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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
Instill Kindness and Compassion
Rufus Finds His Way Home follows a teacher at an international school in Thailand who discovers a family of dogs and takes care of them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setup of my story is inspired by my commitment to rescuing dogs and adopting street strays, as there are many dogs in need of a forever home. Rufus, an intelligent, loyal, sweet, and devoted dog despite his rough start, exemplifies this belief. As an elementary school teacher with over 20 years of experience, I aim to instill kindness and compassion in my students, values I believe are crucial in today’s world. The story, Rufus Finds His Way Home, is a fictionalized account based on Rufus’s real-life journey, which began in Rayong, Thailand, in 2013. I’ve tried to make my narrative showcase the power of love and the importance of giving all creatures a chance at a better life.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Ayan Mansoori?
The collaboration with illustrator Ayan Mansoori was a seamless and rewarding experience. Ayan, a talented artist based in India, was chosen for his unique style and portfolio, which perfectly captured the essence of what I envisioned for Rufus in illustrated form. We went through many, many revisions to get the illustrations just right, ensuring that every detail reflected the character’s spirit and the story’s tone. The final artwork exceeded my expectations, and I couldn’t be more delighted with the results. Ayan’s talent and dedication have been invaluable, and I’m thrilled to announce that he will continue as the illustrator for the next book in the series.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In crafting this children’s book, it was crucial to incorporate educational aspects that emphasize spreading kindness and compassion, fundamental values I strive to instill in young readers. Beyond these core themes, another important aspect was to create a strong emotional connection with Rufus, allowing readers to experience the same affection and bond I felt when I first met him in 2013. By fostering empathy and understanding through Rufus’s journey, the story aims to teach children the importance of caring for others, both human and animal.
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?
Yes, Rufus Finds His Way Home is the first book in a planned series exploring the many adventures of Rufus, our lovable rescue dog. I’m thrilled to announce that the second book, Rufus Finds His Calm, will be released on September 1, 2024. In this heartwarming sequel, Rufus faces new challenges as he moves to a new home. As he navigates the anxiety and fear that come with big changes, Rufus learns to find his calm with the love and support of his family. This story draws a parallel between Rufus’s experiences and the feelings children sometimes face, demonstrating that everyone can discover their inner peace with a little help. Perfect for young readers, Rufus’s journey is a tale of courage, friendship, and finding joy in new beginnings.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Then Mr. Parsons has an even worse surprise: Rufus goes missing. The worried teacher searches the entire school grounds…and even plunges into the pool! But to Mr. Parsons’ dismay, Rufus is nowhere to be found. Where will Mr. Parsons find his beloved dog? Will there be a happy ending for the puppy with the key to Mr. Parsons’ heart?
Rufus Finds His Way Home is a delightful book based on the author’s true-life story. Children will fall for this adorable little puppy, and they’ll be touched by the tale of a teacher’s devotion. Filled with beautiful illustrations, this heartfelt story encourages its audience to care for all creatures. Readers will also discover that, in this diverse world, everyone is deserving of love. A testament to the power of kindness, this memorable book contains an important lesson.
Unique and Special
Jewel’s Curls: Being Me follows a four-year-old girl who notices the differences in appearance between herself and her parents. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration was my childhood friendships of different races helped me to value others, and the importance of children of mixed race to value their inner beauty as much and accept their natural self-image to be unique and special.
The art in this book is fantastic, bringing Jewel’s emotions and struggles to life. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator K. Stone?
Each illustration I described to the illustratrator to bring to life relatable characters’ style, emotions, environment, and multicultural connection within families and societies in a fun social environment.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
For parents to help their children to value themselves and self-image and to be okay with being different from other children.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Jewel and the direction of the second book?
My Jewel books are an emerging series of fun heartfelt relatable stories that will help children see themselves in the world as unique worthy and of great value and to show other children and people the same respect, as they continue to grow in their adventures in life to be their best selves in their own skin.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
She has a pure heart and one day, she became curious about her curly hair. Later, she learns to value herself.
Jewel’s Curls: Being Me
In Jewel’s Curls: Being Me by Dr. Shon Shree Lewis, we meet Jewel, a four-year-old girl navigating the complexities of racial identity with innocence and curiosity. The story opens with Jewel grappling with the differences in appearance between herself and her parents. Her mother is White, her father is Black, and Jewel is a blend of both. Her distinct curly hair and unique skin tone raise questions about identity and beauty, questions that many children might ponder.
The narrative is tenderly crafted to address these inquiries through the family’s interactions. Jewel’s mother plays a pivotal role in teaching her daughter about the beauty of diversity and self-acceptance. She explains that Jewel’s unique appearance is a beautiful combination of her parents. To celebrate this, they go on a shopping trip for hair accessories that complement Jewel’s vibrant curls, reinforcing the message of self-love and pride in one’s appearance. Dr. Lewis excels in creating a narrative that is both educational and endearing, perfectly suited for young children aged 2-6. This age range is critical for introducing concepts of diversity and self-acceptance, and Lewis handles this with a gentle yet affirmative touch. The character of Jewel is particularly relatable; she is portrayed as smart and engaging, qualities that will endear her to young readers. The illustrations by K. Stone add a dynamic layer to the tale. Bright and engaging, each illustration not only captures the essence of the moments but also enhances the storytelling, making the book a visual delight that complements the text wonderfully.
Jewel’s Curls: Being Me serves as an excellent resource for children, especially those of mixed heritage, to see themselves represented in children’s literature. It is also the promising start to the “Jewel’s Values” series, offering young readers further adventures with Jewel that promise to be as enriching as they are enjoyable. This book is not only a delightful read but also an important educational tool that comes highly recommended.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0CYW7GJYZ
LITERARY TITAN 