Blog Archives
Heroic Role Models
Sophie the Monarch Butterfly: Mission to Mexico follows a small young Monarch butterfly who is determined to lead her group of butterflies to Mexico even when faced with challenges. What was the inspiration for your story?
We all know that Monsanto’s genetically engineered crops and the pesticides they promote can wreak havoc on our farms, food, and environment. But did you know they are also playing a big role in the quickly disappearing Monarchs? Roundup doesn’t kill Monarchs directly but rather kills their primary food source, the milkweed plant.
I belong to an organization called Friends of the Earth which is dedicated to saving endangered species including insects such as bees and butterflies.
When I read in their newsletter that the North American Monarch Butterfly population has declined by 90 percent due to the use of Roundup on the milkweed plant, their only food source, I decided to write a story about these beautiful creatures and their incredible migratory patterns. As an author of books for children, I am always looking for heroic role models who kids can relate to. Monarch butterflies who appear delicate and fragile but who must undertake this amazing journey in order to survive seemed like a good adventure storyline if I could create a strong lead character in a butterfly. Sophie the Monarch Butterfly is about a precious and brave little butterfly who we follow from the moment she hatches through her life cycle as she leads an annual migration of Monarchs 3000 miles from North America to Mexico. She must overcome obstacles and disbeliefs from her own community along the way. Sophie is also the name of my first grandchild, and both granddaughter and butterfly share the same attributes of belief in self, leadership, good judgment, and caring for others.
What educational aspects were important for you to include in this children’s book?
Scientists do not fully understand the navigational abilities of Monarch Butterflies. Every fall, North American monarch butterflies make the journey from their breeding grounds to their overwintering sites. Sophie emerges from her cocoon on a milkweed plant east of the Rocky Mountains, near the Canadian border. As the weather turns colder, she joins other monarchs traveling from their summer breeding grounds south to Mexico. She survives this long journey by making stops at refuge sites with abundant nectar from milkweed plants and shelter from the harsh elements. She instinctively knows to overwinter along with millions of other monarch butterflies in the central mountain forests, clinging to Oyamel trees from October to late March. The mountain hillsides of Oyamel forest provide an ideal climate for Sophie. The temperature is mild. The humidity in the Oyamel forest assures the monarchs won’t dry out, allowing them to conserve their energy. When the weather turns warm, Sophie starts her return journey, but only a short distance before she lays her own eggs on a milkweed plant and, after her caterpillars hatch, stays behind as they continue their journey north. Her journey and life cycle are over along with the story.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
I think I’ll let my dear friend, Linda Chambers, who illustrated Sophie address this question. For me, all I can say is that we worked together, two hands in one glove, knowing that for a children’s book, the illustrations tell the story as much if not more than the words. I changed words as Linda’s sketches came to life to help her make them even more powerful. Take it away Linda…
“I’m very familiar with Celia’s work and was thrilled that she’d asked me to create Sophie; at the same time, the task of bringing such an important story to life was daunting. Celia’s Sophie is a hero, a champion. Sophie matters. It all came down to both understanding and honoring the story Celia was telling. We divided up the text, stanza by stanza. We knew the number of pages we’d have to work with. How much could be told by a single illustration, most of which would be spread across two pages? Celia’s poem is powerful, lyrical, and extremely visual. I sketched a variety of possible illustrations based on her text. Gradually, Sophie came to life for both of us. Celia was supportive and enthusiastic from beginning to end. Every suggestion she made lifted the work.”
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
I always write about endangered species because as time goes on, the majority of these species become more endangered due to population growth, corporate greed, poaching, and sadly, game hunting for sport. If just one child is captured by the story of a baby elephant, honey bee, red panda, or butterfly and is motivated to get involved, then the story has value beyond simply being a sweet story about an animal or insect. A good example is my next book, Charlotte, A Yellowstone Wolf Pup in which the main character is a wolf pup whose mother is an Alpha Wolf, a leader of a pack of 12 wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Charlotte is a very independent little pup and must learn that, in order to survive in the wilds of the park, she must conform to the rules of the pack. Charlotte, Yellowstone Pup will be coming out in early 2025. I want to mention that, once I’ve completed the story, I research which charities are most impactful when it comes to teaching or actively saving the endangered species in the story. I use Charity Navigator to vet my choices. When I receive a royalty check from Leschenault Press for a specific book, I donate the entire amount to one of the charities listed on the back cover of the book.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
For children of all ages, Sophie Monarch Butterfly, Mission to Mexico explores what it takes to believe in yourself and take the lead when the welfare of others is at stake. It is also a story of one of our most endangered species, Monarch Butterflies, and their inspiring and courageous annual migration from North America to Mexico and back again.
I Learned to Love Myself
The Puzzle Piece is a heartwarming and insightful children’s book that beautifully illustrates the idea of individuality and self-worth. What was the inspiration for your story?
As is the case with many of my books, The Puzzle Piece was inspired by conversations with my daughter. I love finding ways to explain difficult concepts, such as authenticity and self-love. I used the image of a puzzle of the world to discuss these topics with her, and later decided to write the story to share with other children.
I found the message about trying to fit into the wrong space, which can lead to negative feelings, insightful and critical for both children and adults. What were some of the ideas you felt were important to share with young children in your story?
Like many people around the world, I sometimes struggled to fit in when I was growing up, and at some point I believed I needed to change myself to fit in. It indeed felt very uncomfortable. With time, I learned to love myself just the way I am, and it feels great! I am trying to help children to see themselves with loving eyes and to embrace all of themselves. I dream of helping to raise a generation of children who love themselves and know themselves enough to be able to contribute positively to a world that desperately needs them to be able to do so.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
With this book, which is the third book in the Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness series, I aimed to create another insightful book to facilitate discussions of important topics with children. From early editorial and customer reviews, I am excited about the impact that this book is having in helping parents and educators to navigate discussions of self-love and authenticity.
I hope the series continues in other books. If so, what topics will the next story be about?
This is the third and last book in the Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness series. It feels appropriate to end this particular series with this book. Nevertheless, I will continue writing and publishing other books and other series in the future. Some topics I have written about and will look into publishing in the future, albeit not as part of this series, include: our interconnected nature (i.e., we are part of the world and are thus all connected to each other and to the natural world); accepting our imperfections and apologizing for our mistakes; and maintaining our sense of awe alive as we grow older.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The Puzzle Piece guides children as they imagine that the world is a gigantic puzzle and that they are unique pieces in that puzzle. The book explains what it might feel like to change ourselves to fit in versus staying true to ourselves. Readers are encouraged to listen to their intuition, to find their space in the puzzle, and to be able to contribute their unique gifts to our world.
The Puzzle Piece
Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez’s The Puzzle Piece is a heartwarming and insightful children’s book that beautifully illustrates the idea of individuality and self-worth. Through engaging and vibrant illustrations by Rita Nilson, the book portrays the world as a gigantic puzzle where every individual, animal, and plant is a unique and essential piece. The narrative encourages children to embrace their uniqueness, trust their intuition, and find their special place in the world, emphasizing that everyone’s authentic self is crucial to completing the puzzle of life.
One of the standout elements of the book is its gentle yet powerful messaging. Mendoza-Vasconez adeptly addresses feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to conform that many children face. By framing these struggles within the context of fitting into a puzzle, she provides a relatable and comforting metaphor. I particularly appreciated the section where the book discusses how forcing oneself to fit into the wrong space can lead to discomfort and self-doubt. This is a critical lesson for children, teaching them that it’s okay to be different and that they don’t need to change themselves to fit in. The writing style is clear and accessible, perfectly suited for young readers while still engaging for adults. The repetition of affirmations about finding one’s unique space in the puzzle reinforces the book’s central theme effectively. Rita Nilson’s illustrations complement the text wonderfully, adding an extra layer of depth and charm to the story. The colorful, lively illustrations are not only engaging but also serve as a visual reinforcement of the book’s message about diversity and inclusion.
The Puzzle Piece by Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez is a delightful and meaningful read for children and adults alike. It’s a perfect tool for parents and educators to discuss topics of self-esteem, individuality, and the importance of embracing one’s true self. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a way to instill these values in young minds.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0D36LT6P6
Valentino’s Purpose
Valentino’s Purpose, by Wanda Reyes, is a heartwarming children’s book that champions the themes of acceptance and individuality. Illustrated by Lilly Walther, the book features vibrant and expressive artwork that brings the story to life, with the characters almost leaping off the page. The narrative follows Valentino, a spirited Goldendoodle preparing to become a service dog who learns the importance of embracing one’s uniqueness in the face of adversity.
The story resonates deeply, conveying that being true to oneself is invaluable. This message is particularly poignant given the diverse cast of characters, both canine and human, which underscores the book’s celebration of diversity. The inclusion of a service dog as a protagonist adds a layer of significance, reflecting the essential roles these dogs play in support of military personnel and veterans—a personal connection I greatly appreciate.
The book maintains a seamless narrative flow throughout, with a creative shift from first to third-person narration towards the end that adds a unique touch, although it may briefly surprise readers. Valentino’s Purpose is a compelling tale of diversity, acceptance, and love. It is a delightful addition to any home library, appealing to readers of all ages. This touching story about a courageous dog and his friends is likely to resonate with and inspire anyone who picks it up.
Valentino’s Purpose is more than just a children’s story; it’s a vibrant invitation to celebrate uniqueness and acceptance. With its engaging narrative and striking illustrations, this book not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons about individuality and empathy. It’s a delightful read that will enchant and educate, making it a perfect addition to any young reader’s collection.
Pages: 56 | ASIN : B0CWJTY4H9
From Gray to Colorful
The Gratitude Goggles follows young children as they discover the concept of gratitude and the pitfalls of comparison and want in how it impacts their mental health and well-being. What was the inspiration for your story?
Since I became a mother five years ago, I have been working on myself and trying to be the best version of myself. I have explored many resources (e.g., books, workshops), to learn and to grow spiritually. One lesson that I have learned during my journey of personal growth is the importance of gratitude to support our wellbeing. I wanted to share this message with my children and with other children. The idea of goggles that we can wear to change our perspective (from gray to colorful) came to mind as a way to explain what gratitude can do in our lives.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The core idea in this book is that gratitude can help to bring back some color into our lives when everything looks dull and gray; there is extensive research supporting the positive effects of gratitude on well-being and on physical and mental health. Another message I wanted to relay in this book is that many times we may be tempted to compare ourselves to others or we may think that buying new things or changing something about ourselves will make us happier, which is not the case. We are constantly bombarded by messages (through ads or social media, for example) telling us that we are not enough or that we don’t have enough, which may make us feel inadequate and even depressed. Gratitude can help to combat those feelings of inadequacy and the ensuing depression.
The art in this book really brings the concepts to life for young children through the visual representations. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Rita Nilson?
I am so grateful to be able to work with Rita Nilson on these books. I explored collaborations with different illustrators, and Rita was a perfect fit. Not only is she an amazing artist, but she is also a mother and she has a sensitive and kind soul. Thus, she perfectly understood the intimate and tender feeling that I want to convey with The Gratitude Goggles and other books in the Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness series.
Regarding our collaboration, we usually discuss ideas before she starts creating a storyboard. Sometimes, I will quickly sketch things that I have in mind and send sketches to her; she then takes those ideas and runs with them, adding her beautiful artistic touch.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The following book in the Wholesome Children: Self-Awareness series is called The Puzzle Piece, and it talks about authenticity and loving ourselves just the way we are. We have not officially announced the launch date yet, but it will be in May this year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Gratitude Goggles guides children as they imagine a special pair of goggles that can appear by simply feeling gratitude. These are goggles that reveal the world in its true, colorful splendor. The book explains the pitfalls of comparison and want, which can cast a gray pall over everything—as if we were wearing gray goggles. But fear not; we can always trade our gray goggles for the sparkling gratitude ones, thereby illuminating life’s wonders!
The Gratitude Goggles
The Gratitude Goggles, by Andrea Mendoza and visually brought to life by Rita Nilson, is a children’s book that skillfully employs the concept of ‘gratitude goggles’ as a metaphorical tool to inspire positivity in young readers. Mendoza’s narrative cleverly introduces these goggles as a transformative element; when worn by the characters, they shift their view of the world to a more positive and appreciative perspective. This central metaphor is further enriched through an analogy that contrasts the ‘shiny gratitude goggles’ with ‘dull grey goggles,’ effectively illustrating the impact of negative emotions like envy and comparison.
Mendoza’s storytelling prowess is evident as she weaves this meaningful moral into an engaging narrative, making it accessible and relatable for a young audience. Her writing is characterized by simplicity and clarity, ensuring that even early readers can grasp the concepts presented. This approachable language, combined with the book’s brisk pace, renders it an ideal choice for a short bedtime story. Complementing Mendoza’s narrative are Rita Nilson’s captivating illustrations. Nilson’s artwork enriches the text and plays a crucial role in capturing the children’s attention. The vibrant and engaging illustrations serve as a visual anchor, enticing young readers to delve deeper into the story. While the book targets a younger audience, particularly those in the early stages of development, its universal message of positivity and gratitude is subtly imparted, making it a meaningful read. The inclusion of a thoughtful ‘note to parents’ at the end of the book adds an extra layer of engagement, offering guidance on how to extend the book’s themes into real-world conversations with children.
Overall, The Gratitude Goggles is an excellent book that parents and teachers should consider adding to their collection. It is a well-written, engaging, and educational book that is sure to leave a lasting impression on young readers.
Pages: 31 | ASIN : B0CNS52HQ8
Choose the Healthiest Response
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves follows a frustrated raccoon who awakens to find his favorite green leaves have all turned yellow. What was the inspiration for your story?
The idea for this book came to me when my son was about 4 years old, and we were going through a period of frequent tantrums and aggressive behaviors. Since I had studied developmental psychology, I knew the roots of this behavior and how to deal with it. At the same time, as a parent coach, I noticed that this problem is one of the biggest concerns among parents with kids aged 2-5 years. They would come to me completely devastated and lost: “I don’t know what I did wrong and why my sweet boy became so aggressive recently! He never saw violence in our family or elsewhere. I have no idea where he learned it and how to teach him to express his emotions in a peaceful way. So far, nothing has worked.”
At some point, I realized that I could create a story that could be therapeutic and teaching for both parent and child. This is how Tutti came into my mind.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Katerina Azarkina?
Since the idea for this story came to me, I knew it had to be a picture book. Illustrations can be very helpful in evoking emotions, helping kids and their parents tap into these emotions while reading a book. That is why, when I was searching through illustrators on different platforms, I not only looked at their style and the colors they use, but I also paid attention to my own feelings. I was looking for a specific response in my body. This is how I recognized ‘my illustrator’ when I came across Karerina’s profile. She also loved my story when I sent it to her, and this is probably another reason why the illustrations came out so beautifully.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I wanted to lead parents and their kids through a whole cycle of frustration and help them see that different responses we can choose in different situations. Tutti, the Raccoon, was frustrated because he didn’t like how leaves on the trees changed their color. He wanted to hit a tree, he demanded it to become green again, he was pleading and threatening… But the tree remained unchanged; nothing happened. Throughout our lives, we will have to deal with many situations that don’t go the way we want them to go. Our ability to process our feelings and choose the healthiest response is crucial for our emotional well-being. Sometimes it’s time to fight for what we want, and sometimes it’s time to cry and grieve. I wanted to show that tears are not something we should avoid by all means but rather one of the best ways to overcome situations which we can’t change.
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?
While my illustrator was working on this book, the ideas for the next ones started bombarding me. When I wrote the fifth story about Tutti, I had to say ‘STOP’ to my inner author! It was simply too hard and too expensive to self-publish so many books, considering that I made them in multiple languages.
By now, there are five books in this series. Each one is designed to help parents and their kids solve some of the most important problems in families with kids under 7 years old:
Tutti and the Terrible Yellow Leaves: A story about the ability to cope with aggression, frustration, and accepting situations that don’t go the way we would like them to. It’s about tears and tantrums. And at the same time, about the ability to find the good in any situation.
Why Tutti Doesn’t Like to Go to Bed: A book that creates a sense of connection with mom and helps to overcome bedtime anxiety so your child can fall asleep with a smile on her face.
Tutti Goes to School: It’s not just about school but about any separation. This book can help the child not to feel lonely in separation and to part with loved ones more easily when there is a need to do so.
Tutti, the One and Only: A therapeutic story about competition, believing in oneself, and the ability not to give up even when at first something does not work out. It’s about unconditional acceptance and self-love.
Tutti and the Vanillaberries: This is a story about one of the most difficult emotions – defensive alienation (in other words, ‘resentment’). It teaches how to repair connection when conflicts, upsetting situations, or long separation happen in relationships, or when we unwillingly hurt feelings of our loved ones.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Every one of us encounters situations where something doesn’t go quite the way we wanted it to.
Young children can get frustrated a 100 times a day which causes them a storm of emotions. They start fighting, screaming, falling on the floor, throwing tantrums, calling names and biting!
We can try to punish them for this, try to explain that this is not the way to behave. We can even threaten them with “natural consequences”… But we quickly learn that it simply doesn’t work.
This book can help a child understand their emotions and express them in a civilized way.
Find out what helped Tutti not to hit the tree when he had an impulse to do it, and how the wise forest elf helped him to overcome his frustration.
Saving Endangered Insects
Livy Little Honey Bee is the story of a honeybee who is not afraid to be herself despite the challenges she faces from the others in her hive. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my granddaughters, Olivia (nicknamed Livy), who was four, expressed some fear one day when we were out in the garden picking flowers, that a honeybee would sting her. When I explained that bees won’t sting people unless they feel threatened and that they have a job to do gathering nectar and pollen, she was fascinated. As Livy has an independent streak in her, and definitely sings to her own tune, whether it’s what she wears or what books she likes to have read to her, I combined her personality with the science of honeybees.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I only write books for young readers that focus on animals or insects that are threatened or on the verge of extinction so one idea I wanted to share in Livy Little Honey Bee was that bees are very important to our environment as pollinators(The Queen Bee says “We need the flowers and the flowers need us”.) And, while I don’t say it directly, bees are at risk due to insecticides. Hopefully if children become more interested in the life and work of honey bees, they will become advocates for their protection. I also wanted to encourage young readers to believe in themselves even if it means possibly not blending in with the crowd. Livy loves to live in the moment, yet also promises the queen she will be a responsible citizen and, to me, that is an important message to reinforce to all young children.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with Mira Hirabayashi?
I am lucky to find extremely talented young artists from RISD. Mira was eager to illustrate the book once she read the text, and we worked together via zoom for about a year to get each illustration just right. We’d meet every two weeks or so and she’d show me her progress. Then when we were done, we turned it over to the designer who got it ready to go to the publisher’s printer. I can’t think of any issues we had except in the beginning getting Livy’s face just right and figuring out how to create the hive….which is, in my opinion, the best illustration in the book.
Are you currently working on any other children’s books? When can fans expect to see your next book released?
I have two more books written and currently being illustrated: One is Sophie, the Monarch Butterfly, Mission to Mexico. It is about a little butterfly, Sophie, who ends up leading a migration of hundreds of monarchs south to Mexico for the winter. Sophie is the name of another of my granddaughters. And of course, Monarch Butterflies are endangered. Linda Chambers, a friend, is illustrating that one. The other book is Connor, the Red Panda. This book is being illustrated by another RISD student, Joyce Guo. It’s about two Red Pandas and a Pangolin who must leave their habitat due to many dangers from man and climate warming and cross the mountains to safety at an animal sanctuary. Red Pandas and Pangolins are also extremely endangered. And as always, all royalties from these books are donated to the appropriate organizations dedicated to saving the animals or insects.
Author Links: Website | Instagram
For children of all ages, Livy Little Honey Bee intends to explore the courage and self-confidence it takes to stand up for who you are as well as the nature of honey bees and the critical contribution they make to our environment through pollination of earth’s flowering plants.
A portion of proceeds from the sale of this book is donated to the Pollinator Partnership, the Natural Resources Defense Council and other organizations dedicated to preserving the health of pollinators, critical to food and ecosystems, through conservation, education and research.
LITERARY TITAN 