|
This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Hillary Harper. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me
Written by Hillary Harper Illustrated by Felipe Calv Ages 3-8 | 38 Pages Publisher: Cannoli & Co. Books | ISBN-13: 9798988363637 Publisher’s Book Summary: Meet Mack, the pup with emotions as big as his paws! At times, Mack finds himself overwhelmed by his feelings. His stomach is filled with butterflies, his legs grow wobbly, and he feels short of breath. Thankfully, Mack has his trusty sidekick, Gertie, to guide him through the tough times. Together, they explore ways to manage and overcome these powerful emotions. Through Mack’s journey, children can learn breathing exercises, visualization techniques, and other self-regulation activities that can be practiced in their daily lives. Author Interview
I'm excited to share my interview with Hillary. She has worked in the field of early childhood education since 2006. During this time she has worked as an elementary and preschool teacher, academic designer, and preschool/center director.
Her love of children’s books helped launch her book company, Cannoli & Co. Books, in 2023. Cannoli & Co. Books bring engaging, timeless, and creative stories to children and adults alike. The company is named after Hillary’s “best boy”, an English cream golden retriever named Cannoli. He and his canine brothers and sisters are the inspiration for her funny stories. Hillary is a native of Ohio. She has three teenage daughters, who also inspire her on a daily basis. She is a second generation teacher and writer, following in the footsteps of her parents. Outside of her professional life, Hillary enjoys spending time gardening, taking care of her house plants, and going on adventures. Learn more about Hillary and her book company at cannolicobooks.com. Where did you get the inspiration for 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me? The idea for this book was sparked by our family dog, Mack, who struggles with anxiety. We've experimented with various methods to help him relax. Alongside our dog, I aimed to tackle the rise in anxiety among children post-pandemic. The goal was to develop a fresh picture book centered on imparting self-regulation skills and calming strategies to children experiencing anxiety. What was your writing process like for this book? While crafting this book, I studied the self-regulation skills imparted to the students at the preschool where I serve as director. Targeting children aged 3-9, who are the intended audience for this book, I aimed to ensure that the strategies presented were relevant. Moreover, I aimed to portray the heartwarming bond between the two dogs, illustrating how having a supportive companion can assist in navigating challenging emotions. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? My joy in writing children's books peaks when I read the words aloud. Witnessing the genuine reactions of children to my stories is truly rewarding. Their honesty shines through in their feedback and suggestions, making them a wonderful audience. Moreover, I appreciate the freedom to unleash my creativity as children enjoy exploring their imaginations. What are you working on now? I am creating a journal to accompany this story. It will feature a section where children can draw, write, and reflect on their emotions. Additionally, there will be coloring pages and engaging activities to help children channel their focus during times of anxiety. I'm currently writing my third book, which revolves around a playful cat and her closest companion. Together, they use their creativity to unravel the mystery behind why the cat brings piles of leaves to her owners daily. The story is inspired by my friend's famous Instagram cat, Mary. What is your favorite book? My favorite children’s book is The Great Lollipop Caper by Dan Krall. Giveaway
Enter the giveaway for the chance to win a copy of 1-2-3, A Deep Breath for Me, signed by Hillary Harper as well as a children’s journal companion to the book.
Comments are closed.
|
RSS Feed