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Do What You Love
Singing Surya Dreams to Dance follows a young boy who loves to dance but hides his passion because of what others might think, till an encouraging teacher helps him learn that there is nothing wrong with following your heart. What was the inspiration for your story?
The premise of Singing Surya Dreams to Dance stems from age-old gender stereotypes. Pink vs. blue, dolls vs. cars, dance vs. sports, each of these stereotypes pigeonholes us from the time we are children. I wanted to create a story to inspire children to embrace what they love, explore what they are curious about, and the courage to share it with the world. I see Singing Surya Dreams to Dance as a path for children to give themselves permission to do what they love and share what they do. And the book can serve as a reminder to their peers and adults in their lives to support and encourage their journeys.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Foremost, giving voice to children (honestly, even teens and adults) who make assumptions about what they are and are not “supposed” to do forms the backbone for this book. I believe we can all use education and discussion around what we need permission for, whose permission do we seek, the cost of hiding your passion, and the assumptions we make about people. I also wanted to explore the theme of support and encouragement; being in tune with how others may feel, and being willing to ask for (and take) help. The idea of assumptions was very important to me. What assumptions do we make and why? What purpose do they serve? And how can they be addressed in a constructive way?
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Vidya Vasudevan?
Vidya does beautiful, heartfelt work. This is our second collaboration, and it was another joy just like our work on my debut children’s book Dancing Deepa. Aside from her experience growing up in the Indian diaspora and raising Indian-American children, she connected with Surya’s journey. As an author, it was important to clearly communicate things important to me about the visual elements. It was equally important to give Vidya creative space to flex, and see how she saw the visual representation of the story. She came up with some ideas that jump off the page. Once again, she created some absolute gems for this book. I’m so grateful to collaborate with her, it’s been a wonderful partnership.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I have 3 more stories connected with Surya and Deepa outlined, and I’m letting the ideas marinate in my head. I know one of them will jump out at me, and that’s what I’ll write next. I also have a non-fiction concept in mind, also connected to Indian culture in the diaspora. More to come there!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website | Instagram | LinkedIn
There’s only one problem.
Surya is a boy. And boys don’t dance.
Singing Surya Dreams to Dance
Singing Surya Dreams to Dance by Suchi Sairam is a lovely children’s book about a young boy, Surya, who loves to dance but hides his passion because of what others might think. The boys at his school don’t dance, so he hides his passion, only to discover, with the help of an encouraging teacher and a few surprising allies, that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with following what makes your heart happy. It’s a story about confidence, support, and celebrating who you are, with vibrant illustrations that make the whole thing come alive.
Reading this book made me smile more than once. I loved how Surya felt like a kid I might know or even once was. There’s something so touching about the quiet way he hides his joy, and how powerful just one moment of being seen can be. His fear and joy mix together in such a raw and honest way. And the teacher is the kind of adult every kid deserves. She’s supportive, kind, and just plain awesome.
What really stayed with me was the gentle but clear way the book pushes back against tired old stereotypes. I wish more books like this had been around when I was growing up. There’s such power in a story that shows kids it’s okay to be different, to love something unexpected, and to proudly go after it. Vidya Vasudevan’s illustrations are bursting with energy. You can almost feel the rhythm jumping off the page.
I’d absolutely recommend Singing Surya Dreams to Dance to parents, teachers, or really anyone who wants to help kids grow up confident and kind. This is perfect for elementary school kids, especially those figuring out who they are and what they love. It’s a feel-good, dance-in-your-seat kind of book that reminds us all: joy doesn’t need permission. Let kids be who they are, and celebrate them for it.
Pages: 61 | ASIN : B0F834FJKV
Alternative Realities
The Esperanza: Book Two of the Terracolina Trilogy, follows a twelve-year-old boy who struggles with his parents’ expectations and is sent to math camp. There, he makes new friends who he wants to enlist to help save Terrocolina. What were some themes that you felt were important to highlight in this story?
The themes from book one continue in this book two: Loss of youth, introversion, love of nature, the pull of escaping into a fantasy world, exploration, and found family—with the addition of real friendships (a different kind of found family than his magical friends). In addition, the protagonist must face deeper challenges created by the need to belong. Finally, I wanted to introduce the idea that our imaginations and alternative realities can be one and the same.
In many contemporary coming-of-age fiction novels, authors often add their own life experiences to the story. Are there any bits of you in this story?
Very much so! I loved to escape to my own private and magical world as a child, was a tree climber, a nature lover, and an introvert. Our family also made maple syrup and the big maple I climbed in as a child was the model for the one in the story. The earlier years of my adulthood ripped me rather abruptly from the safety of childhood. Thomas’s loss of his Grandpa represents that loss of youth, wonder, and safety I experienced as a young adult.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
I am an avid gardener and find it easy to imagine personalities for each of my plants. I have revived my vivid childhood imagination and am having a blast building the magical world of Terracolina.
What will the next book in that series be about, and when will it be published?
The final book of the Trilogy will bring Thomas “back to earth” and reconnect him with his real-world friends. He will find a better balance between living in his real world and an imaginary one, and he and his home world friends will find real-world solutions to the environmental issues that surround them.
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His return home gives him a chance to save the hemlock forest he and Grandpa used to frequent and he’s finally making some friends in his real world. But he still misses his Terracolina buddies and finds a way to visit them. What he discovers is shocking. Not only have the Olgrots attacked again, but an aggressive vine is strangling the garden.
He realizes this time he alone can’t stop the tragedy unfolding in Terracolina. His real world friends have just the right skills to help out. He wants to connect his two worlds, but can they coexist?
The Esperanza – Chasing Hope – Book 2 of The Terracolina Trilogy
In The Esperanza: Book Two of the Terracolina Trilogy, Carla Kessler weaves a compelling continuation of twelve-year-old Thomas’s journey, blending themes of fantasy, friendship, and self-discovery. Returning from three intense days in the magical world of Terracolina, Thomas grapples with the rigid expectations of his parents, leaving him yearning for purpose and autonomy in a world that often feels stifling. Though faced with the prospect of math camp instead of adventure, Thomas finds solace in his friendships with the savvy Sai and popular Jax, uncovering new ways to impact both his human world and Terracolina. Amidst personal struggles and looming ecological threats, Thomas embarks on a search for meaning, confronting both inner turmoil and external perils.
Kessler delves deeply into Thomas’s complex emotions, especially his grief and desire for acceptance. The emotional weight of the story resonates as Thomas faces rejection from his parents, who seem unyielding and cold. This dynamic brings up frustration and sympathy, and readers may question whether Thomas’s inclination to escape to Terracolina was driven by the emotional void in his family life. As Grumog’s dark influence grows, Thomas’s journey toward healing and self-acceptance continues to unfold. The friendships he fosters, particularly with Sai and Jax, inject the story with camaraderie and hope, making his path all the more touching. The book introduces a challenging continuity issue that may unsettle dedicated readers of the trilogy. In the first book, Thomas physically enters Terracolina, with real time elapsing in the human world. In The Esperanza, however, he now accesses Terracolina in a dream state, where no time passes back home. This change creates a dissonance, as book two revises details from book one, suggesting Thomas camped in the woods before dreaming his way into Terracolina—a stark departure from the original narrative. While a minor flaw, this inconsistency detracts slightly from the immersion in an otherwise well-crafted, poignant story. The Esperanza remains a rich story of healing, growth, and acceptance, embracing the challenges of grieving and finding one’s place in the world. Thomas’s struggles, his earnest journey to overcome them, and his loyal friendships make him an endearing and relatable character. The story feels deeply personal, and readers may find themselves wanting to reach out and support him as he navigates this turbulent path. With the final book yet to come, hopes and expectations build for a satisfying conclusion to this heartfelt trilogy.
For Middle-Grade readers, The Esperanza offers a magical, emotionally resonant adventure, interwoven with messages of resilience, self-confidence, and the power of small actions to effect change. This fantasy tale, with its touches of adventure and thought-provoking themes, is sure to captivate young and old alike.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0DHB2FWMS
I’m Beautiful Because I Am: Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care
Azizi Tuere’s I’m Beautiful Because I Am: Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care offers a heartwarming and insightful exploration of self-love and empathy for young readers. The story introduces us to a young girl who starts her day with an appreciation for her unique qualities, from her hair and eyes to her smile. She recognizes the beauty in everyday details, like her hands, which she imagines planting seeds that grow into tall trees. Through this narrative, Tuere conveys the message that each day presents a new opportunity to love oneself and appreciate the world around us.
Tuere’s holistic approach to self-esteem goes beyond the physical, encouraging readers to value the environment—whether it’s appreciating the rain or enjoying the warmth of the sun. The book also addresses important social skills, teaching children the value of kindness, not just towards themselves but also towards others, including friends, family, and pets. Tuere’s emphasis on imagination and creativity, combined with her message that true beauty lies in how we perceive the world and treat others, makes this book a powerful tool for young minds. Visually, the book is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors and charming illustrations perfectly complement the story’s themes of harmony and positive energy. The narration is engaging, with a pace that keeps young readers entertained while conveying important life lessons. The language is simple and accessible, making the concepts easy for children to grasp. The overall design and messaging make this book a delightful and impactful read.
I’m Beautiful Because I Am: Valuing Myself & Others With Empathy and Care is a valuable resource for teaching children about empathy, self-esteem, and the importance of pursuing their dreams. It’s a book that both entertains and educates, making it an excellent addition to any child’s library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D96R3446
Priscilla and Tux: Brothers are Caring – A Picture Book for Kids
Family unity helps instill values such as respect and mutual support. Victoria Smith embraces this idea beautifully in Priscilla and Tux: Brothers are Caring. The story centers on eight-year-old Priscilla, who is worried about her school’s show-and-tell presentations. All her classmates are showcasing interesting, original, and unique items, so she wants to share something truly special. Her mom tries to help by giving her suggestions, but nothing seems good enough for Priscilla. However, when she sees her brother Tux being friendly and telling jokes to his friends, she realizes he can help her solve her problem.
Victoria Smith shares a sweet story about an everyday situation, giving it a creative and enthusiastic touch. I appreciated how the story develops because it implicitly addresses various themes. For example, the classmates’ presentations showcase cultural and religious diversity and feature different hobbies like board games and sports. There are many great ideas for new activities for kids. The story also highlights the importance of good communication and the pleasure of being in a respectful and friendly environment.
Sergii Zavadskyi’s illustrations are captivating with their vibrant colors and varied, expressive characters. The language is clear, making it suitable for practicing reading and enriching vocabulary with the items shown in the classroom presentations. Priscilla and her brother Tux’s relationship is one of the narrative’s most beautiful features, imparting young readers with a positive example of family interaction.
Priscilla and Tux: Brothers are Caring is highly recommended, celebrating family love and the joy of sharing meaningful moments. It is an engaging and heartwarming story that not only entertains but also teaches valuable life lessons, making it a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CGQBY7Z2
A World of New Beginnings
Melissa Garin’s children’s picture book, A World of New Beginnings, delicately explores the theme of relocation through the eyes of Emma and her younger brother Elliott. Set against the backdrop of their beloved country town, complete with a cozy house and a spacious playground, the story begins as the siblings grapple with the news of moving to a foreign land. This transition, initially met with surprise and sadness, gradually unfolds into a journey of discovery and adaptation.
Garin’s narrative skillfully navigates the emotional landscape of moving, illustrating how Emma and Elliott’s initial apprehension gives way to curiosity and excitement. The author emphasizes the significance of family support and love in easing this transition. As the siblings encounter new foods, make new friends, and experience different customs, they learn a vital life lesson: home is not just a place but where family is, regardless of geographical location.
A World of New Beginnings is not just a story about change; it’s a guide on how to embrace it. Garin incorporates elements like the support of loved ones, the value of friendship, the courage to try new things, and the comfort of familiar items from home. These aspects are presented as tools to help children adapt to new environments. The book thoughtfully addresses the feelings of sadness and being overwhelmed, normalizing them as part of the experience rather than negating them. The artistic aspect of the book complements its narrative strengths. Garin’s use of rhymes adds a lyrical quality to Emma and Elliott’s story, making it engaging for young readers. The illustrations, characterized by their brightness, attention to detail, and charming portrayal of animals and their surroundings, effectively capture and hold a child’s interest.
A World of New Beginnings is an exemplary picture book for preschoolers and early elementary-age children. Garin not only entertains but also imparts crucial lessons and coping mechanisms, making it a valuable addition to any young reader’s library.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CQMSFZYD
LITERARY TITAN 