someone who seemed very different, that Wally had the power to make friends and to help other children become friends too.
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When Wally’s new classmates aren’t so nice, he decides that maybe he doesn’t want to fit in with them after all. One day after school, he meets the Tailor, a magical figure who creates tails for all the animals. As Wally tries on different tails, he also meets a snake who shows Wally a new perspective on friendship.
Despite the reality of how hard it can be to make new friends in a new place, this whimsical, clever story shows us that everyone has something to offer-and that often, empathy is the best cure for unkindness.
A Tail Tale
A Tail Tale tells the charming story of Wally, a young boy feeling out of place in a new school. Wally’s journey to self-acceptance begins when he meets a whimsical Tailor who offers him a series of tails, each promising unique abilities. From a monkey tail for climbing to a lion tail for dramatic flair, Wally tries them all, but none truly solves his problems. Along the way, he befriends a melancholy Snake who teaches him to stand tall in the face of adversity. Together, they discover that individuality and connection matter far more than superficial changes. It’s a delightful children’s book about courage, kindness, and finding your way in a world that can sometimes feel unkind.
The writing sparkles with creativity. Author Christine Kessides crafts a world where whimsical encounters feel possible, even magical. I found the interaction between Wally and the Tailor captivating. The Snake’s vulnerability added depth to the story, giving readers a moment to reflect on the struggles of being misunderstood. The playful language and rhythmic dialogue make the story engaging, while the simple yet profound themes invite readers to look inward. One of my favorite moments was when Wally empathized with the Snake, saying, “If that happened to me, I would stand up very tall.” It was a touching reminder of the strength found in self-confidence.
Sarah Gledhill’s illustrations breathe life into the story. The imagery pairs beautifully with the narrative. I loved how each tail carried its own personality, amplifying the fun and the lessons. I also liked how Wally’s emotions are conveyed so well in all the illustrations.
Kessides also does an excellent job weaving in lessons about resilience and kindness without sounding preachy. Wally’s journey to realize that no tail could fix his problems was relatable, as was the Snake’s bittersweet acceptance of his tail-only existence. Their bond felt authentic and heartwarming. This story will remind young readers that understanding and friendship can transform even the loneliest moments into something special.
A Tail Tale is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated picture book that young readers and their families will enjoy. Its blend of whimsy, life lessons, and vibrant art makes it perfect for children ages 5–9. If you’ve ever felt like Wally, unsure of your place in the world, this book will remind you that being yourself is enough, and sometimes, all you need is a good friend to make you feel special.
Pages: 36 | ASIN: B0DJRR1FXC
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