I’ve got another fabulous summer read for your child. With school just around the corner, it’s a great idea to get some books lined up to get in the rhythm of reading again too.

Author Prudence Williams knows a thing or two about school. She’s a 25-year veteran teacher that uses her experience with children to inspire them in her writing. Her new release, “Ruby Smiles”, is about a big sassy dog that needed her own book. I loved the way that a child is brought into Ruby’s world from a dog’s point of view. I had the chance to talk with Prudence Williams about her favorite reading memory from childhood, subjects for future projects, and what writing means to her.

• What is your favorite memory from reading as a child?

Prudence Williams: My favorite memory from reading as a child is reading “Down These Mean Streets” by Piri Thomas. It was the first novel I picked by myself, and it was good! I was about nine years old and the book was probably too mature for me, but I loved it. It introduced me to new cultures, languages, foods, and ideas, and since then I’ve been a strong reader.

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

Prudence Williams: I would like to write a book for teen girls about being an African American girl and enjoying life and being happy and falling in love. Most of the literature about young African American girls is very heavy and serious. I want young black girls to know they can be playful and just enjoy growing up. I want to represent a stable two parent home with loving and consistent parents and sibling. I want to show the black girl as the heroine and the popular girl who get the guy, grades, and joy.

• What is writing to you in one sentence?

Prudence Williams: Writing is an old friend that I always can depend on to help me understand the problem, share the news, and tell the story.

“Ruby Smiles” is a day-in-the-life of Ruby, a busy dog with responsibilities all day. But she has fun doing them, and you get to join her. Find out what a dog likes to do and how being responsible can be fun.

“Ruby Smiles” is available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

For more information on Prudence Williams, please visit her author page here.