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Grow in Self-Esteem and Kindness
Bee-Coming Strong follows a free-spirited bee with a corkscrew antenna and glasses, which make her feel self-conscious in her hive who learns valuable lessons in self-confidence. What was the inspiration for your story?
The idea of the story originally came to me while I was living on Palomar Mountain. I noticed that children were often scared of bees that would come to drink at the little water fountain in the back of the restaurant where I worked. They would scream and run away. My experience was so different. When I would meditate outside, these little creatures would regularly walk around on the palms of my hands, exploring in a sweet and ticklish way. I thought I might one day write a Dr. Seuss-type book to help children become more curious about bees.
After I had to retire early due to a rare autoimmune disease and once Covid had started, I remembered the idea of the book and reached out to a few friends of mine who were therapists and caregivers. I asked them what children were dealing with these days and the answers I received were all very similar — and heartbreaking. They spoke of severe anxiety, bullying, poor self-esteem issues, and fear of change. I then knew I couldn’t write a cute little book but had to find a way of addressing these issues or give up the project entirely.
Nature was a haven for me during a troubled childhood which gave me a life-long appreciation of its wonder and healing power. My love for nature and my nearly 40 years of studying with a yoga master form the basis of Bee-Coming Strong. By combining my experience and knowledge of the two, my deepest desire is that it enables many children to gain confidence, kindness, and connection to one another and the natural world.
The art in this book is fantastic and really brings the character of Jazianzza to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Akiko Martinache?
Working with Akiko was truly wonderful. She is a good friend of my Indian astronomer friend, Garima Singh. One day Garima was walking with Akiko in Nice, France, when they saw some bees flying around a bouquet at an outdoor restaurant. Garima remembered that I had started writing the book and was trying to find an illustrator, and that was the beginning!
Akiko and I worked back and forth on every illustration until we were both satisfied with the outcome. Her patience and skill made it a joy to work with her. Akiko’s website is: https://akikomartinache.com/​.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wrote the book on several levels; I wanted to afford children some simple yoga breathing techniques to become calm, and thus grow in self-esteem and kindness. I also wanted to provide enough facts about bees to inspire children to want to know more about not only bees but other aspects of nature.
In addition, at times little Jazianzza notices things like the difference in the way her wings work compared to the flapping of her new friend Lydah Butter Fly. I am hoping that this will inspire children to become more inquisitive about life around them. Paying attention to the details of nature can be enchanting. Hopefully, it will reduce their inclination to bury themselves in their devices. As a child growing up, I didn’t have that kind of distraction. Research is showing how destructive it can be to the welfare of our children, as well as ourselves.
I also alluded to the challenge presented by climate change and habitat loss for our pollinators. I’m hoping that children becoming more interested in bees and other wildlife at a young age will help them grow into young adults who will want to protect nature and be better stewards of it than the previous generations. I feel this is crucial to the survival of our planet.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your young readers expect in the next story?
Yes, it does seem that another book is emerging, this time focused on a Monarch caterpillar who has a lot of fears of change and has very poor self-esteem. Jazianzza gets a chance to teach him all the lessons she has learned from the queen bee, MamaQueenzieBee. When-oh-when will it come out? Hopefully next year! Readers can find more information about my books and sign up for my monthly newsletter at https://anandamayibaker.com.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
She’s got a corkscrew antenna and must wear big glasses. Will she always feel awkward in her hive? Will the wisdom of MamaQueenzieBee and her friend Tree be able to help her know that she is important just as she is, or will she forever have a sense that she is out of place?
A honey bee learns to navigate bullies, build self-confidence, and foster inner peace in this illustrated children’s book.
Jazianzza Azzaza Buzzabee is a young honey bee who cares for all creatures, including her new butterfly friend, Lydah, who recently had a scare after being chased by a hornet. Jazianzza is concerned, as is the rest of her hive, with the dwindling number of flowers to drink from and must cope with the bullying ways of her sister Sisizza and her gang. But luckily, MamaQueenzieBee (aka MamaQB) is there to help Jazianzza learn new ways to handle stress from without and within. MamaQB suggests that, just as bees shake off water from their wings, so should Jazianzza “shake off any sadness you feel. Shake off anything that isn’t you. Just because they’re not always happy doesn’t mean you should be the same way. Be Jazianzza in your own beautiful way.” The young bee later learns breathing techniques via a pollen ball placed on her stomach in order to emphasize the slow in-and-out breaths used to calm down. Everything Jazianzza discovers comes into play when she unexpectedly faces a hornets’ nest and must save her hive. Baker’s tale provides a compelling introduction to relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises and meditation—with readers being encouraged to try Jazianzza’s methods themselves—as well as different ways to approach bullying and learning to believe in yourself. The hero’s childlike wonder is adorable (and pairs well with the cartoonlike color illustrations by Martinache) and will spark a giggle or two, as when she’s remembering Lydah’s transformation into a butterfly: “She said that first she was an egg, and then a cat or a pillow or something like that, and she walked on the ground with a whole lot of legs!” This entertaining story delivers an engaging platform for adults to discuss meaningful issues with young audiences.
A Unique Superpower
The Birth of Agent Big Butt: Butt of Steel, Heart of Gold follows a newborn boy who is born with the superpower of explosive farts that can defeat any advisory. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a family, we love telling stories. So, one night, while making up silly stories, an image of a big butt newborn popped into my mind. Immediately, the story began to unfold. It would be a story about a baby with a big steel butt that can fart the most powerful farts. The farts could form into anything he needed, and this baby decided to use these powers for good.
Big Butt is an entertaining character with a superpower that will make kids laugh and encourage them to want to read more of his story. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
There are many children fart books. We wanted to add a different spin to our version. We also wanted the humor in the book to be more than just farting. We wanted a character that was immersed in real world challenges who had many crash courses…dealing with family, friends, and bullies. And in that a lot of humor was discovered. We also wanted a main character that was lovable and cute – and our illustrator, Tom McWeeney, captured our ideas perfectly!
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
As a newborn, the main character had to deal with the learning curves of life, such as not only understanding his feelings but the feelings of others. He learned that sometimes there is no clear right or wrong. He also had to learn how to be responsible with his powers. So, when he faced insults from bullies or attacks from the media, he had to give a mature response. In short, he had to grow up fast.
Where does the story go in the next book and where do you see it going in the future?
In Book 2, The Defeat of Agent Big Butt: Out of Gas, Agent Big Butt loses all his powers and has to deal with a rampaging mechanical big butt operated by his nemesis Justin. It was pretty fun exploring what AB (our hero’s nickname) was like without his powers, as well as coming up with all the new, dastardly farts used by Justin.
In Book 3, The Brainwashing of Agent Big Butt: Under an Evil Smell, we see what AB is like when he goes over to the dark side. Writing a villainous AB was so exciting!
As for the future…AB3 was the last book in the series, but many fans have expressed an interest in an Agent Big Butt movie. It is definitely part of our vision!
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With a wild doctor pursuing him, this walking, talking newborn – known as Agent Big Butt – has to navigate the life of a superhero while dealing with newfound fame, going to school, making friends and defeating bullies, all before his first birthday.
The Birth of Agent Big Butt: Butt of Steel, Heart of Gold
Amy Winfield’s The Birth of Agent Big Butt: Butt of Steel, Heart of Gold offers a unique and amusing narrative aimed at a young audience. The story centers around an extraordinary baby, affectionately nicknamed Big Butt, who possesses an unusual ability: his butt is as resilient as steel yet feels astonishingly light. The tale unfolds with Big Butt’s dramatic birth in a hospital, a scene that immediately captivates both the characters in the book and its readers with the baby’s rapidly growing and powerful posterior. As the plot develops, Big Butt and his family find themselves fleeing from Dr. Ian, who is intent on studying the baby’s unique trait. Their escapade leads them to a bank where a hostage situation unfolds. Here, Big Butt heroically employs his ‘steel butt’ abilities, along with some humorously depicted farting skills, to save the day. This incident not only marks the beginning of Big Butt’s fame but also sets the stage for further adventures.
Winfield skillfully navigates through various scenarios, from Big Butt dealing with fame and slander to his efforts in assisting other children and managing his school life. Throughout these adventures, he gradually learns to harness his powers, a necessary skill given the potentially hazardous nature of his farts. The book delves into themes of friendship, familial bonds, and altruism, all woven into the fabric of the narrative. Told from Big Butt’s perspective, the story offers an engaging viewpoint that highlights his endearing personality and provides an immersive experience of his world.
While the narrative is primarily text-driven, it is interspersed with vivid illustrations that bring the characters and their antics to life. Geared towards children who are comfortable with reading, the book’s chapters, though brief, encompass a range of complex ideas. The narrative, enriched by its illustrations, playfully navigates the humor of farts and poop, which, while vivid, offers an opportunity for lighthearted discussions between parents and children.
The Birth of Agent Big Butt: Butt of Steel, Heart of Gold is a refreshingly humorous and action-packed read. It cleverly balances entertainment with valuable life lessons on love, justice, and honesty, making it an intriguing addition to a young reader’s collection.
Pages: 425 | ASIN : B0811KWTBZ
Turquoise Tail
Turquoise Tail, authored by Rachel Bate and illustrated by Rebecca Jacob, presents a engaging narrative set in the animal kingdom. The protagonist, a coyote pup named Cielo, is born with an unusual turquoise tail, setting her apart from her peers. This difference becomes a central theme as Cielo encounters various challenges, including ridicule from Leroy, a lizard, and others in her community. The story thoughtfully explores themes of discrimination and bullying, resonating with societal issues that extend beyond the confines of its pages.
The book is a testament to the enduring appeal of children’s literature, which often captures complex topics through accessible storytelling. Bate’s narrative is straightforward yet effective, allowing readers of all ages to engage with Cielo’s emotional journey. The simplicity of the language is a notable strength, making the story relatable. Rebecca Jacob’s illustrations complement the narrative beautifully, enhancing the storytelling with vivid imagery. The choice of colors and artistic style add depth to the characters and settings, creating charming images that help convey the story’s emotional nuances.
Turquoise Tail is not just a story about overcoming adversity; it’s a reminder of the importance of embracing individuality and fostering inclusivity. While primarily aimed at young readers, its themes and presentation make it a delightful read for adults as well. The book serves as a wonderful tool for connecting with children, offering both entertainment and valuable life lessons.
Rachel Bate’s creation, paired with Rebecca Jacob’s artistic contributions, makes Turquoise Tail a meaningful addition to any child’s library. It’s a book that promises not just a captivating reading experience but also an opportunity for young minds to learn and grow. Turquoise Tail is an invitation to engage in conversations about diversity, acceptance, and the beauty of being unique.
Page: 38 | ISBN : 978-1684019885
