I was raised in a middle class family with a mother who’s not an avid reader, but I grew up with love for picture books because of my cousin Victoria. She gifted me few books including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
The colorful pages of the picture books helped develop my love for art. I used to sketch realistic images of animals, flowers and humans. I remembered back in my high school years when my Art teacher and classmates would compliment my illustrations. I never realized that I would tap into that hidden skill and illustrate my own picture book.
Since I published Sleepless Maple on August 11, 2022, I become more inspired to write and illustrate picture books. I am blessed to have my family and friends to support me on this journey.
The joy of learning how my readers responded to the story and illustration of Sleepless Maple, gave me the reassurance that I am on the right path of achieving one of my missions in life, and that is to share stories to the future generation about nature in a way that will make them cherish nature.
Some of the heartwarming feedback I received from my readers were:
- Her two year old child wants to read Sleepless Maple every night ever since they got the book.
- Her two year old son would give the book to her for her to read it almost everyday.
- Her child stopped in front of a tree while they were in a vacation and asked her if it’s Maple and she was looking for Pine, too.
- A mother send me a video of her little girl telling the story to their Maple Tree and that she hugged and kissed the tree.
- A grandma told me her two year old grandson would kiss Maple’s illustration and would try to wipe the tears in Maple’s eyes.
- The short video of Jomel below was sent to me by his mother, Melody. She also sent me a copy of her son’s reading log which is so rewarding.
Story time with children only take less than an hour of their parents or guardian’s time; however, it leaves a precious memory in their lifetime.
I hope you will continue to support your children’s mental and emotional growth and continue to buy children’s books.
Sleepless Maple is available on Amazon.com.
Thank you so much for your support.