Blog Archives
Enjoy the Things of this World
M.J. And The Big Kitchen Window follows a curious dog who watches animals outside her window and wants to go outside to meet them. What was the inspiration for your story?
The inspiration for writing this book actually came from my dog, name M.J. (short for Mary Jane). She loves to look outside at what’s going on in the world from the big kitchen window. The window faces the front of the house so she can see people, squirrels, birds, and other animals in the yard and on passing by the house.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Tania Ramirez Cuevas?
I enjoyed working with my illustrator. She is outstanding at her craft. I sent pictures of what I wanted M.J. to look as well as what the mother to look like and she did her magic! She is awesome!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
The ideas that I wanted to show to my readers were simple but I hope effective. I wanted to show how it is so easy to enjoy the things of this world. All of the animals mentioned in the book brought happiness to M.J. which is why she would bark so loud. This world is full of people, places, things, even animals that brings us joy.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The last book that I just completed was released July 28, 2022. It is a Children’s Inspiration Book. I am very proud of this book. It has been receiving favorable reviews since its released. And I am working on a Christmas book to be released for the upcoming Christmas holiday.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
What is Intimacy?
Reflections of Intimacy is an artistic look into how intimacy can be experienced and open up people to connect in ways not always thought of. What was your inspiration for creating a photojournalistic exploration involving intimacy?
The inspiration for creating a photojournalistic exploration through Reflections of Intimacy came from my everyday life and interactions. We often get fed a narrative of intimacy shaped by romanticism and our own experience with pleasure. As a change agent and artist, I wanted to explore what it means to be intimate at its root. To spark inquiry and move beyond the framed context with perhaps the same fervent sway intimacy affords us.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about intimacy?
Great question. I bring this up in Reflections of Intimacy, in that intimacy is often confined to an act. However, I believe it spans our entire lives without needing to be overt in how and when it presents in our day-to-day lives. This misconception has helped shape how we behave and possibly experience intimacy. Therefore I felt it was necessary to offer a new perspective within the first chapter of Reflections of Intimacy.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
One thing I hope readers take away from Reflections of Intimacy is that they can and should explore what intimacy means to them and how it shows up in their lives. I am also happy to connect with my readers on any platform and engage directly with them at a deeper level should they wish.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am currently in the exploration phase for my next book, so the date on that is tentative. However, the best place to learn about upcoming books and projects is by subscribing to the free newsletter on my website: jewelmensah.com
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Instagram | Website
When She Finally Took Flight
Gaining Her Strength follows a butterfly who learns that strength is more than just physical abilities, that everyone has different areas of strength to use. How did you come up with this idea and develop it into a story?
The first book in the series is about Laia’s birthmark. Laia, the Butterfly Princess, has a flame-like birth mark on her lavender wing. Her parents, King Papa and Queen Mama, were fearful that Swift Swallow would see her red birthmark and be tempted to gobble her up. So they pleaded with Laia to keep her wings shut tight. So for the first part of her life, Laia crawled along in the shadows, watching as all the other butterflies enjoyed flying in the meadow. Finally, one day, she decided that she did not want to hide in the forest anymore. She opened her wings and discovered that she rather liked her birthmark. When she finally took flight, Swift Swallow did not pursue her, for she was too quick for him. I, Alisa, have a red, flame-like birthmark on my right hand and arm. I used to be embarrassed by it, but I finally decided to see it in a different light. I realized that I, in fact, liked my birthmark because it made me unique. Once I wrote the story, I found out that my illustrator, Albert Morales, also has a dark birthmark on his right hand. It is interesting that the tools we use as creative people (our hands) have both been beautiful marked.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Albert Morales?
Albert Morales normally draws more masculine characters for comic books, like Wolverine, Spiderman, Venom, Fantastic Four, etc. However, we have known each other since we were kids, so I asked him if he could draw butterflies. Albert is an excellent artist who is always challenging his skills. He has illustrated numerous books for me, and he breathes life to my imagination with his art. I honestly think he can draw anything.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The first two books of the Butterfly Princess Series, Spreading Her Wings and Finding Her Friends, tackle topics on body differences, accepting others, and embracing how God designed each of us. In the third book, I wanted to show how being smart, innovative and fearless can be just as or even more powerful than physical strength. My hope is to illustrate to children that they can overcome great obstacles by working with others and thinking outside the box.
Will there be another book with Laia the Butterfly Princess, and if so, when will it be available?
Yes, I am writing the next one, Freeing Her Crown, which is slated for Winter/Spring 2023.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
My Own Experiences
Above Us: Cuando Miramos Hacia Arriba teaches children to look at the world around them and observe everything they can. What was the inspiration for your story?
My inspiration comes from different sources. First, I got inspired by my own experiences; as a child, I used to see the world through my dad’s car window. Then, one day, I realized how far everything looked, how big the buildings were, the trees, and even how far the sky was. Moreover, I have two super active daughters who like to play in the swing, reach the ceiling, and look at the sky at night. Finally, five years ago, I moved to Florida, and the beauty of his sky spires me to talk about nature and its interaction in our lives.
What inspired you to write a bilingual children’s book?
My family is bilingual. We speak Spanish and English all day at my house, so I thought why not? to write a book for other families like mine. We also read bilingual books to my daughters. I believe that reading is a very important skill that kids need to achieve at a young age, the development of the language and the connection with the parents during reading time is essential, so I wanted to present a book that invites families to read together.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Alvaro Agurto?
The illustration process was a little long but excited. Once I contacted Alvaro, he started working on the sketch. In the beginning, I shared with him some ideas I had, like simple illustrations or images for some pages while he was creating new scenarios, characters, and places. He had a clear idea about the perspective and angle of some images that had to look from above. Alvaro is very professional, patient and understanding. We were a good team because our communication was always respectful and positive.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I am working on the opposite notion of “Above U” s; I am not sure about the title yet, and I hope to publish it next year.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
2022 Literary Titan Book Award Winner
Have you ever asked yourself how children see the world above them?
What do they see, how do they feel, or what do they like that is above them?
From a high five to a look up to the sky, this story narrates a particular view of the world and what surrounds us. In this book, you will find beautiful descriptions of common situations that will allow children to learn and improve in language proficiency.
Ganador del premio del libro 2022 Firebird – Bilingüe/Idioma Dual (para niños)
¿Alguna vez te has preguntado cómo ven los niños el mundo que está sobre ellos?, ¿qué es lo que pueden ver en él?, ¿cómo se sienten al mirarlo?, o ¿qué les gusta más sobre lo que pueden encontrar al mirar hacia arriba?
Actividades tan simples como chocar los cinco hasta ponerse a contemplar el cielo. Esta historia narra un punto de vista particular del mundo y de todo lo que nos rodea. En este libro podrás encontrar cómo situaciones de la vida diaria son descritas de una manera hermosa, lo que permitirá que los niños puedan aprender y desarrollar el dominio del idioma.
Always Look Up
Butterfly Love from Above tells the heartwarming story of one girl’s journey through grief and shows the healing power and joy animals can bring. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was based on my own true story that played out the last couple of years. My longtime dream of opening up my own Fitness Studio was shattered when, after a day of horseback riding, my back suddenly ruptured. That led to 2 years of multiple spinal surgeries and other complications that made it so I could not ride a horse or teach fitness classes anymore. I wanted to share my story to inspire others who may also feel stuck under a dark cloud like myself. I learned that the only way for me to find my sunshine again was to help others and give back through charities that had become close to my heart. I also found that watching my little girl ride horses and just sitting at the stable surrounded by horses, butterflies, and nature brought an unexplainable peace and joy to my life. Even though my plans and dream didn’t play out as I thought, writing my story was so therapeutic for me, and becoming a published Author and inspiring others means so much to me.
I loved the beautiful artwork in this book. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Kate Solenova?
While describing my vision of what I wanted the artwork to look like, she quickly told me to get on Amazon and look at the books that Kate had previously worked on. My eyes lit up, and I knew without a doubt she was going to be the perfect fit! I sent Kate pictures of myself, my daughter, and pony Luna and she captured my little girl’s face and my pony Luna so beautifully! She took my vision and brought it to life throughout each page, and I’m forever grateful to her.
Where did the book’s motto “always look up” come from, and what were some key ways you wanted to show that in your story?
I remember exactly where I was when I came up with that motto for my story. I was still stuck under that dark cloud and feeling sorry for myself because I couldn’t ride horses or do much of anything due to all my spinal surgeries. I was watching my daughter riding her pony, and a yellow butterfly flew above her, just as they sometimes did when I used to ride. I was looking up, enjoying that moment, and the words “Always look up” came to me. When I started writing this book, those words became my focal point, not just for my book but for my life. I wanted to share with my readers that there is always something beautiful to see when we take a moment to “Always look up”. It can be life-changing!
Will you be working on writing more children’s books?
I poured my heart and soul into this book, and it means the world to me to share my story, but I honestly don’t know if I will write another one. If I’ve learned anything these last couple of years, it’s that dreams and plans can change in an instant, so anything is possible!
Author Links: Facebook | Website
This is the heartwarming story of one little girl’s journey through grief.
After losing her best friend-a butterfly named Twinkle-Star must search to rediscover her sunshine. The loss of Twinkle has kept Star under a dark cloud for some time, but her journey towards betterment will touch the hearts of all readers! Star is amazed to discover that she can reclaim her own sunshine by helping others who are also stuck under a dark cloud of their own! And she’ll realize that her light is even brighter than before!
Star’s love for Twinkle-and her pony, Luna-will show readers the beauty, joy, and healing power that animals can bring to our lives! Her journey will remind us that there is something beautiful to see when we take a moment to “always look up!”
Think Unique
Think Unique, written by Ortal Green, co-founder of the Glittering Minds, is a workbook-style book designed to help teachers and parents learn the process and benefits of project-based learning (PBL). The author not only explains the rationale behind PBL, but she also leads readers through a series of reflections and questions that build the skills needed to effectively implement the strategy. Green suggests that using the methods outlined in her book, teachers will empower students to think more creatively and critically. The book is designed for the elementary classroom, but the concepts apply to students of all levels.
Think Unique is divided into four parts: “Understanding Creativity,” “Why You Need to Develop Your Creativity,” “All About PBL,” and “Practical Tools and Exercises to Develop Creative Thinking.” Each section builds upon the last, creating a step-by-step guide to the world of PBL. By the end of the book, you have a toolbox of authentic PBL activities you can use in your classroom.
The first two sections focus primarily on understanding your creative potential, even if you feel you have none. The last two sections focus on the strategies of PBL, focusing on the RIDER (Research, Incubate, Dream, Evaluate, Realize) method, and providing examples of how the RIDER method can be used in the classroom to facilitate higher thinking. By understanding that process, you will learn how to design each unit so that students are compelled to think beyond what’s right in front of them.
As an innovator in the field of education, Green challenges teachers to turn the traditional teacher-centered classroom into a more modern student-centered classroom that will foster innovative thinking through project-based learning. With the tools and tips in this workbook, you can learn to tap into your students’ full potential by teaching them how to think creatively.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : 0645224103
You Can Feel The Love
Johari The Great follows a fifth-grade boy who discovers the power of his imagination and enters the school writing contest; he uses his story to inspire his classmates and friends. What was the inspiration for your story?
My grandson, whose name is actually Johari, was the initial inspiration for this story. He was always so smart and curious about learning. I wanted to write a story that clearly dealt with a boy whose gift was within him – he could feel it – and how he was able to bring it out with the support of the adults in his life.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Megan White?
Megan White, now Megan Rizzo, is such a gifted artist. She used to be an art therapist, so she brings this sensitivity to her art. We worked so well together. She really listens to what my vision is, and there’s never a lot of back and forth with her. She understood this was a fun story, an adventure, but she also picked up on the emotional nuances too, like the relationships. For example, I love the illustration of Johari hugging his dad. You can feel the love there.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important for me to have this story about an African American boy. Research shows that at the 3rd-4th grade level, there is a high risk of boys, and African American boys in particular, slipping in their reading skills. This is a critical time when students go from learning to read to now reading to learn. If those skills are missed, it’s an uphill struggle. So, I wanted to engage these boys and use an adventure that included school, teachers, families, friends, but most of all, how their imagination and effort could make them successful. Their imagination could help them discover just how great they really are, and what wonderful gifts already lie inside of them.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m very excited to share that my next book will be the second in the Johari The Great series. Johari will be off on a new exciting adventure, so there will definitely be another story he has to share. I can’t divulge the title yet, but I will say, the setting is quite unique! This story promises to be very appealing to almost anyone – young readers and adults too! Megan Rizzo and I are anticipating a Spring, 2023 release.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 