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Navigate Big Feelings
Puppy Day Jitters is a rhyming picture book that follows an anxious puppy’s first day of school, teaching children to face fear with empathy, courage, and connection. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I created the Pawsome Pals book series to help children navigate big feelings and to foster empathy. The inspiration for my books is to offer encouragement to all children, and that after reading a Pawsome Pals book, children and their parents will feel better about themselves and the world around them. With back-to-school season quickly approaching, Puppy Day Jitters is a perfect addition to books addressing the first day of school with the purpose of calming those first day nerves. Starting something new may bring on many new emotions and by reading Puppy Day Jitters, I hope to offer reassurance, comfort and understanding by knowing that we are not alone in experiencing these emotions.
What inspired you to write Puppy Day Jitters, and is Dolce based on a real dog?
My inspiration behind all that I do is my own two incredibly bright children. In Puppy Day Jitters, the characters are inspired by my daughter, Sophia, and our dog, Dolce. With a mission to encourage discussion about the universal experience of being anxious or nervous, Puppy Day Jitters promotes empathy and addresses emotions that go with starting something new. My hope is for the book to be a source of comfort for those facing first day nerves, but also a reminder that compassion and support are worth celebrating. With the Pawsome Pals series, my goal is for children to not only talk about their feelings, but also to offer lifelong advantages of building better relationships, greater self-esteem and a stronger foundation for learning.
Can you share your collaboration process with illustrator Ada Konewki. How did you bring Dolce’s emotions to life visually?
Ada Konewki is an extremely talented illustrator. She has this amazing ability to make the visions I have for the Pawsome Pals books come to life through her exceptional creativity and beautiful drawings. Using a picture book template, I share my illustration ideas for each page with Ada, and she takes my words and creates them into engaging visuals that captivate young readers. When we need a worried Dolce or a comforted Dolce to match the words in the story, Ada nails each emotion through her illustrations. For Puppy Day Jitters, I also provided Ada with a picture of the real-life Sophia and Dolce for her own inspiration in creating the characters. I absolutely could not imagine the Pawsome Pals books without Ada and her charming and exquisite illustrations.
What strategies or conversations do you hope caregivers and educators will have with children after reading this book?
Picture books can be a valuable tool in helping children grow in self-esteem and positively managing their own emotions. After reading Puppy Day Jitters, my hope is that discussions can begin both at home and in the classroom to help young readers handle transitions, such as starting school for the first time and experiencing something new. If a nervous puppy who gains comfort and support from her friend while facing a new experience helps one child know they are not alone, then Puppy Day Jitters has served its important and intended purpose!
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The Pawsome Pals book series features pets with problems and their pals that help their pets sort through them.
A Deeply Gratifying Experience
I’m THAT Cat is a charming collection of whimsical cat tales brought to life through enchanting rhyming poetry and captivating artwork. How did you decide on the title of this children’s book?
Deciding on the title, I’m THAT Cat, for a children’s illustrated rhyming poetry book was a thoughtful process. The phrase captures the playful and confident nature of a cat, which resonates well with young readers who often find solace and joy in the whimsical world of animals. Cats are known for their unique personalities and quirks, and the title invites children to take a closer look at the character that unfolds within the pages. It suggests both familiarity and individuality, allowing kids to embrace their own characteristics while relating to the emotions of a charming feline protagonist.
Moreover, the title’s rhythmic quality aligns perfectly with the lyrical structure of the book, making it memorable and easy to recite. For me, the use of I’m THAT Cat creates an immediate connection with the audience, encouraging them to engage as they embark on a journey through the playful verses. It implies a sense of pride and individuality, inviting children to identify with the cat’s sentiments, experiences, and the joy of being one’s authentic self.
Ultimately, the title, I’m THAT Cat serves as a vibrant and captivating entry point into a world filled with colorful illustrations and lively rhymes. I believe that the title encapsulates the spirit of the book while inspiring young readers to find joy in their own stories, fostering a love of literature that can carry them through their own adventures in life.
What was the most challenging part of writing this children’s poetry book, and what was the most rewarding?
Crafting poetry that resonates with children while maintaining artistic depth posed a significant challenge. Much time was spent on careful selection of words and structure; ensuring accessible language without sacrificing literary quality. Striking the right tone and thematic elements that captivate both young readers and their parents also proved to be demanding. Given the abundance of cat-themed literature, creating original poetry that feels fresh and engaging was essential; avoiding clichés while bringing unique perspectives on cats was a significant undertaking.
The rewards experienced when writing books for children are endless! Specifically though, with I’m THAT Cat, transforming the poems into vibrant illustrations was an exciting aspect of the creative journey. In the end, seeing everything fall into place flawlessly was a deeply gratifying experience, as was an opportunity to inspire a love for reading (and with this book, poetry) among children.
In conclusion, while the journey of writing a children’s illustrated poetry book about cats was filled with challenges—ranging from maintaining an engaging tone to integrating visuals—the delight of creating I’m THAT Cat far outweighed the hurdles!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
This year, on October 7th, I will be releasing the first book of a series entitled The Alpine Dragon Legends! The series is suitable for children ages six through 10 and, of course, for all those who love dragons! I am extremely excited about this series, the first of which is titled The Dragon of Mont Blanc. This title, like all my others, boasts full-page artwork throughout the book. For the very first time, the legend of Vincent Laurent and a dragon called Rhygar is offered publicly and is told exactly as was written within the pages of this book. But this is no ordinary dragon book, The Dragon of Mont Blanc sends a powerful message: that kindness is a far mightier force than anger, encouraging young readers to embrace compassion and confront their own fears with an open heart. This book also serves to inspire young readers as they learn that the greatest treasures often lie in the connections we build with those who seem vastly different from ourselves.
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Written and illustrated by award winning author and artist, August E. Allen’s, I’m THAT Cat boasts engaging full page artwork accompanied by adorable read-aloud rhyming poems all about cats whose antics are quite the sight!
“They chase their tails, a furry blur,
A comical dance, a silly purr.
They’re marvelous cats, with charm untold,
a joy to watch, a story to unfold.
So let us laugh, and share their glee,
for silly cats, are meant to be.”
“Yet another charming synthesis of art and prose from Allen that will surely captivate and entertain children and parents alike — over and over again!”
LITERARY TITAN 