Books develop and nourish kids’ imaginations, expanding their worlds. Picture books introduce young children to the world of art and literature. Novels and nonfiction books stimulate kids’ sensory awareness, helping kids to see, hear, taste, feel, and smell on an imagined level. Books inform our imaginations, inspiring creativity.
This Children's Book Author Spotlight Series is going to showcase independent children's book authors and their works. We strive to bring you the best there is to offer and an insight into the world of children's books!
This week we are featuring author Karen Correll.
Tell us a little about yourself and how you came to write your first book.
I finally graduated from college with my BA in May at 55 yrs old and summer of 2020 I was in a Wellness Science class and my research was on childhood anxiety and it was deeply concerning to realize the depth of anxiety amongst little children and the data was not encouraging because the pandemic was creating a global mental health crisis. While completing the class and my research I met with a friend for a walk on the beach in ME and she was anxious about what school would look like as she works in a primary school. With both feeling stressed we began using our 5 Senses to reset and in just 10 minutes it was incredible. The amount of calm that fell over me allowed me to refocus and move forward. It was then I knew I needed to make this meditation a game and story for youngsters. Giving them a skill they can take into adulthood and learn to self-soothe when challenges present themselves.
What inspired the idea for your book?
My class and doing a 5 senses meditation and feeling tremendous relief from it.
What part of the book was the most fun to write?
All of it. I have loved the process. Because it has so much info in it I had to work hard to ensure it’s to the point and clearly easy to follow.
How long did it take you to write this book?
The first draft was done in a couple weeks but the edits and rewrites took a few months.
Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself?
It has opened up a whole new world I hope to make a career from. I love writing and looking forward to getting my next book out.
Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing?
My husband, Dave. He has been a cheerleader. I am so grateful for him and his pride. He gets as excited as I do when I get emails from customers or messages on social media from folks who say they are all using the game. It was my hope to help kids but I’ve learned that parents are getting as much from it as the kids and their encouraging their kids to practice the game when they find them stressing. It brings me so much joy to hear that! So I’ve created an activity book that includes activities around the story to help kids recall the details plus I’ve created a 2- sided washable placemat and markers set for kids to practice the game while mom is making dinner. Tools to build the skills for making the game a normal way to regain control over big emotions like anxiety.
What books did you grow up reading?
Sadly I don’t recall books as part of my childhood but we had hundreds of them while raising our daughters. My favorites were Goodnight Moon, Pat the Bunny, and later we often read Dr. Suess and loved them all.
Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?
I mentor a seven year old girl who is teaching me more about the value of relationships than I ever knew before.
Anything you want to add?
This book is really designed for parents to have time with their kids even though their kids may be able to read by themselves, this story helps to build a strong connection to support the child’s skills illy encouraging playing the game together and eventually helping them to learn to play in their own.
Where can our readers find you? (Website, Social Media, etc)
Website: Www.Correllcom.com
Facebook: @correllcommunications
Instagram: @correll_communications
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