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Lessons of Life
The Selfish Shellfish follows a shellfish with a bad attitude who chases off all his friends with his refusal to share. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was inspired to write this story for my daughter Haylie to help teach her lessons of life in a fun constructive way.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to include talking about friendship, bullying, dealing with bullying, and after a heartfelt apology forgiveness.
The art in this book really brings the story to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Brent Plooster?
It was a fun and exciting process to work with Brent on the artwork. Zoom calls were conducted where he would create the art in front of us and we gave him live suggestions so the characters were exactly what we imagined.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I plan on writing many more Children’s books, I have already started on another story of one of the other characters and their adventures.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Swim along with Selfish Shellfish and his ocean friends to find out!
The Selfish Shellfish
The Selfish Shellfish is a charming and poignant tale about the transformative power of sharing and kindness. Set in a vibrant underwater world, this children’s book follows a shellfish who learns the hard way that selfishness leads to loneliness. Through colorful illustrations and rhythmic prose, Middlebrooks takes readers on a journey from isolation to community, highlighting the importance of empathy and friendship.
One of the standout aspects of The Selfish Shellfish is its engaging writing style. Author Carlos Middlebrooks crafts a whimsical narrative, making it accessible to young readers while also resonating with adults. The rhyming verses add a musical quality to the reading experience, which is particularly effective in maintaining the attention of children.
The book’s illustrations by Brent Plooster are colorful and cute. The vibrant artwork brings the underwater world to life, with each page offering something new and exciting for the eyes to explore. The depiction of the great Haylie tree, with its rainbow-hued branches and delicious fruits, is particularly mesmerizing and a beautiful symbol of the joy and abundance of sharing. The visual storytelling complements the text perfectly, making the emotional journey of the shellfish even more impactful.
One of the book’s most compelling parts is the Selfish Shellfish’s emotional transformation. His journey from being an isolated ruler in his self-made castle to a humbled participant in a vibrant community is handled with sensitivity and insight. The moment he realizes that “Marco Polo is more fun with a team” is both simple and profound, encapsulating the essence of the book’s message.
The Selfish Shellfish is a delightful and meaningful picture book for children and adults alike. Its beautiful illustrations and rhythmic storytelling make it an engaging read, while its message about the importance of sharing and community is timeless and essential. I highly recommend this book for parents looking for a story that combines entertainment with a valuable life lesson and for educators seeking a vibrant and thoughtful addition to their classroom library.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CLDM63NV
LITERARY TITAN 