This post is in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Kate Searle. All opinions are my own.
Book Information
My Soul Treasure
Written by Kate Searle Illustrated by Alison Mutton Ages 4+ | 28 Pages Publisher: Kate’s Soul Treasure (2022) ISBN-13: 978-0645415421 Publisher’s Book Summary: My Soul Treasure is a beautifully illustrated children’s book designed to teach children how to connect with their inner selves and cultivate self-awareness and self-love. It follows the story of a young girl who goes on a journey beyond her mind, body, and heart to discover her own inner treasures. The story includes positive affirmations and visualization exercises to help children develop mindfulness and self-reflection skills. Author Interview
I am excited to share my interview with Kate Searle. She is a geologist, wife, and mum who lives in the southwest of Australia. Becoming a mother sparked Kate’s love of storytelling. She has an innate passion for instilling in children a sense of personal empowerment. She has woven her love of gemstones into her debut book, My Soul Treasure, to teach children about the incredible powers of their own souls.For more information, visit www.soultreasures.com.au
Where did you get the inspiration for My Soul Treasure? During the covid lockdowns in early 2021 I felt a burst of inspiration from something bigger than me, to let my children know that they were safe, they were powerful and regardless of what happens in the outside world each day, they have a treasure chest of inner strengths within their soul, that they can draw upon to help them overcome anxiety and navigate this wild and woolly world. This burst of inspiration led me to write my books, Find Your Treasure (a middle grade novel), My Soul Treasure and create a mindfulness treasure-hunt game for children. What was your writing process like for this book? What a wonderful question. I could clearly visualize My Soul Treasure being a colorful picture book, with a double-page spread for each of the soul gems, but I didn’t know which order to arrange the gems. The story really came together one weekend when my husband and kids and I took a trip down to the southern forests. As my husband was driving, a lot of the inspiration for the words in My Soul Treasure flowed into my mind and I wrote them down. The movement of the car and being surrounded by nature helped my creativity to flow. As I was drafting the story, I could only write in lead pencil in a large children’s scrapbook! It helped me see which words would best fit on each page. That weekend, whilst exploring a nearby field, my children and I saw a beautiful rainbow right next to the cabin we were staying in! We climbed over a fence and tried to run to the rainbow. It was a magical moment for us, and it was then that the realization came to me that the soul gems in My Soul Treasure should be arranged in the order of the rainbow and chakras colors. It was as if nature itself was contributing to the direction of the story! I stayed up very late, cosy by the fire that weekend, writing what would become My Soul Treasure. What is your favorite part about writing books for kids? I love the creative process of bringing my ideas to life and synthesizing complex or less understood parts of our world and ourselves, into language that children can grasp so that they become aware of how powerful and magical they are. I also love the process of creating inspiring stories that I wish I could have read when I was a child! What are you working on now? I am very excited about launching two new exciting products: ‘Find Your Soul Treasure’ Activity Workbook – which is an interactive workbook that brings the story of My Soul Treasure to life. It has a section for each soul gem and includes hundreds of fun activities and suggested ways children can connect with their soul treasure. Parents, educators and therapists can use the Workbook to help children to heal and empower them. I am about to launch my children’s game called ‘Find Your Treasure’ which is a treasure hunt game that includes clue cards and real gemstones. The game inspires children to find their own soul treasure! I am also dreaming up the sequel to my middle grade novel!! What is your favorite book? That is such a hard question! My favorite book as a child was The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis for its magic and adventure. As an adult, I’d have to say People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, for the enchanted way it sweeps across centuries and highlights the value we place on precious texts. There is a part of the story where the sacred text is described as encrusted in turquoise and precious gems which I just adore! Giveaway
Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure and a Kindle!
One (1) grand prize winner receives: - A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle - A Kindle (2022 release) Four (4) winners receive: - A hardcover copy of My Soul Treasure, signed by Kate Searle Comments are closed.
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