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It’s Ok To Be Different
Books for Benjamin follows a little purple worm who loves to read and goes on an exciting adventure to learn about libraries and books. What was the inspiration for the adventure Benjamin goes on?
The idea for Books For Benjamin came about while visiting the Library of Congress. I thought it would be great to gave a character that loves books so much that he or she has to go on a quest to find them. I thought the LOC as a housing for the world’s greatest depository of item (not only books) would be an ideal setting. On the visit, I learned about Thomas Jefferson’s contribution to the library and his famous quote,”I cannot live without books.” This inspired me to create Benjamin, a bookworm (only the name stems from Benjamin Franklin, another who cherished learning and reading). Benjamin and books go well together. I also like the alliteration in Books and Benjamin and used that in the title.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Uliana Barabash?
Working with Uliana was such a great experience that started under difficult circumstances. She is from Ukraine and the war had just broken out as we started the project. With all going around her I was amazed and the beautiful illustrations she produced. My wife and I loved her colors from the start and how she captured the expressions I was looking for. I like to sketch and paint as well but have tremendous repect for how picture book illustrators who have studied the art like Uliana has can put together a scene. First, she created a digital story map of the entire book and I felt priviledged to be included in any changes. Next, she created each detailed skecth before painting the color digitally. One great surprise, was that Uliana took it upon heself to paint the worm in purple. I don’t know why, but I always pictured him in true to life colors which my wife hated. Once I saw the result, I was blown away. Uliana has made my character become approachable for kids. I cannot thank her enough!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I wanted to instill in kids that it’s ok to be different and that following one’s passions is a great thing, even when there may be some road blocks along the way.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
A picture book biography called, Mother To Elephants, about a lady who rescued orphan elephants. Sadly, she passed away around three years back, but her daughters and grandchildren are continuing her mission. I am hoping it can come out around Spring of 2023.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Benjamin would rather read about adventures in a giant peach than eat one!
Unlike his family members who are happily munching away on scraps, Benjamin is a different kind of worm. He loves to read. Yet, all he finds are old newspapers and magazines full of tomato splotches. Not one to give up on his dreams, Benjamin sets off on a quest to find “real” books.
Witty illustrations by Uliana Barabash are a great accompaniment to this delightful story written by R.G. de Rouen.
Join Benjamin on his book hunting adventure and watch your little ones search for Benjamin’s famous signature in their books!
Books For Benjamin
Once, a little purple worm wanted more out of life than to eat rotting trash. This worm’s name is Benjamin, and his only desire in life is to read as many books as he can. So one day, he comes up with a plan to sneak away from the grocery store where he lives and go home with someone to read their books. Unfortunately, things do not go as planned, and Benjamin almost ends up as a tasty treat for a cat and bird. Thankfully he escapes and, with the help of some new friends, makes his way to a library where his life is forever changed. Benjamin starts a new page in his life and soon has all the books his heart could ever desire to read.
Children’s author R.G. de Rouen has written an entertaining and educational picture book called Books for Benjamin. The loveable worm Benjamin has a passion for reading that is contagious. It shows as he introduces stories to his new friends, and children reading this story will feel the excitement of finding new things to read and learn. Illustrator Uliana Barabash brings the story to life with fun drawings that will entice children to follow along in the story.
I love that there is an explanation of the Library of Congress and a simple overview of copyright included in this children’s book. The characters show the importance of libraries and the job of librarians to children in an approachable way. Children learn that libraries are so much more than just a building with books in them. This would make a great book to read to kindergarteners as they prepare to visit the school library.
Books for Benjamin is a whimsical picture book about a bookworm and his journey to find more things to read. It is light-hearted and funny but provides an important message on the importance of libraries and the services they provide to people. This amazing children’s book is perfect for preschool and lower elementary kids to help instill a love of reading at an early age.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0BK4VW73G
LITERARY TITAN 