Tag Archives: diversity picture book

Dec4

Interview with Mac Hernandez

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I’m excited to present my first Christmas book of the season. I found a darling picture book called “The Christmas Elf-e-phant” by Mac Hernandez. Mac is a Texas filmmaker, graphic artist, and storyteller that has had a passion for storytelling since he was a child. His new book helps bring children into the magical world of the Christmas Elf-e-phant. It’s a story of not fitting in with a positive message to its ending, and it’s a modern Dumbo story with Christmas at its heart. I had the chance to talk with Mac Hernandez about his childhood reading memories, future writing projects, and what writing means to him.

  1. What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Mac Hernandez: I loved learning about adventurers in history. From people fighting off pirates and looking for treasure to knights exploring far off lands.


2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Mac Hernandez: I’ll probably explore more fantasy and magical elements in my future projects.

3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Mac Hernandez: The process of imagining and telling stories is a thread that pulls at my heart and soul.

“The Christmas Elf-e-phant” is a humorous rhyming story illustrated to bring alive the joy of a Christmas inspired world in which Elf-e-phant resides. Centering on a lovable elf character that doesn’t fit in, children are transported to Santa’s workshop and what it’s like to be within. But being different from the other elves can be hard. Comparable to a modern Dumbo, this Christmas themed story will bring delight and joy to any child and their family. It will make a great read-aloud to get into the Christmas spirit and take minds on a journey of humor and positive self-discovery.

“The Christmas Elf-e-phant” is available at Amazon.com. This is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on books by Mac Hernandez, visit his author page here.

Nov24

Interview with Solonge L. Robinson

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I’ve found another great book to help with math concepts at home and during online learning. Solonge L. Robinson has written a book called “Shaping Families” combines math shapes with introducing diverse families. Solonge has been inspired by her travel journaling. In 2018, a horrific fire destroyed many of her family’s belongings, including their precious books. The tragedy inspired her to replace her children’s books with some written by her. Dive into what Solonge had to share about her childhood reading memories, future projects, and what writing means to her.


1) What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Solonge L. Robinson: Childhood memories of reading bring me directly back to The Babysitters Club series. Going to the Scholastic Book Fairs in the fall and spring at school was always a much-anticipated event. I’d often beg my mother, weeks in advance, for enough money to buy the next few chapters of my most beloved Babysitters Club books. I was hooked after the first six books, which I probably read about a dozen times each.

Even now, several decades later, when I see the titles and book covers for the first six books, Kristy’s Great Idea, Claudia and the Phantom Phone Calls, The Truth About Stacey, Mary Anne Saves the Day, Dawn and the Impossible Three, and Kristy’s Big Day, I am immediately transported to the 3rd-floor bedroom in my parents’ house in Brooklyn, NY. It’s a Saturday afternoon and I am curled up under a cover, next to my window, deeply engrossed in one of these amazing adolescent stories. The only thing to break my attention is the church bells ringing every hour, on the hour, until dusk. By then, I would have been part of Kristy, Claudia, Stacey, and Dawn’s world, so sad to have to leave.


2) What subjects would you like to write about in future projects?

Solonge L. Robinson: Oh, there are so many. Right now, my future projects include subjects on self-love and financial literacy for children. I also have collaborative works in motion on topics dealing with health and wellness; one a children’s book series inspired by my daughter and the other an adult fiction book about Physical Therapy.


3) What is writing to you in one sentence?

Solonge L. Robinson: Writing is freedom in its purest form.

“Shaping Families” is a unique, mathematical tale of diverse families. Join Poly-Anna, the polygon kid, as she learns about all the shapes that make up her unique family. From Triangles to Decagons, her journey will guide the reader to discover that families come in different sizes and form together a circle of love.

“Shaping Families” is available at Amazon.com. This is a Kindle Unlimited title.

For more information on Solonge L. Robinson, visit her author page HERE!

Jul14

Book Recommendation for “Stop Doing That”: A Picture Book About Having Tourette Syndrome As A Child

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Stop Doing That CoverWith the summer breezing past us, it’s nice to find a great book to keep the education going for your child. I found a wonderful book to teach your child or to supply your next year’s classroom with an understanding story of a child with Tourette syndrome. Written by an author with Tourette’s, it’s a story that will help any reader understand what it is like to have Tourette’s. “Stop Doing That!” is a story that belongs in any school library or classroom.

First, a little about the author. Chris Mason grew up with Tourette’s syndrome, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and anxiety disorder. He later was diagnosed with depression and akathisia a few years ago. He has published five books, including his autobiography, an anthology of thirty short stories, and non-fiction book about coaching youth soccer which will be published soon.

The book “Stop Doing That!” is the journey of a boy named John. Teachers, his parents, and friends get upset with him from his constant blinking, coughing and twitching at inappropriate times. His mother finally takes him to the doctor, and he is diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. His family and John learn strategies for minimizing his tics and encouragement to share his story with his fellow classmates.

It all makes John determined to not be stopped from doing the things he likes to do and deterred from the person he wants to be. It’s a book of finding strength and getting support to face struggles that are experienced.

I think “Stop Doing That!” is a great way to include diversity in your home, school or classroom. It’s a way to continue learning during the summer months, and a way to extend learning in the classroom, and would make a great read-aloud for the beginning of the school year.

“Stop Doing That!” is available at Amazon.com.