Blog Archives

A Proud World Traveler

Shermaine Perry-Knights Author Interview

I Move A Lot and That’s okay: Axel’s Story follows a seven year old boy that has to move with his family to a new military base. What was the inspiration for your story?

My books represent one aspect of my backstory. I simply wrote the books that I wanted as a child that moved a lot. I am a proud world traveler and avid reader that loves to learn new things.

What was your favorite scene in this story?

My favorite scene is on the plane. It’s refreshing and empowering to hear men and boys open discussion on their feelings. Having difficult conversations with children is important. It normalizes and validates their thoughts, feelings and experiences.

What were some of your inspirations as a writer?

As an avid reader I draw inspiration from trips to the local public library. Listening to mystery thriller suspense books and poetry on audiobooks fuels my passion for writing. There’s something beautiful and comforting about a good book. I love the feel of the pages and overall experience of reading a picture book. I travel in the pages of each story and that inspires me to create experiences with relatable themes in my books.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

Black and brown girls have freckles too! I’m co-authoring a picture book, with my niece, featuring a love for the diversity of freckles. This book will publish in the Fall.

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

I Move A Lot and That’s Okay: Axel’s Story teaches kids how to emotionally cope with relocation. Designed to build resilience and confidence in children, this picture book follows an energetic boy in a military family as he shows the reader that she can embrace a new environment, language, and a different culture.

Leaving their home and settling in another is tough on all kids. This is what military families go through when moving to a new station, far away from home in another city, state, or country. This adventure is filled with sadness, loss, acceptance, and hope. By the end of the story, young readers will be chanting the theme of the book: “I move a lot and that’s okay!” While this book features a military child, its message of resilience and hope are universal ones that help all children to overcome obstacles more easily.