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Failure Is Part Of Learning
CJ Silvers and the Long Ride follows a young girl as she attends her first wakeboard lesson who is afraid and wants to quit when things get hard. What was the inspiration for your story?
I was inspired by my daughter attending a girls’ ride wakeboard event. While there, I saw many girls being scared to get hurt and the negative emotions around not succeeding. I also saw many families supporting their daughters. As the event progressed, I saw falling/failing become less emotional, and small successes drive the girls to succeed. This was important to me as my daughter was one of the girls.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your book?
The main character CJ Silvers is based on my daughter, Cassidy. She is now nine, and I am very proud that she has the confidence to try new things. I also tried to capture my wife Rebecca’s spirit and how she talks to Cassidy to help her grow up.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I think it was important to show that failure is part of learning and getting better. Also, failure itself is not fun, but with practice and guidance, everyone can achieve great things.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
CJ Silvers and her family will be having a Christmas adventure. New characters will be introduced, and a clear message that presents are not the most important part of the holiday season will be delivered.
Author Links: Amazon
Her parents will watch her while she tries to learn.
CJ Silvers and the Long Ride
CJ Silvers has a big day ahead of her–she is going to learn to wakeboard! Her day begins like any other, with one exception. She is very nervous. Learning something new that could be dangerous is a big deal for a little girl. With her parents supporting her, CJ starts her lesson with many reservations and doubts about her ability to learn this new skill so quickly. CJ’s parents are with her from the beginning of the lesson to the end, and that makes all the difference for a young girl like CJ.
CJ Silvers and the Long Ride, written by William Gray and illustrated by Rebecca Gray, traces the events in CJ Silvers’s incredibly exciting day as she attends her first wakeboarding lesson. This author/illustrator team has crafted a unique book both in writing style and illustrations. Written in verse and more the length of a short chapter book, Gray’s book is a treasure in more ways than one.
CJ’s story is a gift to both young readers and parents alike. CJ is understandably anxious about her new experience and tries several times to quit. Her parents, determined to help her understand the importance of persevering and solving her own problems, encourage her throughout the entire lesson. The author communicates an incredibly valuable lesson to readers via CJ and her reservations.
Gray’s illustrations are exceptional. Each one reveals an aspect of CJ’s day, and readers can see her hesitation, nervousness, and especially her elation when she discovers how wonderful she feels after powering through the day’s challenges. The rollercoaster of emotions is delivered through vibrant pictures with beautifully textured details.
CJ’s story is a wonderful way to teach children that working through their problems on their own is more than worth the frustration and fear. CJ Silvers and the Long Ride is an excellent book for counselors, parents, and teachers alike.
Pages: 81 | ASIN : B0C9B9W8XX
LITERARY TITAN 