fffabulous baby week may be over, but I still have a few fffabulous baby things to talk about. So here we go! Children's books are very dear to me because reading to a child is much more than just reading a story. It is about creating a bond with your children and snuggling and cuddling with them while reading their favorite books; it is also about developing children's brain connections since they are so influenced by these repetitive positive actions when they are read to. So, all in all, I am a big fan of reading to kids, and therefore of children's books.
I heard of the My Special Tree
children's book through a friend, and I had to meet its author, Raki Desai. Raki used to be a teacher at an elementary school; she is an avid reader herself, and she loves children books. Raki wanted to write something special, that 'special book' that would be appealing to everyone: a transitional book that not only kids would enjoy, but one that much older children would also love while getting its message and the meaning behind the whole story, too. I have to admit that I liked this because I always hear of parents who have children of different ages that do not know how to please them all. Problem solved!
Do you want to know more about My Special Tree
? Well, here it is (highly simplified and without all the cute illustrations from Dylan Pecro, an up-and-coming illustrator): My Special Tree
is about a young girl who has a tree that is very dear to her; she writes stories under her tree all the time, and as she gets older, she has to go to college and leave her tree behind. While in college, she gets to study architecture and after graduating, she gets to do her dream job: build a toy store (kids will love it!). The issue is that the company wants to use the land where her tree is!!! After much debate and letters to the company, they finally agree to build the toy store around that special tree. Yay!
I love every stage of the book, as it can really relate to so many children: children who have something or someone special in their life, such as a pet or a book; children who are starting school and are facing a transition; children who can understand what it is like to have a conflict and know how to weigh the pros and cons of a decision; and even us adults! Another great thing about this book is that it is a nice reminder that every single tree is indeed special, and every single tree counts!
My Special Tree
is the first book that Raki wrote and published, and it is a very special book! Thanks Raki!