Blog Archives
Simple Questions With Positive Responses
Play With Me follows a young child and their companion who go on a picnic adventure and explore their world and invite young readers along to join them. What was the inspiration for your story?
Do you want the official answer or the truth? Official answer: I saw a TED talk about how kids learn to talk with questions. Someone asks, “What’s your name?” They answer. Someone asks, “What color do you like?” They think about it and answer. It’s how most conversations begin—a question and an answer. So that’s what I wrote. (That’s all true, it’s just not the full truth. For that…see below.)
The secret, unofficial answer is that I watched a relative reading to my granddaughter and was surprised that he just read the words. There was no pausing, no interacting, no questions with the child. That’s when I realized many people don’t know how to “read” a book with a toddler or how to engage the child in the book. So, I wrote the questions and the interactions to help the adults engage with their child and the book together.
And I’m thrilled, thrilled, thrilled with how it turned out!
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Lorraine Nam?
That was all RISE publications. My incredible editor Nicole Fox chose Lorraine, and I was over the moon. Lorraine made sketches that the art director critiqued. I was shown them, but mostly said, “OMG that’s gorgeous!” And voila, beautiful book!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I needed the book to be interactive. Simple questions with positive responses. My editor and I discussed what activities to portray. I was happy with all her suggestions because, for me, it’s about the question/answer format of the book.
Will this children’s book be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
A series! (A Playdate Series)
Book 1 – Play With Me. Releases April 2, 2024
Book 2 – Play with Me Outside Releases June 11, 2024
Book 3 – Play Games with Me. Releases Nov 11, 2024
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.
Hello, Are You New?
Hello, Are You New?, by Carmen Cassar, offers a delightful exploration into the familiar anxieties and excitement surrounding a child’s first day at school, all through the eyes of a relatable possum character. This engaging narrative guides young readers through the possum’s morning preparations for school, effectively mirroring the flurry of thoughts and questions children often have about this significant milestone.
Cassar skillfully addresses common curiosities and concerns—ranging from the nature of the teacher to the classroom environment and peer interactions. This approach not only resonates with young minds but also provides a gentle reassurance about the new experiences awaiting them. The illustrations in the book are particularly noteworthy, featuring a charming, cartoon-like quality that enriches the story. They invite readers into a visually stimulating world, offering plenty of elements to observe and discuss.
A key aspect of Hello, Are You New? is its message about the value of education and the beginning of life’s adventures in school. This theme is woven seamlessly into the story, leaving young readers with an understanding of the myriad opportunities for learning and growth that school offers. Cassar’s book stands out as an insightful and heartwarming tool for parents and educators to help children navigate the transition into school life.
ASIN : B0CSND5M8T
Complexity, Unpredictability, and Even Absurdity
One Mad Year: An Aussie Bloke’s Tale follows a father from Australia as he experiences his mundane life and the quirks of modern parenthood. What inspired the setup of your story?
A few people who have read my book One Mad Year have said how surprised they were that everyday life could be written to be so funny, absurd, and dramatic. Sure, there are no submarines or helicopters in the novel, but it can be no less dramatic in its impact on the reader. Irony and humour can be found, I’m sure, in most people’s lives once they tell their story. It’s never mundane as there are frights, delights, and challenges that present in unexpected ways. It’s the quirks, idiosyncrasies, and vulnerabilities of a man who was once someone’s mate at school, who then co-created a family, where he now has a role as husband and father and yet he retains his mateships. He finds himself with young children who have their own identities and opinions and a wife who may not always agree with the way he thinks or acts. Throw in some male naivete, some typical male pride, and the expectations of him from his wife and there’s plenty of story available in his and most people’s lives. His love for his wife and family underpins all his efforts whether they succeed or not. Sure, some of the things that happened to Steve Smith are crazy, but they are certainly not unique to his story. It’s even more entertaining when those situations he finds himself in are often of his own making.
Steve Smith is a man that many people will be able to relate to. Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Yes, many. I’m a husband and father of two girls (now in their ‘30s). Like most Australian men, I have ‘old mates’ and ‘new mates.’ The ‘old mates’ are those who I went to school or university with. Those men know me best and remain an influence on me and my family relationships. They offer an opportunity to revert in age when I meet up with them, and those who have read the book will identify with that statement. There are many more influences from my own life in the book. Of course, some husbands have experienced the incredulity that one of his most excellent ideas is met with rejection and even ridicule by his wife. His vision of how things should be done may even go through a review and approval process by his wife and sometimes his children. Yes, that’s somewhat familiar to the author.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the key themes (and it belongs to the main character in the book), is that, inside a marriage and a family, best intentions by the dad or husband are no guarantee of favourable outcomes. Further, while the husband-and-wife, partners, or parents in a family form a well-defined unit, interactions with neighbours, friends, workmates, and a myriad of other people, bring complexity, unpredictability, and even absurdity and hilarity. When two people come together to create a family, their pasts can present in strange and unexpected ways. Men and women can also see things differently and when they are husband-and-wife, friction is a probable eventuality. I wanted to bring through the book an authenticity about Australian family life and the impact the Australian environment has on our people; how they behave and the risks we take in daily life.
I also wanted to authentically depict mateship as we know it in Australia. I hope my readers will deem that delivered.
I fervently wanted to avoid Australian cliche in my book, and I am delighted that the Literary Titan reviewer noted my effort in that.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
My Editor encouraged me to start on the next book as the second of a series, and I’m well into it. It will be a fictionalised story about me and my (Aussie) family’s assignment in the United States. It may be another year before the first draft is complete.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
One Mad Year is Mike Lathouras’s hilarious debut that delivers a generous dose of laughter, tears, and recognisable domestic madness.
It’s a rollicking ride through a year in the life of one very tested, very entertaining Aussie dad!
A Growth Mindset Is the Key
I Love How introduces children and their caregivers to the growth mindset praise principle, and how this method benefits and helps children to thrive. Why was this an important topic to write on?
I Love How is the first book in a collection. It was important for this book to be the first as it lays the foundation for a growth mindset, which is a cornerstone for the subsequent books. A growth mindset is the key to unlocking the potential to learn and master the skills presented in the rest of the collection. For benefits from the concepts in my books to be optimized, the parents will also need to be involved and model the behavior. A growth mindset empowers parents and children to embrace the idea that they can continually learn, evolve, and enhance their lives, influencing how they perceive and interact with the world.
How much research did you undertake for this book, and how much time did it take to put it all together?
Well, that depends on what you mean by research and where you draw the starting line. I spent over 6 years conducting a study on the relationships between grit, success, and retention. Part of that was reviewing the existing literature on those three variables. My Ph.D. specialization is in performance psychology, and my M.Ed is in counseling. I have also spent over 15 years as a therapist, behavioral specialist, school counselor, and coach. So I have been studying, researching, and putting these concepts into practice for close to two decades.
I Love How is the first book in a collection that originated from a training/lecture of mine on psychological skills to help adults thrive. These skills are a collection of well-researched concepts that when practiced regularly, have potent benefits. I adapted some of the key concepts of the training into a collection of short baby books. The books are designed to appeal to very young children and to make parents aware of the benefits of incorporating these concepts into their lives.
So the short answer is the research and preparation were done over a long period and synthesized into a lecture. The books themselves were completed pretty quickly because I already had the concepts ironed out in my head.
As for the design and publishing, that was also pretty fast. My wife is very quick and savvy with design software. She was able to help generate the design that I was going for as well as teach me how to navigate the software. I have also been through the very rigorous process of publishing peer-reviewed academic research which made this process seem much less intimidating. Once I put an idea into action I can usually complete the manuscript and cover files in about a week. I have young children myself so I typically work on projects in the evening after everyone goes to bed.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from I Love How?
My hope is for all of my books to be a valuable resource for both parents and children. While the formats of these books are tailored towards babies, the underlying concepts hold significant benefits for adults. In I Love How, I invite readers to recognize that abilities and intelligence are not fixed attributes; rather, they can be cultivated and enhanced over time through dedicated effort, continuous learning, and perseverance. I hope that readers grasp the impact that fostering a growth mindset can have on their child’s learning journey, realizing the compounding effect it can bring to their overall development. On a more simple level, the books are short and contain images of other young children, this was intentional to appeal to both the reader and the baby. I hope this makes my books a favorite go-to at storytime.
What topic will the next book in that series cover, and when will it be published?
Since the release of I Love How, three additional books in the Growing Minds collection have been published. The second book is titled I’m Grateful, which is about establishing a regular practice of gratitude. The third book is titled Another Great Day, which is about the practice of noticing and savoring the positive things in one’s life. The fourth book is called Reframe, and it is about the skill of taking potential negative situations and shifting one’s perspective into a positive and constructive outlook.
Author Links: Goodreads | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon
The visuals in this book have been intentionally designed to appeal to very young children but it can be enjoyed by older children as well.
About the Author
Dr. Isaiah Varisano is a highly skilled educator, therapist, coach, athlete, and parent. With over 15 years of experience working with thousands of children and students, as well as hundreds of collegiate and professional athletes, Dr. Varisano brings his expertise in performance psychology to help parents and caregivers establish healthy mindsets and communication styles to support children’s thriving development.
Empowering Teen Girls
Growing Up Gracefully is a comprehensive guide that empowers female teenagers with essential knowledge and insights into adolescence, addressing topics from puberty to relationships, communication, and confidence. Why was this an important book for you to write?
According to the research by United Nations, it is estimated that worldwide approximately 120 million females under the age of 20 have experienced various forms of sexual abuse and forced sexual contact. Ever since I read this news I was deeply disturbed and kept thinking what I could do to raise awareness amongst the tweens and teens, especially since these topics are sensitive and considered a taboo in many countries of the world. The idea of a sex education book for girls seemed to be a step in the right direction and “Growing up Gracefully” was born.
How did you ensure that the information presented in the book resonates with today’s teenage audience?
My long teaching experience and the course ‘Understanding Adolescents’ helped me to understand the teens better. Generally, teens and tweens are not encouraged by the societal framework to ask questions about inherent biological changes to their parents or teachers. The social stigma attached to it creates an air of unwanted happenings. This book initiates self-awareness in an empathic and practical manner. By citing practical examples that can be identified with parent/children psyche, positive dialogue creation will become easier. This will alleviate anxiety and tensions in the adolescent mind, paving way to more creative functionality which is essential in healthy growth.
What advice would you give to young women and parents on communication between them?
The presentation in the book attempts to identify and try to dispel the insecurity and nervousness surrounding both the parents and teens on sex education topics. Teens should feel free to talk about sensitive topics with a trusted adult. At the same time, the parents should not avoid discussion on these sensitive topics. The information overload in today’s world (due to the internet) inundates adolescents, but no credible authority exists to verify their correctness. Misinformation and lack of awareness can lead to a dreadful situation. Finding proper answers to delicate topics will encourage adolescents to lean on healthy mental practices and self-defense strategies. This can eliminate vulnerabilities that would otherwise arise due to stymied communication channels between parents and adolescents.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your book?
Though sex-education is sometimes overlooked as a non-conforming topic this book is not a discussion on getting involved in intimate relations. Here the focus is on clearing up confusions that engulf the mind of the adolescent girls. It will empower them with accurate knowledge base aiding in increased safety, prevention from sexual abuse, development of maturity and improvement of self-esteem. That awareness would start at the grassroot level like simple concepts to distinguish good touch/bad touch. Presenting the topics in a non-threatening and relatable manner alleviates the pressure often felt by parents to broach these subjects single-handedly. Instead, the book fosters an environment of openness and dialogue, enhancing the relationship between parents and their daughters.
The book takes a positive approach towards sex education by opening communication and enabling dialogue on subjects like periods, body image and relationships for girls. ‘Growing Up Gracefully’ not only gives accurate information on puberty (physical, emotional and social changes), personal grooming, internet safety and reproductive health of girls but also helps girls form a healthy attitude towards sex and sexual health.
It answers all sex related questions raised in the minds of adolescent girls. It initiates a sense of self awareness, protects them from being vulnerable to risky behaviour and resist sexual exploitation. It empowers them with social skills that help them in building positive relationships.
The book offers advice for key conversations and also answers FAQs related to gender identity, female hygiene and sex education.
The author offers down-to-earth, supportive guidance as she addresses pressing questions, directly without any prejudice, that girls may have relating to their changing bodies.
Nurturing Neurodivergence: The Late-Identified Adults’ Guide to Building Healthy Relationships with Self and Others
Nurturing Neurodivergence: The Late-Identified Adults’ Guide to Building Healthy Relationships with Self and Others, by Jasmine K. Y. Loo, serves as a practical and insightful guide for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with Autism and ADHD, navigating a world predominantly designed for neurotypical individuals. Loo addresses the notable gap in literature for adults who discover their neurodivergence later in life. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and experiences from her professional interactions, the author provides a roadmap to help these individuals transition from unawareness of their neurodivergence to understanding and navigating life with this new self-knowledge.
The book is enriched with introspective questions and guided exercises, which are thoughtfully integrated either for in-book reflection or use in a personal journal. This approach not only deepens the reader’s comprehension of the topics discussed but also facilitates a more personalized journey of self-discovery and understanding.
An especially commendable feature of Loo’s work is the organization of the chapters. The book begins with an overarching introduction before delving into specific discussions on Autism and ADHD. Each section thoughtfully examines the emotional, executive functioning, and sensory processing challenges associated with each condition, along with other unique characteristics. This book is a significant resource for those interested in psychology as it highlights the reality that awareness and understanding of neurodivergence in adulthood are still emerging concepts. This realization, combined with a lack of adequate professional guidance and existing stigmas, underscores the importance of Loo’s work.
Nurturing Neurodivergence stands out for its accessibility, empathy, and the careful balance it strikes between being comprehensive and personalizable through the included exercises and queries. The book resonates as a voice for many undergoing similar experiences, offering valuable insights for neurodivergent individuals, mental health professionals, and those seeking to broaden their understanding of neurodiversity.
In essence, Jasmine K. Y. Loo’s book is a significant contribution to the field of neurodiversity and mental health. Its practical guidance and empathetic tone make it a valuable resource for a wide audience, fostering greater understanding and support for neurodivergent adults.
Pages: 148 | ISBN : 978-0645896084
I Love How
Dr. Isaiah Varisano’s I Love How skillfully integrates the psychological concept of Growth Mindset Praise, developed by Dr. Carol Dweck, into a practical guide for nurturing children. The book emphasizes the benefits of positive reinforcement and encouragement, advocating for a focus on character traits such as curiosity, kindness, compassion, and perseverance. Rather than measuring success by tangible outcomes, Varisano encourages celebrating the process and effort, fostering a sense of fulfillment in children regardless of the results.
I Love How employs photographs instead of traditional illustrations, showcasing a diverse array of children engaging in various activities. This approach not only adds realism but also allows young readers to see themselves and their peers reflected in the narrative, enhancing the connection between the reader and the content.
Beyond being a mere storybook, I Love How extends its value to parents with a section dedicated to practical tips on implementing the Growth Mindset Praise concept in everyday parenting. These tips range from simple language changes to more comprehensive attitude adjustments, offering parents versatile tools to positively influence their children’s development. Varisano’s work stands out for its effective blend of psychological theory and practical application, making it a valuable resource for both children and parents in nurturing positive character development.
Pages: 29 | ASIN : B0CLK1CMQW
Growing Up Gracefully..
In Growing Up Gracefully.. Sumita Bose offers a comprehensive and insightful guide specifically tailored for female teenagers navigating the complex journey of adolescence. Covering a broad spectrum of pertinent topics such as body image, relationships, puberty, and sex education, this book is an invaluable resource for young women seeking understanding and clarity about the changes they’re experiencing.
The author presents the information with thorough research and in a manner that resonates with a teenage audience. Teenagers will find the book informative, engaging, and empowering, providing them with the knowledge and confidence to address various aspects of their lives. For parents and educators, Growing Up Gracefully.. serves as an ideal tool to initiate important conversations with young women about sensitive and sometimes challenging topics.
One of the book’s significant strengths is its ability to open up avenues for communication between teenagers and their parents or guardians. Presenting the topics in a non-threatening and relatable manner alleviates the pressure often felt by parents to broach these subjects single-handedly. Instead, the book fosters an environment of openness and dialogue, enhancing the relationship between parents and their daughters.
A few highlights worth noting include the author’s discussion on the “Benefits of Sex Education,” where she eloquently articulates how comprehensive knowledge in this area can lead to reduced health risks, increased safety, improved self-esteem, and overall well-being. Another critical section delves into the multifaceted nature of puberty, offering clear explanations about the biological, emotional, social, and cognitive changes young women can expect. Bose’s writing is informative and imbued with positivity, making the learning experience enjoyable and reassuring for young readers. Her ability to distill complex information into understandable and relatable content is truly commendable.
Growing Up Gracefully.. is an essential read for any female teenager and a resource that parents will appreciate. This book is a lifeline of knowledge and empowerment for young women embarking on one of life’s most significant transitions.
Pages: 178 | ISBN: 935794415X
LITERARY TITAN 