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Unique Creations
Georange Horange’s Storange follows a young orange and a toy doctor who go on a mission to get the doctor’s new invention’s name added to the dictionary. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was washing the dishes one night in the middle of the week and I heard a character on the T.V. say “Nothing rhymes with orange.” For some reason, it struck me as being sad because it felt like the word was kind of alone. Dale had just retired from Sunny View P.S. and I immediately thought “Just create a word that rhymes with orange and solve the problem.”
That’s what the Toy Doctor program works to do every day with our students. They have an issue that is making them unhappy and the program always looks to find a unique way to solve that problem. Once I pictured Dale walking through at recess, seeing a sad crying orange, I knew it would break her heart and she would be able to solve the problem by creating something that rhymes with orange and would also make Georange happy again.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator?
The work of the amazing hand-painted illustrations in the story are completely due to the work of my sister in-law Julie Tait. There had already been a few family gatherings where Julie had displayed her artistic qualities but one Halloween stands out in my mind. She freehand carved an owl out of a pumpkin after just looking at it. I knew when it came to drawing, my efforts would never have come close to the details that Julie was able to so incredibly convey about the school, its students, Dale and of course, Julie’s visual representation of Georange Horange, whose facial expressions throughout the book really make him a heartfelt character. I can’t thank her enough for all the work she put into this book.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Georange Horange’s Storange?
Impossible is two letters too long.
That is the last line of the book and Dale painted this phrase on the wall of our shop. It is the only thing painted on the wall and Dale worked every day to prove the phrase is true. Every child at our school has their own unique issues that they work through every day. They require equally unique creations to help support them with those everyday needs. I always look at it like an equation. You have (A) what the student is capable of and (C) the goal the parents or teachers want the child to achieve. So I have to solve for (B) and create something that will allow the student to successfully go from what they are capable of doing, to what they need to do successfully as they grow and learn. There has never been a time where a solution wasn’t possible and I truly do believe that impossible is two letters too long.
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?
I am currently working on another story called A Fishless Tank and the Tale of Two Snails based on a true story. It describes the adventures of two snails that live in a tank at Sunny View. The two snail friends must help their aquatic ornament friends (Diver, Clam, Plants, and Ship) to overcome their own individual issues, by all working together to correct the problems in the tank. I’m hoping to get the text finalized this summer so that Julie can start to visualize the story and get a grasp on what she can create for the watercolor artwork. I’m making sure to include the students at Sunny View again in the background so that they can once again see themselves represented in a storybook.
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In this mesmerizing narrative, Ryan and Julie Tait pen and illustrate a tribute to Dale and the uplifting spirit of the children at Sunny View. “Georange Horange’s Storange” transcends a mere story-it is an exploration of wonder, kindness, and determination.
Introducing Georange Horange: a joyful and impeccably organized student, shining with positivity and purpose. Georange’s world is one where every child and every toy possesses extraordinary ability. As Georange teams up with Dale, they collectively embark on a whimsical quest to discover a truth: the word “impossible” is, indeed, two letters too long.
Adorned with exquisite illustrations, this narrative captures the profound interplay between life’s challenges and the magic that arises when one refuses to bow down. Through the tale of Dale and Georange, readers experience the powerful legacy of a woman whose life was dedicated to Sunny View’s courageous students. Their journey represents unity, compassion, and the unparalleled joy that emerges from facing and overcoming life’s obstacles.
“Georange Horange’s Storange” is destined to touch hearts across all ages, reinforcing timeless lessons of kindness, the resilience of community, and the transformative power of imagination.
Our Nation’s Dysfunction
Twelve Steps for White America is a call to those who seek to understand the roots of systemic inequality and their personal connection to it, as well as those wishing to make meaningful changes to improve society. Why was this an important book for you to write at this time?
In January of 2020, I made the career decision to leave a job making $200k because my soul screamed “What are you going to do with the rest of your life?” By February 2020, Covid’s rampage brought the world to its knees. With people beginning to die and me not knowing if I were next, I spent that last chance for soul work diving into a brilliant presentation of the sanatana dharma in a book called The Jewel of Abundance by Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian. In that deep soul stillness, I studied artha – the spiritual abundance that you can experience in pursuing your life’s soul purpose. In that fertile soul-soil, I and the world witnessed the extrajudicial killing of Mr. George Floyd. Millions were sickened by what sickened Black America for over 400 years. I was one of those millions whose pandemic hush perceived this horror with undivided attention and resolve. It yoked me into my responsibility. I finally had to “write that book.” Since so many others more brilliant than me have already weighed in, anything meaningful would have to be so personal from my lived experience, expertise, and education, that no other person could write it.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
White America includes white Americans, but we are all complicit.
Like an alcoholic in recovery, white Americans need to make amends/repairs for the sake of our own personal repentance, atonement, and redemption.
Answering the call of James Baldwin for new standards, I’ve repurposed the underlying problem-solving principles of recovery movements and applied them to our nation’s dysfunction as a twelve-step treatment plan.
My Rigged Advantage Theory posits that elites coopted a mass of others who, in Colonial America came to be defined as white with elites to comprise a voting block of power to reproduce elite advantage.
We have never uprooted slavery. Legacies live on in cultural artefacts and behavioral norms such as minority rule in the Senate, SCOTUS, and the Electoral College; the white entitlement I call the “Presumption of Whereabouts Authority” which results in fugitive slave patrols persisting as disproportionate carceral state policing; and the presumption of incompetence, which is especially deadly for Black women.
Where did the idea to use the 12-step approach for addiction treatment come from, and how did you develop this into your plan of action to help change people’s thought processes?
My own recovery, now practiced for 37 years, requires me to “practice these principles in all my affairs.” In fact, my spiritual condition is the wall between me and relapse. My spiritual condition cannot afford for me to live deluded colluding in the rigged advantage of whiteness, which relies on white supremacy and anti-Blackness. I practice this spirituality in order for me to be well. With this practice en masse, a United States of America can be well.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Twelve Steps for White America?
In THE United States of America, the American experiment with democracy has not failed as much as we have yet to try it.
In A United States of America, where race no longer predicts outcomes because we did the work, we align who we say are with what we do.
In that integrity, we can actualize the sustainable order of democracy: justice THEN liberty THEN peace THEN prosperity.
There are no shortcuts.
But glory awaits our best days ahead, if we do the work.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | LinkedIn | LinkTree | Amazon
Educator and former psychotherapist William Watson presents a treatment plan for democracy, an innovative framework of steps white Americans can take (and all individuals and organizations can incorporate) to right our nation’s course to peace and prosperity through justice then liberty for all.
The problem: Watson’s Rigged Advantage Theory presents U.S. democracy as compromised by advantage rigged to favor some, exploit others, and marginalize many. Rigged advantage operates a whiteness inclusion-collusion that relies on two codependent strategies-white supremacy and anti-Blackness.
The solution: Address elements of dysfunction common to both rigged advantage and alcoholism. Apply 12 steps of known recovery principles to unshackle the past, promote U.S. security and global competitiveness, and eliminate race as a predictor of democracy’s outcomes.
Twelve Steps for White America maps a pathway to truth, reconciliation, and renewal forged in a crucible of national repentance, atonement, and redemption.
Try To Give It Your Best
The Pink Crayon is the story of a little girl who learns the value of sharing, even when it comes to her most prized possession. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I distinctly remember a peaceful day in my backyard, enjoying the sunshine on a beautiful afternoon. Seated beside me, my daughter was immersed in coloring, going through a phase where everything had to be in shades of pink, from her clothes to her favorite spoon at daycare.
Just for fun, I asked if I could use her beloved pink crayon. What unfolded next was unexpectedly touching, revealing the pure innocence and creativity inherent in children.
This moment became the focal point of my story. I also sought to incorporate educational concepts suitable for the 2-5 age group. My writing inspiration stems from daily interactions with kids, and I strongly believe that a picture book has the potential to empower and educate them more effectively than parental rules alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In today’s world, where everything is so fast-paced, there is an ever-increasing need for empathy, collaboration, kindness, and generosity. The need of the hour is to work with people, make choices—possibly difficult ones—each day, and try to give it your best. Sharing does not always mean giving up things; it also means showing empathy, respecting, helping, and taking people along with you as you embark on any adventure. These skills not only help build grit and character but also help us stay grounded and always learn from others. The Pink Crayon has a true entrepreneurial spirit, not just in creating something but also in helping others make their dreams a success.
The artwork in your book is fantastic. Can you tell us a little about your collaboration with illustrator Noor Alshalabi?
I feel truly fortunate to have discovered Noor Alshalabi for my book. What initially drew me in was her impressive portfolio. Noor’s natural artistic style embodies transparency, rich textures, and a serene atmosphere—qualities that were crucial for capturing the essence of my book. To my delight, Noor generously provided a free sample page based on the text I supplied.
Our collaboration began approximately 6-7 months ago. In our initial phone call, I shared the vision and details about the character. The first phase involved character design, where Noor showcased exceptional attention to detail, patiently incorporated my feedback, and underwent multiple revisions.
As we progressed to the book pages, Noor presented initial sketches outlining the entire narrative. We engaged in several revisions, and Noor was accommodating enough to add extra pages to enhance the story’s flow. While the sketching phase demanded time, the transition to colored illustrations was seamless.
Noor’s professionalism shines through in her work. She adopts a modular approach, creating designs with multiple layers, allowing for swift additions or revisions. Her punctuality in updates was commendable, maintaining weekly email conversations throughout the project.
Upon completion of the book, Noor provided all necessary files for uploading to various POD platforms. She remained available for any queries and even made adjustments for specific platforms after the contract concluded. I couldn’t have asked for a more professional and delightful illustrator. Working with Noor was a pure joy.
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?
This kicks off the series of five books. I’m honing in on the social aspects of early learning for this character—tackling anxiety, being assertive, and building grit. These ideas are on my mind, and I’ll likely start working on them, possibly late next year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Pink Crayon tells a captivating story that subtly imparts valuable lessons in early learning like empathy, critical thinking and independent decision making. This book encourages young readers to explore the exciting world of numbers, counting and colors, turning learning into a delightful adventure.
The pages are adorned with vibrant illustrations that bring the story to life, ending with a heartwarming and colorful conclusion. But the fun doesn’t stop there! After the story, readers can enjoy hands-on activities like puzzles and quizzes, extending the joy of learning beyond the book.
A must-have for every bookshelf, “The Pink Crayon” seamlessly combines learning with joy. It’s perfect for parents, teachers, and makes for a thoughtful gift for any occasion. Grab your copy today!!
The Pink Crayon
The Pink Crayon, by Radhika Nair, narrates the delightful tale of Little Mimi, a young girl with a passion for art who faces the unexpected challenge of sharing her cherished art supplies. Set against a backdrop of vibrant outdoor scenes, the story unfolds as Mimi grapples with the arrival of visitors who take an interest in her favorite pink crayon. This narrative elegantly explores the complexities of sharing, especially when it involves items that hold significant personal value.
Nair’s storytelling is both engaging and thought-provoking, as it doesn’t offer a straightforward solution to Mimi’s dilemma. Instead, it subtly nudges readers to engage in creative problem-solving, encouraging them to think of various ways Mimi could resolve her predicament. This approach is particularly effective in fostering critical thinking in young readers, as they are drawn into Mimi’s world and her quest to find a solution that benefits everyone. Complementing the story’s charm is Noor Alshalabi’s artwork, which is nothing short of exceptional. Alshalabi’s illustrations are a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and warm expressions, adding depth and vibrancy to Mimi’s journey. The depiction of the pigeons, in particular, is a delightful touch, enhancing the story’s appeal. While the narrative adeptly addresses themes of critical thinking and problem-solving in stressful situations, it also excels in showcasing the importance of compromise and empathy. These themes are woven seamlessly into the story, making this book not only an entertaining read but also an educational one.
The Pink Crayon is an excellent resource for introducing young readers to the fundamentals of critical thinking and problem-solving. Its suitability for a wide age range makes it an ideal choice for both independent reading and shared experiences in family or classroom settings. For those seeking a children’s book that combines a compelling story with valuable life lessons, The Pink Crayon stands out as a heartwarming and insightful choice.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CMPML4KW
LITERARY TITAN 