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Courage, Self-Confidence, and Fun
A Special Sweater follows a young boy who, after learning to knit, wants to take on the big project of making a sweater; he has to overcome several obstacles to make his vision a reality. What was the inspiration for your story?
I have always admired the enthusiasm and optimism that, at its best, helps children to grow as people constantly. They may have unrealistic ideas about their chances of achieving the desired results but still want to try.
I was a resourceful child who was constantly trying to outdo myself. Sometimes, I built a hut with insufficient supplies. My dream of the finished building was much more wonderful than the cabin I finally created from twigs.
I also collected a bunch of fragrant flowers and tried to make perfume out of them. Of course, it was a bit sad when the result was only a smelly gray broth, not the sweet scent of a rose.
Later, as a parent, I have always tried to encourage my three children to test their limits – and in moments of disappointment, I have comforted them when necessary. They were all very active and believed in their abilities as builders, cooks, merchants, and journalists from an early age. My daughter was a great example of an indomitable child who built herself sandals from pieces of wood, nails, and ribbons. And she didn’t mind even though she couldn’t walk on them. All in all, the sandals were a success, and we still have great photos of this unique project!
Adults should remember that the most important thing in a child’s activity is not a perfect result. Even more valuable is the opportunity to dream and create – and the chance to try again.
Do you enjoy knitting or doing any other craft work like Eddy?
I have always been enthusiastic about knitting. My skills only developed as an adult when I could do things at my own pace. School craft classes, at least in my childhood, were about following exact instructions and often suppressed your desire to create.
Later, when I could take responsibility for knitting all alone, I started to enjoy it. Knitting is simply inspiring if you can design freely and choose yarns, models, and colors. Of course, the results of my knitting are already more satisfactory today.
My specialty is woolen socks, which I give away to my friends. When I knit something warm and homemade for my loved ones, it feels like I care about them with warm thoughts.
I have also included the idea of knitting in one of my upcoming children’s books. In it, an old writer, frustrated with the results of his work and their reception, invents a new way to influence. That also includes knitting. But I won’t reveal the story more now. Let’s wait for the illustration and publication.
Is there any moral or idea that you hope children take away from the story?
The most important message of the story is that children should have enough freedom to realize their ideas and dreams. It’s not a question of them being allowed to do or get anything, nor about materials and excessive costs. Instead, adults should recognize situations where a child’s creativity and ideas just need a little support and encouragement.
I want to encourage children to try their ideas without worrying about whether they will succeed perfectly or what others say. Building self-confidence is one of the most important things I strive for when writing for children.
It is also important to identify various limiting factors. There can be many kinds of people in the environment, which prevents the child’s natural desire to experiment. Authorities in schools and hobbies set limits. People in one’s family circle, both parents and siblings, can block and doubt. Even among friends, some may criticize and discourage you. In the midst of all this, children must find their personal power and learn to use their judgment.
Although many of the children’s efforts do not lead to tangible results, something even more valuable follows. Children gain courage, self-confidence, and fun in their lives. A person who has not been needlessly restricted or suppressed in childhood grows into a strong and whole adult.
Your “I Did It” series is one of my favorites, I love seeing children work through problems and have success. Will there be more books in this series?
There are currently three books in the I Did It series. In addition to this story, A Special Sweater, I have written the books My Sunflowers and A Tree House Night. They also describe situations where the children face resistance and difficulties but find ways to overcome them and achieve their dreams.
Children take the reins to some extent in all of these books. They don’t exceed the allowed limits in any radical way, but the message is the same: The limits set by the environment can sometimes be too strict. For growth to be possible, you must be encouraged to go a little further. Of course, I am not inciting dangerous anarchy because the safety of children’s lives means a lot to me.
I think such environments, where the child’s ideas and enthusiasm are at odds with the environment, are interesting and important topics in children’s literature. Maybe I will write more parts in the series. At least, there are many delicious ideas from my childhood and the lives of the children around me.
Play is an excellent way to develop skills needed later in life. My goal is to help children grow into mentally strong adults with self-esteem. Cooperation with other people also becomes natural and equal from this starting point.
I have to admit that after writing each book in the I Did It series, I have felt proud of the accomplishments of the main characters. Witnessing their success and survival also makes the writer of the stories happy.
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At school, I already learned how to knit a potholder. I can surely manage a sweater now! Eddy thinks.
Eddy feels confident about his skills, although nobody else does. The result will be something unique-but not like the photos in the magazin
Challenging Situations are Valuable Lessons
Do You See Me when We Travel follows a small child who is unsure about new experiences as their family travels to a new city, the parents help the child see new things are not bad. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
I think family vacations have always been the best! Many surprisingly small things can influence their success. I have tested my methods in our close circle for decades – and dare to recommend them to others. They guarantee everyone good experiences and happy memories of shared moments.
In my time, I had three children in the same car, plane, ship cabin, hotel, or foreign city. Our family traveled every year to many destinations together. We learned to reconcile different wishes and take care of the needs of travelers of different ages.
I already have two grandchildren, with whom we have also been abroad – my dream is to introduce them to interesting places in the same way I did to their parents when they were children.
What was the most interesting place you ever visited?
This is a difficult question because there have been many unique travel destinations. Our best travel experiences with the family often involve historically significant places or cities. My favorite cities are probably Istanbul, Rome, and the old inland towns of Spain – especially Toledo, Seville, and Granada. The great mountain areas in the Alps and the northern parts of Spain will also remain in my mind forever.
Perhaps my most cherished memory is connected to Toledo and its magnificent Catedral Primada Santa María. My older children could already read, and they had noticed the big streetside ad about the extensive church art exhibition in that incredible building. To my surprise, they suggested that we go there. “You would like to, though, wouldn’t you, Mom?”
Our visit to the Toledo Cathedral lasted hours because the extensive exhibition covered probably twenty different rooms. Even our youngest, just a toddler, was excited about various artwork and didn’t rush away. I remember how my children found a statue that they wanted me to see among the objects. In that special work of art, Baby Jesus tickled Mother Mary under the chin and made her laugh! The message was clear to me, too. A parent and a child need to be close and have fun together – even on trips!
I also want to praise historic hotels – like Paradors all over Spain – which are often incredible buildings full of stories that I have been able to tell my children. That way, traveling gets a deeper dimension. Of course, everything we have done and discussed has been adjusted to suit the children’s age.
What book changed your life or greatly influenced you?
As a child and teenager, I read a lot. The interest changed from children’s to non-fiction books and novels for adults early on. As a memorable book experience, I have cherished Mika Waltari’s ”Sinuhe”, whose narrative and historical background made a great impression on me. Later, I read more of Waltari’s historical novels, but my first experience with ”Sinuhe” remained invincible.
It is important to me that the background of the book is authentic and that the author has both knowledge and the ability to tell the story impressively by using quality language. I am a fan of reflective books. I want to get deep into the thinking of the main characters and try to understand their choices in life.
Waltari’s epic novels are full of incredible events and fantastic adventures, but I think the main thing in them is the main character’s inner life.
Different twists and turns are interesting in children’s books, but I like to write books with small and ordinary events, too. They are just a frame for the personal development and thinking of the main characters.
Will there be more “Do You See Me” books?
My “Do You See Me Series” already has three books. The other two are “Do you see me at home?” and “Do you see me in nature?”
I have already written also the fourth manuscript, where we are in the world of sports activities. Adults and children may look at it from very different perspectives. There will be challenging stunts, noise, rush, and pressure to perform – sometimes even unpleasant surprises.
The “Do You See Me?” Series is quite exceptional among the children’s books I have written. I wanted to make a series where the point of view of a small child would be the absolute focus. I have written these books in a new way, all based on a pure conversation between an adult and a child. The lines have different colors depending on the speaker.
The topics of the “Do You See Me?” books are very familiar to most families with children. Challenging situations where help and understanding are needed can be found both at home and in the nearby environment – or further away as we travel. The adult must have time to listen and consider the concerns and wishes of a small child. It often helps if adults try to remember their own experiences as children. After all, we all carry our childhood experiences still with us.
I have received excellent feedback on the parental and educational aspects of these ”Do You See Me?” books. Many adults have said that the conversations are very realistic, and they recognize the situations of the stories in their family life. Readers have also liked my Mongolian illustrator Majigsuren Enkhbat’s vision, where a small child is often surrounded by new or overwhelming things – and the little ones are often literally presented surrounded by the feet of adults.
I want to give all my experience of everyday family life, travels, and celebrations with children to the use of others. I believe there is a great need for books like these as they can help everybody. The families will develop mutual understanding by reading the books together.
Everyone benefits if challenging situations are resolved in a good spirit. Being and doing things together is valuable!
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When your family takes a trip, it may feel too long; the food may taste strange; and the unfamiliar people may seem scary. A quick visit to the playground, a little taste of food served in a fun way, or a word game on a road trip may be just the thing you need. Luckily, when staying the night in a strange place, you can move your rollaway bed closer to your parents.
Have a wonderful trip, everyone!
Children Need To Get Information
Mother’s Bread Dough follows a little boy and his mother who escape their home and bring their family’s sourdough with them to help spread hope, love, and joy. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Mother’s Bread Dough is my latest book on War and Peace theme. In a troubled world, this most challenging topic must be addressed in a way that is suitable for children.
We can’t prevent children from hearing the news. Disturbing information is pouring over them from so many directions. Fears and worries come to their mind, and someone must also answer their difficult questions.
I am the mother of three adult children, and I still remember very well when I had to explain complex things to them. It requires skill and sensitivity. Children need to get information, but at the same time, they need to be children who feel safe.
A unique group is children who themselves suffer the consequences of war in their lives. They need a particular understanding of their difficulties and encouragement to overcome them.
The stories and illustrations in children’s books can help deal with the most problematic issues. I hope this book also provides a natural basis for discussing war themes with children at home or in schools.
Could you elaborate on how the bread becomes such a significant element in their journey?
In this story, baking bread is a symbol of several things. It is an important task that mother and son have often taken care of at home together. The son’s role as the mother’s helper has grown continuously since the father went to war. Finally, he oversees heating the oven. The same one that he reluctantly leaves behind as they are rapidly evacuated in the middle of a baking session.
Baking delicious bread requires an excellent sourdough starter, which also represents spiritual roots to the home region and its people. It passes as a treasure from generation to generation and helps fill empty stomachs. On the other hand, the baking oven represents the home and its warmth. The entire house is later rebuilt around the stony heart of the fire pit.
In “Mother’s Bread Dough,” baking bread under challenging conditions during the escape journey also represents the mother and son’s determination and their goodwill towards strangers. Bread is always shared with others, reflecting caring and the warmth of their hearts.
Dealing with the complex topics of war and escaping from home is made more accessible in this story by connecting them to familiar everyday things. A mother constantly baking bread is essential for a sense of security – at least something always remains the same. The greatest heroes don’t always make a big fuss about themselves but work quietly and patiently for the good of others.
In what ways do Stefan Turk’s illustrations complement and enhance the storyline of Mother’s Bread Dough, and are there any specific illustrations that stand out in creating the right mood and atmosphere for the narrative?
Stefan Turk’s illustration has received much praise from readers and industry professionals. I am genuinely pleased with the result as well. Stefan worked tirelessly to create beautiful pictures. I dare to believe that the story I wrote inspired him – at least, he certainly understood its meaning. It was interesting to follow the progress of his work. Stefan created significant visual elements to interpret the story – complete with details that fascinate young children. I especially want to point out two pictures that mean a lot to me.
The first shows two mothers with children meeting in the attic of a deserted house. In an emergency, the human desire to help takes precedence over hostilities created by other people. Mothers are mothers, and children are children, regardless of which side of the border they live. The feverish woman resting in the dimness of the attic and the eyes of the others present in the dark space make a powerful image.
Another impressive illustration is related to the scene at the end of the book, where the mother and son return home from their challenging journey. All that remains of the family home is the stone oven and a sooty chimney. Mother and son immediately start heating the oven and decide to rebuild the house around it. It really touches my heart when I look at the picture of them standing on the ruins with their few belongings.
Fortunately, life can continue even in situations like those in my story and Stefan’s illustrations. The book’s purpose is to make the readers see that it is possible to show humanity even in the utmost difficulties. We need each other!
How did you manage to balance historical accuracy with creating a captivating and accessible story for young readers in “Mother’s Bread Dough”?
When I write books about war and peace, I often have a real-life starting point in mind. It helps me create a complete and realistic story. To that, I can add the real experiences of different people and imagined moods and situations that develop in my mind.
My mental landscape of this book is related to the events during the challenging decade of the breakup of Yugoslavia at the end of the last millennium. But as usual, I’m not mentioning any specific conflict, country, time, or region. Of course, I have told my background thoughts to the illustrator, who has perhaps also got some stimuli for his illustrations that way.
The story highlights the child’s point of view. Leaving home and escaping war is hard, especially as children don’t fully understand the situation and cannot influence it themselves. In this book, the boy’s whole world crumbles to pieces. By telling about his growth and survival in demanding circumstances, I want to encourage the reader to cope with their own challenges, understand the situations experienced by others, and show empathy.
This story is just one of many that reflect the situations children and adults face in times of war. And not all stories have a happy ending like this one. However, we always need each other to survive – and this applies all over the world.
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Many ordinary situations can be difficult for young people, and that’s when you need a grown-up’s support. With a warm heart and playful mind, families can fin
A Small Tooth is a Big Change For Kids
Terrific Teeth educates young readers about losing teeth and shows them how to handle it. What is the biggest fear kids have about losing teeth?
The fear of losing baby teeth has many surprising connections. It’s partly a physiological condition as new and unexpected changes happen to your body. Something that you just partially control yourself. Children may also fear that the process might be painful.
But there is some mental pain, too. The period when children’s baby teeth start to fall out is an extraordinary stage in their development. It is a turning point when a small child suddenly grows up to meet new challenges. Children can also be worried that a new kind of witch’s smile greets them in the mirror! And who knows when new teeth will grow to fill the gaps – if ever!
That’s why approaching school age, in particular, often increases the children’s pressure and worries about whether they will learn everything they need in time before school starts. Losing teeth and getting them out one by one is a new task children must face simultaneously with many other matters. They may try to be as competent as possible but still feel small and need assistance and support.
What are some key factors parents should keep in mind when helping their kids deal with losing teeth?
It’s essential to remember that the period of children losing teeth is more significant than you would expect. To deal with it wisely, we’ll better consider all the challenges connected to that particular turning point in children’s lives.
The adults begin to talk to their offspring about starting school. The child might get the first proper bike and practice the route to the schoolyard. Besides that, there a many more new skills to learn at the latest, before school – such as reading, swimming, and dressing all by yourself. A familiar life at home is scaling outward to the unknown.
In rapid changes and constantly facing new things, it is essential that the children feel safe all the time. Adults provide their best support by devoting enough time and patience and taking the little one’s concerns seriously. Don’t rush – removing tiny teeth from a small mouth is a necessary process that lasts several years. Let’s be happy with our child about this new phase as well.
Regarding this matter, too, it is good to remember that things look different when we look at them through the eyes of a child. This is especially true of all fears. What seems like a small thing to an adult may worry a child for weeks.
What is the biggest challenge you had as a parent around dental health?
I’m a mother of three children. Fortunately – based on my personal childhood experiences – I was well aware of the possible dental challenges they might face with their teeth. It has helped me approach my children’s upbringing with patient compassion also in this respect.
Each of my children had a unique approach to this teeth-losing period. One was very scared, and taking the tooth away was a multi-day operation for the whole family. The other was a quiet loner who just needed a little encouragement and, finally, some ice cream treats. Somebody needed some praising after proudly presenting the loose teeth between tiny fingertips.
My father helped me get some of my first baby teeth out. He took me to buy ice cream to celebrate our joint success. It left me with a pleasant memory that I have sometimes applied to my children. It has been nice to celebrate the lost tooth somehow together. With my youngest child, we sometimes had to consult the dentist, and after each visit, we went to the bookshop to buy a book, some paperware, or pencils. Soon he was almost waiting for those visits.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I have many roles in our small publishing company, Wickwick Ltd, and I work with stories along the production chain. That’s why I’m also now involved in the various stages of the books that we publish. There is writing, working with translators, editors, and illustrators.
I have just written many new manuscripts, as spring and summer are fruitful seasons for me. Stories pile up, and they will be published next year. I think the five stories I have written linked to important songs in my life will be fascinating. And I trust they’ll inspire the illustrators, too. Besides, I’m writing manuscripts for two great stories with very specific backgrounds. A family friend living on the other side of the world has “donated” me his unique experiences and suggested that I turn them into children’s books. And I will do it. However, it takes some time before these stories can be published with beautiful illustrations. I hope they will be ready for my readers sometime next year.
Fortunately, there are also books ready for publishing already this autumn. It calms my impatient mind! I’ll give you some examples. Friends and Rivals tells a story of power-hungry prince brothers. The illustration is made by the Croatian Iva Dukić. This is our first book together, and I’m delighted with the result. The book’s insightful pictures convey moods from the brothers’ carefree days as children as well as from the dark years of fighting for power.
Also coming soon is The Bird Prison – a fairy tale set in a beautiful garden with surprising limitations. The book has lovely hand-drawn watercolor illustrations by the Ukrainian Sofia Panchyshyn. A perfect garden turns out to be a difficult place to live for birds of different colors, each chirping their unique song. The stiff gardener, Griselda, is definitely not a fan of birds. I have witnessed with joy how my story has been transferred to paper in Sofia’s skillful hands. I expected wonderful pictures because I’ve seen some of her work before. But the illustration of this book exceeds all my expectations. I’m sure it will get a lot of admirers!
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“Terrific Teeth” is a book about losing baby teeth.
Is Emma about to start losing her baby teeth? What if they won’t come out–will horrible crocodile teeth grow inside her mouth, as her brother says? Luckily, Dad has some ideas in mind to help her.
Help! Emma’s first baby tooth is loose. “I want to keep this tooth. It’s just fine!” Emma insists.
But Emma’s brother is scaring her, telling her those horrible crocodile teeth will grow inside her mouth if she keeps all her baby teeth. Luckily, Dad has some ideas to help, and in the end, she gets to have a tooth party.
Stella and her Spiky Friend
Stella and the children living in Berry Bay are mystified by the new pharmacist. She seems so different from everyone else around them. Visiting the pharmacy now requires them to go in groups because she is so, well, mean. They aren’t used to this kind of treatment. When Stella happens upon the pharmacist outside of the pharmacy one afternoon, she learns something about her that explains not only her strange behavior but also her ever-changing appearance. Stella quickly learns that she and the rest of the neighborhood were as wrong as they could possibly be about Betty Birdington.
Stella and Her Spiky Friend, written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Emanuel Tamas, is a lovely children’s book that demonstrates how the curiosity of a child can reveal some important life lessons. Young Stella, about to turn eight years old, is mystified by the town’s new pharmacist. Stella and the children of her neighborhood are highly relatable in their wonderment and their reactions to an adult who is, for lack of a better term, a meanie. Betty Birdington is both written and illustrated in a way that will spark readers’ imaginations. Her character is fascinating from the first pages of Pere’s work. The illustrations Tamas has created stir a spectrum of emotions in young readers, from the feeling of trepidation to pure joy. I truly enjoyed the storyline and believe young readers will find Stella’s tender love and care toward her little hedgehog interesting, but I would love to have seen more of the storyline with Betty Birdington. I found myself looking throughout the rest of the book for a reappearance of the pharmacist and a bit more about her interactions with the townspeople.
Stella and Her Spiky Friend is an imaginative children’s story showing the curiosity that children have and how it can manifest in some situations. I highly recommend Pere and Tamas’s book for parents and teachers of children ages 6 to 10.
Pages 42 | ISBN : 952357003X
The Gnome’s Garden
Norman the Gnome has a beautiful home and a loyal friendship with Milly the Mole. The two work together tirelessly each spring to plant and tend a fantastic garden that will serve them well all year. They are the best of friends. One day, Norman is approached by a stunning butterfly who has other ideas for his garden. Norman quickly falls under her spell and decides to follow her advice, leaving poor Milly out in the cold. Always practical and not willing to give up their usual endeavor, Milly goes about the task of tending the fruits and vegetables the two usually plant together. What will it take to make Norman see he has made a mistake?
The Gnome’s Garden, written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Outi Rautkallio, is a children’s book following the plight of Norman the Gnome as he struggles to decide between following his loyal and true friend Milly the Mole or becoming captivated by the new and interesting ideas presented to him by a striking butterfly who appears one spring day.
Norman’s struggle is one younger readers will find relatable as they try to choose between the suggestions of their friends. The lesson taught by Norman is an important one for children–remain loyal to those who are loyal to you. Pere has gifted young readers with an amazing story that will truly make them think about the decisions they make when it comes to their friends. Milly the Mole will steal readers’ hearts with her die-hard dedication to the garden and its many benefits. When Norman’s appreciation for Milly comes full circle, readers will learn a beautiful life lesson.
As a teacher and parent, I love the lessons provided by Pere. The Gnome’s Garden, written by Tuula Pere is a fantastic book for any teacher or guidance counselor to incorporate into lessons on friendship skills, kindness, and even perseverance.
Pages: 40 | ISBN : 9523570099
Mother’s Bread Dough
Leo’s father has gone off to war, and he is now the man of the house. He and his mother make plans to bide their time making delicious bread together. While they go about the task of baking bread, they are startled to find they must evacuate their home. Leo’s mother, determined to save a family treasure, prepares her sourdough starter for the journey away from their home. Leo and his mother flee but not without their fresh baked bread and the remainder of the dough. The last-minute decision to take the bread on their journey may just be the one thing that saves them and everyone they encounter.
Mother’s Bread Dough, written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Stefan Turk, is one of the most heartwarming children’s stories I have come across in many years. Pere has incorporated historical fiction with a wonderful tale of hope, love, and faith. Leo and his mother are the bearers of many blessings as they travel, and readers will watch in wonder as his mother’s bread continues to provide food for many along their journey and beyond.
Illustrations are such an important part of any children’s picture book. Some hit the mark, and others don’t quite live up to the storyline. I have to say that Stefan Turk has exceeded all expectations with the illustrations of Leo, his mother, and their very trying journey. The mood created by the illustrations is spot-on. I absolutely adore the style Turk uses throughout the book.
Mother’s Bread Dough, written by Tuula Pere and illustrated by Stefan Turk is a highly recommend book to any elementary teacher seeking to incorporate a truly impactful story into their Reading or Social Studies curriculum. This is truly a beautifully written tale for the ages.
Pages: 46 | ISBN : 9523578316
Calmly Being Present
The Best Summer Guest follows a nervous little boy who spends the summer with his grandmother at the lake cottage. What was the inspiration for your story?
Most small children have difficulties staying overnight in a strange place without their parents. Especially the first times can be difficult. The children lack their own bed, toys, familiar routines, and perhaps evening fairy tales and songs.
Even if the destination is familiar and dear people live there, the situation can be strange and uncomfortable. The child would like to succeed as an overnight guest, but many things may bother the mind. Dare I sleep alone? What if I don’t fall asleep quickly? Is the room too dark? Dare I reveal that I’m scared? How to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? Maybe I’m having a nightmare!
When I was little, I found it challenging to be away from home at night without my family. No other place offered the same security as having my family members around. And my vivid imagination made everything even more difficult. But it was fine with me if the whole family went on a trip, for example, to visit relatives. Sleeping at my cousins’ house or in the attic of my grandparents’ farmhouse was just fun. Sleeping in a crowded tent with my sisters was suitably exciting when our family drove around Eastern Finland and spent the nights in campsites.
After some time, I became an eager camper and independent traveler. I just needed to get used to being alone from home overnight – and to learn that at my own pace.
Is there anything about Grandma Gladys that came from yourself or your life experiences?
The Best Summer Guest is more or less a true story. If you had known my beloved mother-in-law – the grandmother of my three children – you would understand who the true hero of this book is. Grandma’s summer days with little guest Jonty combine the experiences of many children from our close circle. These siblings and cousins have spent their summers in an environment we all love.
The description of the summer cottage, the farmhouse next door, and the small village shop nearby are also quite authentic. Even many small details are extracted from that environment and its people. They will recognize themselves in the story, I’m sure!
How Granny is present in Jonty’s life is especially important for the entire story. Her warm and gentle behavior and attitude towards the child are unhurried and genuine. In such an environment, the child feels comfortable and safe.
The Granny in the book and myself have many things in common. I share the idea of simple summer fun, where nature plays an important role. Listening to the children and putting yourself in their position also helps to understand and handle even difficult situations with kindness.
How did you decide on the title of this children’s book?
The book’s title, The Best Summer Guest, emphasizes what all children should feel; that they are good and accepted just as they are. They are surrounded by safe, friendly adults who welcome them and enjoy being together.
While writing this, I also started thinking about my late father, who always treated me with special warmth. Even at a very young age, I felt I was an important person, even unique and equal somehow. I had my voice heard, and my needs were taken into account. In his last words to me, he said that I have always been important to him. It is one of the best gifts and heirlooms a child can receive. Having the confidence that you are important and loved makes it easier to go on alone when the time comes.
In the title of this book, it feels good to declare that Jonty in the story is the BEST in something – at least as a summer guest at Granny’s summer cottage.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from The Best Summer Guest?
I have already described many essential themes of this book above. Such as respecting the children as individuals, considering their needs, and spending time with them without any rush – just calmly being present. A sense of security and strong self-esteem grow in such an atmosphere.
Finally, I would like to emphasize the value of the chain formed by generations. I often deal with this central issue in different ways in many of my books – also in this one. To understand oneself as an individual, it is helpful that people can get information about their roots and find their place in the continuum formed by their family and relatives.
Cooperation and good relations between different generations are assets for all parties involved. In this chain, irreplaceable information and experience of being human flow. By participating in each other’s lives, family members of different ages can share the same warmth and feel needed and valued.
I have heard good feedback from readers of many ages about the messages in this book. Some people start reminiscing about their childhood and their relatives. Many memories come to their mind; sometimes those memories make them laugh, but sometimes their eyes are filled with tears.
All in all, modest and small things can turn out to be the most essential when looking back on one’s life. Peaceful moments together with my grandparents were a treasure for me, and they fed my story-hungry mind and encouraged me later as a writer.
In a fast-changing world, we need things that don’t change or at least change slowly. They increase the feeling of security and give us time to adapt to the pressures caused by the outside world. At their best, grandparents can help the next generation grow in many ways. In addition to very concrete help, it can be about spiritual connection and cultural heritage. The importance of these things will be noticed later, at the latest, when the moments together have already passed.
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Spending time with Grandma Gladys turns out to be even more surprising than Jonty imagines. He meets the “Bun Angels,” watches for a scary pike that lives under the dock, and finds unusual treasures in Grandma’s old dresser. But Grandma’s birthday party turns out to be the best day of all.
LITERARY TITAN 