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These Are My People
Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain follows an intelligent young boy with an active mind who must find a way to focus to learn to ride his bike. What was the inspiration for your story?
I am a mom and a family therapist. My son was the kind of kid who was always asking questions, experimenting and loved to tell people about all the great things he knew. As a therapist, I have had many brilliant child clients who are articulate, inquisitive, and sometimes a little impulsive. They often are chastised for blurting out answers in class etc. These are my people, and I love them, so I developed a mindfulness exercise that I use with my son and my clients. I was inspired to write this story by these wonderful children, and I hope it speaks to children and adults everywhere.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Barbara Owczarek?
This was by far my favorite part of the book process. I looked for an illustrator for over a year before I found Barbara. At our first meeting, I knew we were a great fit. I had a specific look I wanted for the book, a little bit gothic, a little bit rock n roll, and a lot cozy. I told her I wanted the main character to look like a combination of a young Jack White(musician) and Edgar Allan Poe. She totally got it, and Edgar came to life. We discussed each page with a free-flowing exchange of ideas, and she was amazing.
I find something to delight in every time I look at the illustrations. Barbara really understood the story and had the same aesthetic that I wanted for it.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted children to be excited to explore science and history through reading, which is why Edgar has so many different types of books in his room. I also hoped readers would learn about the power of mindfulness and how being different can be a positive trait.
Will this children’s book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
I am working on another Edgar Allan Know book, hoping to make it into a series. I am also working on other stories on different subjects.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
there is one thing he doesn’t know – how to ride a bike.
Despite lots of attempts, Edgar’s brain is too busy and he just can’t figure it out! But when Mom helps Edgar learn how to focus, will it finally be what he needs to master bike riding? And what does a hot chocolate have to do with it? Join Edgar in this heart-warming story to find out! Full of quirky facts, mindfulness techniques and emotion, this beautifully illustrated story is perfect for both children and adults to enjoy.
Edgar Allan Know and his Big Busy Brain
If you want to know it, ask young Edgar Allan Know. There is nothing he cannot figure out or explain. He is an expert on virtually everything. From paleontology to the length of time it would take to bike to Australia, Edgar is the expert of all experts. His young mind is always thinking, processing, and questioning. Edgar is both learning and sharing knowledge every minute of his day–so much so that he has neglected to figure out how to properly navigate riding a bike on his own. With a little help from his mother, Edgar is able to conquer the one bit of knowledge that has eluded him.
Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain, written by Rahni Varieur-Davies and illustrated by Barbara Owczarek, is the story of a little boy with an exceptionally adept mind. Edgar Allan Know represents every awkward elementary student who manages to wow everyone with book knowledge and an innate understanding of the world around him, but lacks the ability to conquer simple fears. As I read this book, I could definitely picture it as a wonderful resource for school guidance counselors as they plan units to teach young students empathy.
While the focus of Edgar Allan Know and His Big Busy Brain is mindfulness, I can see the lovable and relatable main character as an excellent one for further books all with different lessons in tolerance, respect, responsibility, and integrity. Owczarek’s illustrations are stunning; Edgar Allan Know is a fantastic representation of a child mesmerized by the world around him and an appealing blend of the man himself. I enjoyed watching for all of the nods to Poe throughout the book.
I recommend this incredible author/ illustrator team to any teacher or parent looking for a book that addresses how to master mindfulness, overcome fears, and learn to help others fighting their own internal battles.
Pages: 39 | ASIN : B0BXQ2J52L
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